LALG, lifting solution, lifting inspection, load testing, tower crane load testing, examination of LALG

A Safe Load Indicator (SLI), also referred to as an automatic safe load indicator or load moment indicator (LMI), is a critical safety device used in lifting operations to prevent crane overloading. In the context of tower cranes and mobile lifting appliances, it serves as the operator’s real-time alert system, providing accurate data on the load being lifted and how it relates to the crane’s safe operating limits. In Hong Kong, the installation and proper use of SLIs is not merely a best practice—it is a legal requirement under the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*.

In Hong Kong’s regulated construction environment, crane ownership is more than just a matter of asset possession—it is a position of legal accountability. Under the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations* (FIU LALG), crane owners bear significant responsibilities to ensure that all lifting appliances and gear under their control are properly designed, installed, inspected, tested, maintained, and operated in accordance with the law. Failure to meet these obligations can result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment. This article outlines the key legal duties imposed

Crane operations on construction sites in Hong Kong are strictly governed by the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations* (FIU LALG), with the aim of ensuring lifting safety, mechanical integrity, and operator competence. Violations of these regulations can result in serious accidents, costly project delays, and severe legal penalties. The Labour Department conducts regular inspections and has the authority to prosecute offenders for both administrative and criminal breaches. Understanding the most common offences and the penalties associated with them is essential for crane owners, site managers, operators, and all personnel involved

Lifting gear is a vital component in crane operations and material handling, connecting the lifting appliance to the load. Common examples include wire ropes, chains, shackles, hooks, slings, and eyebolts. In Hong Kong, these items fall under strict legal control through the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*, commonly referred to as FIU LALG. Compliance with the mandatory testing and inspection regime is essential to prevent failure of lifting gear—a common cause of crane-related incidents. This article outlines how to comply with the legal and technical requirements

In the context of lifting operations across Hong Kong's construction industry, the role of the *competent examiner* is central to ensuring mechanical safety, regulatory compliance, and accident prevention. Under the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*, competent examiners are the authorized professionals responsible for conducting formal inspections, testing, and certification of cranes and lifting gear. Their work forms the foundation for safe lifting practices and legal operation of lifting appliances on site. Without their expertise, the structural reliability of equipment cannot be verified, and lifting operations may pose unacceptable risks

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.

Lifting appliances such as tower cranes, mobile cranes, hoists, and derricks are essential tools in modern construction. However, their safe operation depends not only on engineering performance and trained personnel but also on proper marking and certification. In Hong Kong, these requirements are governed by the *Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations (Cap. 59J)*, commonly known as FIU LALG. Understanding and complying with the marking and certification standards is a legal obligation for equipment owners and contractors and plays a critical role in preventing lifting-related accidents and ensuring transparency

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.

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

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)