Planning a safe tower crane lifting operation is not just best practice—it’s a legal and moral obligation to protect workers and the public from serious accidents. In Hong Kong, the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J) provide a structured framework for ensuring tower crane safety at every stage of lifting. This article outlines a comprehensive, step-by-step approach for planning a safe lifting operation involving tower cranes, drawing from official guidelines and industry best practices.
Tower cranes are complex machines with high lifting capacities and wide working ranges, but also inherent risks. Collapses, tipping, or load drop incidents can lead to fatalities and property damage. According to the CIC Guidelines (2010), the collapse of a tower crane can threaten the lives of site personnel and nearby residents. Proper planning helps reduce these risks, ensures legal compliance, and fosters a safety culture.
The first step is to appoint a competent person to plan and supervise the lifting operation. As stated in the Code of Practice (Section 4.1), this individual must be adequately trained and experienced to identify risks, select appropriate lifting equipment, and implement safe systems of work.
Roles include:
· Conducting a thorough risk assessment
· Developing a detailed method statement
· Coordinating with crane operators, signallers, and slingers
· Ensuring legal and procedural compliance
Generic risk assessments are not enough. The Code of Practice (Section 4.3) emphasizes the need for site-specific risk assessments to account for unique site hazards such as overhead power lines, poor ground conditions, nearby structures, or multiple crane operations.
Key factors to assess:
· Load characteristics (weight, center of gravity, shape)
· Ground bearing capacity
· Environmental conditions (wind, rain, visibility)
· Nearby obstacles and exclusion zones
· Communication needs between team members
The CIC Guidelines recommend including fall protection measures, rest breaks, and exclusion zones in response to these risks.
The crane should match the lifting requirements of the job. Referencing the Code of Practice (Section 6), key criteria for crane selection include:
· Maximum load and reach
· Height of lift
· Frequency and duration of lifts
· Type of jib (e.g., luffing or flat-top)
· Free-standing height vs tied height
· Site access and erection space
For example, a luffing jib crane may be ideal in confined urban sites, while a flat-top tower crane offers quicker erection with fewer components.
Each lift must have a detailed lifting plan, including:
· Load weight and attachment method
· Sling angles and rigging configuration
· Lift path and travel direction
· Emergency stop zones
The FIU LALG Regulations (Section 2.3.11) mandate that the load be securely rigged and balanced, and all lifting gear (e.g., slings, shackles) be properly tested and certified.
Also consider weather limitations. According to Code of Practice Section 12.6, lifting should be stopped under adverse weather such as winds exceeding safe thresholds (typically above 65 km/h for tower cranes).
Effective communication and supervision are critical. Assign a supervising engineer and ensure a clear chain of command between the crane operator, signaller, and slinger.
Best practices:
· Use standard hand signals (see Code of Practice, Table 1)
· Equip teams with two-way radios or headsets
· Clearly mark and enforce exclusion zones
The CIC Guidelines emphasize conducting a pre-lift briefing to review procedures, hazards, and hold points. This session must involve the supervising engineer, competent person, crane operator, and crew.
Before lifting, confirm that all equipment has undergone:
· Thorough examination by a competent examiner (within the past 12 months)
· Visual inspections (daily or before each use)
· Valid certification displayed onsite
As per FIU LALG Regulation 6A, inspection and test reports must be kept and made available on site. Also, verify the crane’s safe working load (SWL) is clearly marked.
Execute the lift according to the approved method statement. The appointed competent person should oversee each stage of the operation and stop work if any unsafe condition arises.
During lifting:
· Monitor for wind gusts or changing weather
· Ensure no unauthorized personnel enter the lifting zone
· Verify sling angles and load stability before lifting
If there is a need to stop the operation mid-lift (e.g., equipment failure, weather), the Code of Practice (Section 11.3) requires use of a formal permit-to-work system.
After completing the lifting operation:
· Conduct a post-lift review with the crew
· Update the maintenance logbook
· Report any defects or near-misses
According to Code of Practice Section 13, tower cranes must undergo routine monthly maintenance, documented by trained personnel. Preventive maintenance reduces long-term risk and enhances operational lifespan.
Planning a safe tower crane lifting operation involves far more than picking the right crane and lifting gear. It requires risk-based decision-making, team coordination, and strict adherence to legal requirements and best practices.
By following the structured guidance from Hong Kong’s Labour Department, CIC, and the FIU LALG regulations, contractors can ensure both legal compliance and operational safety.
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