Mobiles cranes: overload testing rethink

The construction industry must wean itself off a dependence on four-yearly testing of mobile cranes, according to consultant Tim Watson.

While four-yearly testing at 125% SWL dates back to 1961 and the regulations were replaced by LOLER [the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations] in 1998, much of the industry still relies on these certificates to prove that a crane is safe.

"Manufacturers don't recommend overloading modern cranes except under very specific circumstances and some insurers actually ban the practice," said Watson. In place of testing, LOLER requires a thorough examination of the crane every 12 months (or six months if lifting people).

Watson is working with the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) on a new best-practice guide on the maintenance and thorough examination of mobile cranes. It will feed into a revision of BS7121 Part 2 and could include measures such as data logging, oil analysis, annual brake strip downs and six-monthly tyre audits.

As with tower cranes, in-house inspection would be allowed, as long as a satisfactory degree of independence is assured.

Watson is looking for input from crane manufacturers, insurance companies and organisations such as the Construction Confederation and the CPA to agree the code of practice before the standard is revised.

The Health and Safety Executive wants crane hire companies to be more vigorous in satisfying themselves that contractors hiring cranes have suitably qualified Appointed Persons to plan, and Competent Persons to supervise, any lift. Contractors unable to provide the necessary details will be required to opt for the more expensive Contract Lift.