In tower crane operations, especially during the high-risk phases of erection, dismantling, and height alteration, the “competent person” plays a legally defined and operationally critical role. According to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J), a competent person must be appointed to ensure that these operations are carried out safely and in full compliance with Hong Kong’s construction safety laws. The Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes (2011) and the CIC Guidelines on Safety of Tower Cranes (2010) further elaborate on the qualifications, responsibilities, and duties expected of a competent person during erection-related works.
The definition of a competent person, as laid out in Regulation 3(1) of the FIU LALG, includes two key criteria: firstly, the individual must be appointed by the crane owner to ensure that the duties under the regulations are performed correctly; secondly, the person must possess the necessary training and practical experience to carry out those duties. In practice, this means the person must have a solid understanding of crane mechanics, structural principles, lifting gear compatibility, and site-specific conditions. They must also be capable of interpreting technical documents, erection manuals, and risk assessments.
The competent person is central to the safe execution of the erection procedure. According to Section 10.4 of the Code of Practice, every tower crane erection must be carried out under the direct supervision of a competent person. This individual is responsible for verifying the proper assembly sequence, checking component integrity, confirming load-bearing capacity of the supporting surface, and ensuring that erection is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and relevant engineering certifications. The competent person works in coordination with the supervising engineer and the crane crew to ensure that each stage—from foundation preparation to tower extension and jib assembly—is executed in a controlled and secure manner.
During the erection phase, one of the critical tasks of the competent person is to inspect and verify all main structural parts and load-bearing components before installation. The CIC Guidelines (2010) outline that this includes reviewing the pre-delivery verification reports prepared by a competent mechanical engineer (CME), checking the unique identification of components, and ensuring that parts conform to the manufacturer’s standards. If a used crane is being reassembled, the competent person must confirm the validity of its maintenance log and any pre-use load testing documentation.
Another major responsibility lies in safety coordination. The competent person ensures that appropriate fall protection systems, exclusion zones, and communication protocols are in place before work begins. They must also conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings with the working crew to explain the lifting plan, critical hold points, and emergency procedures. In line with the CIC Guidelines, the competent person is expected to participate in the pre-operation debriefing session led by the supervising engineer, and to provide on-the-spot guidance during high-risk actions like climbing or tie-in installations.
The importance of the competent person becomes even more pronounced during height alterations, a process known as “climbing.” Here, sections of the mast are added or removed while the crane remains erected. This delicate operation demands precise sequencing, accurate alignment, and full control over hydraulic climbing frames. The Code of Practice (Section 10.16) requires that such operations be conducted under the supervision of a competent person, who must confirm that the crane’s temporary support system is stable, that all bolts and wedges are properly secured, and that the operation is performed without exceeding structural limits or inducing imbalance.
In dismantling operations, similar vigilance is required. The competent person must ensure that counterweights are removed in the correct order, that dismantling does not occur under adverse weather conditions, and that all personnel involved are trained and competent. Section 10.18 of the Code highlights the need for a methodical process guided by a lifting plan reviewed and approved by the competent person and supervising engineer.
Legally, the competent person bears significant responsibility. If a crane is erected or altered improperly, and an incident occurs, the competent person may be held accountable under the FIU LALG. Section 2.6.4 of the guide outlines penalties for competent persons who fail to deliver proper certification or who knowingly issue false certificates. Penalties include fines of up to HK$200,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. These legal provisions underscore the importance of selecting truly qualified individuals for this role—not just nominally, but in terms of real skills, judgment, and accountability.
To be recognized as competent, individuals must have verifiable training in mechanical engineering or structural principles, and at least several years of field experience specific to crane erection or heavy lifting systems. Certification from the CIC or other professional bodies enhances credibility. On many sites, only those listed under the CIC’s Voluntary Subcontractor Registration Scheme (VSRS) or possessing manufacturer-endorsed training are considered eligible.
In summary, the role of a competent person in tower crane erection is a multifaceted one—technical, supervisory, legal, and operational. Their decisions directly impact the safety and success of some of the most dangerous tasks in construction. As such, construction firms must treat the appointment of competent persons not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a strategic safety investment. By ensuring that these individuals are well-trained, properly empowered, and fully supported, companies can significantly reduce crane-related risks and comply with the rigorous legal standards set out by Hong Kong’s construction safety framework.
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