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Selecting the appropriate tower crane for a construction project is a critical decision that affects not only lifting efficiency and site logistics, but also site safety, compliance, and project costs. As outlined in Section 6 of the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes, the type, configuration, and operational characteristics of the crane must be carefully matched to the project’s technical requirements and environmental constraints. Poor crane selection can lead to operational inefficiencies, lifting hazards, or in worst cases, accidents resulting from instability or overloading. This blog outlines the key factors to consider when choosing

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)

Tower crane height alteration, commonly referred to as “climbing,” is a complex and critical process that enables a crane to rise in tandem with the progress of a high-rise structure. This operation involves the insertion or removal of mast sections, allowing the crane to gain additional height or adjust for structural limitations. According to the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes, climbing must be carried out under strict procedural control and technical supervision due to the inherent risks associated with shifting the crane’s center of gravity and structural stability. This blog outlines a clear step-by-step guide

Tower crane operators perform one of the most technically demanding and safety-sensitive roles on any construction site. They are not simply machine handlers—they are central figures in the entire lifting operation. According to the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes (2011), the crane operator must control the crane in strict accordance with safety procedures, lifting plans, and regulatory requirements. The operator’s responsibilities begin before the first lift and continue until the crane is safely parked after operations conclude. The tower crane operator is required to hold a valid certificate recognized under Regulation 15A(1)

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

When operating tower cranes on construction sites, one of the most critical safety concepts that all site managers, crane operators, and lifting supervisors must understand is the Safe Working Load (SWL). According to the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes issued by the Labour Department of Hong Kong, the SWL represents the maximum load that a crane is legally and mechanically permitted to lift under specific conditions. Exceeding this value risks structural failure, tipping, or collapse, which can cause serious injury or death, as well as significant financial and legal consequences.

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.

Carrying people using cranes is one of the most sensitive and strictly regulated activities in lifting operations. While cranes are primarily designed to move materials and equipment, certain situations—such as rescue operations, temporary access to high locations, or structural inspections—may tempt contractors to consider lifting personnel using a crane. However, in Hong Kong, this practice is generally prohibited unless strict conditions are met. Under the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (FIU LALG)* and related codes of practice, the use of lifting appliances for transporting persons is allowed only under very specific, controlled, and justified circumstances.

While tower cranes dominate the skyline of most construction projects in Hong Kong, derricks and mobile cranes also play a vital role in site lifting operations—especially where flexibility, mobility, or special lifting angles are required. Their compact size, versatility, and speed of deployment make them particularly useful in foundation works, temporary lifting setups, and short-duration projects. However, as with any lifting appliance, derricks and mobile cranes come with their own set of operational challenges and safety risks. The safe use of these machines is governed by the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*

Multiple crane lifting—also known as tandem lifting or dual crane lifting—is a high-risk lifting operation that involves using two or more cranes simultaneously to lift a single load. This method is typically employed when lifting an oversized, long, or heavy load that exceeds the capacity or stability limits of a single crane. While necessary in specific engineering scenarios, multiple crane lifting introduces complex challenges related to load distribution, synchronization, structural coordination, and safety. In Hong Kong, such operations are subject to stringent control measures under the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*