Pre-delivery checking of tower cranes is a mandatory process that ensures the equipment to be used on-site is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with legal and manufacturer requirements before it is delivered to or erected at a construction site. In accordance with the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes and the CIC Guidelines on Safety of Tower Cranes, this step is considered essential in reducing equipment-related incidents, especially in high-rise construction where the consequences of crane failure can be catastrophic. The pre-delivery checking process must be carried out by a qualified Competent Mechanical Engineer (CME) and involves both administrative verification and physical inspection of components and documentation.
The first step in the pre-delivery check is to ensure the appointment of a CME who will be responsible for the technical assessment. This professional must be registered under the Engineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409) in the Mechanical or Naval Architecture discipline and possess adequate experience in tower crane safety. The crane owner is responsible for engaging the CME and supplying the necessary documentation for verification. According to the CIC Guidelines, this documentation should include a detailed list of components, their origin, certification records, user manuals, and a full maintenance logbook of the crane’s operational history, especially if the crane is imported or second-hand.
Verification of the origin and conformity of parts is the next critical step. The crane owner must provide written confirmation that all major components—such as structural sections, motors, gearboxes, braking systems, and slew rings—are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent. As stated in Annex A of the CIC Guidelines, this verification ensures that no counterfeit or substandard parts are installed, which could compromise safety during erection or operation. The CME will cross-reference the component list with manufacturer specifications to validate their authenticity and condition.
Unique identification of parts is another essential aspect. The CME must check that each main structural component, including jib sections, tower masts, slewing rings, and hydraulic systems, is marked with a traceable identification code. This allows inspectors and engineers to track each part’s inspection status, previous usage history, and any limitations defined by the manufacturer. According to the Code of Practice, while bolts and pins may not require unique IDs if separated systems are in place (such as color coding or batch testing), any part with a limited use lifespan must be identified and certified accordingly.
The physical inspection follows, focusing on critical mechanical systems. The CME must examine the structural integrity of the crane’s mast, jib, slew platform, and all bolted connections. The inspection should assess for signs of fatigue, corrosion, deformation, or wear that could affect performance or safety. Special attention must be given to the slewing ring bolts, weld joints, and the climbing frame interface. Any evidence of cracks, misalignment, or excessive wear must be documented and corrected before the crane is cleared for delivery. Functional testing of the hoisting mechanism, slewing gear, trolley travel, and braking systems should also be performed, ideally in a controlled environment such as a crane depot or testing yard.
Inspection of the control system is equally important. The CME must verify that all limit switches, emergency stop functions, load moment indicators (LMIs), and safe load indicators (SLIs) are present and functional. These safety devices are essential in day-to-day operations and must respond correctly during simulation or manual trigger tests. Calibration of these devices must be up to date, and corresponding certificates must be available for review.
Reviewing the crane’s maintenance logbook is a vital part of the pre-delivery check. This record should include dates of past inspections, repairs, component replacements, and any structural modifications. If the crane is being imported or reused from another project, the absence of a maintenance logbook is considered a major deficiency. In such cases, the CIC Guidelines recommend that the CME conduct a more comprehensive structural and mechanical examination and obtain a fitness-for-use certificate from a previous registered engineer or owner.
Once all checks are completed, the CME must issue two key documents: the “Report on Pre-Delivery Verification of Components” and the “Report on Pre-Delivery Checking.” These reports summarize the inspection findings and confirm whether the crane is safe to be delivered and erected. Each report is valid for 12 months, after which a re-evaluation is required before re-use. These reports must be made available to the Principal Contractor and safety personnel at the site before erection begins, as stipulated in Section 26 of the CIC Guidelines.
To support compliance, the site management team must ensure these documents are included in the site safety file and referenced during the erection risk assessment and method statement preparation. In addition, the CME’s endorsement should be recorded in the contractor’s safety management system, ensuring traceability and legal accountability. Non-compliance or failure to perform proper pre-delivery checks may result in the crane being rejected on-site or reported to the Labour Department for investigation under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.
In summary, the pre-delivery check of tower cranes is a structured and essential process designed to prevent mechanical failures, ensure safety, and comply with legal requirements. By engaging a qualified CME, verifying part authenticity, inspecting all critical systems, and maintaining transparent records, contractors and crane owners can ensure that each tower crane deployed on site begins its service lifecycle in optimal condition. Following the protocols outlined in the Code of Practice and CIC Guidelines is not just a regulatory obligation—it is a proactive measure that supports safe, efficient, and responsible crane operations from day one.
English