On the safety issues related to tower crane construction
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When tower cranes are used for lifting operations, there is usually no safety zone, or at least not one that covers the entire area; moreover, the loads being lifted pass right over the heads of the construction workers. According to safety regulations for lifting operations, this is not allowed. Yet it still happens in practice, as it’s difficult to manage such a large area. Do you have any good suggestions for ensuring safe management of tower crane operations?
We strictly follow the safety procedures for lifting operations; for all lifting tasks carried out by our company, it is required that warning tapes be used.
We also strictly enforce the safety procedures for lifting operations; we designate areas for such operations, enclose them with warning tapes, and assign dedicated personnel to supervise them.
1. Operators must work with a valid license, be familiar with the maintenance and safe operation procedures of the machinery, and unauthorized personnel are not allowed to climb onto the tower crane. 2. The normal operating temperature for tower cranes is -20~+40°C, with wind speeds below level 5. 3. Every time a tower crane is moved to a new location for installation and use, it must undergo no-load tests, static-load tests, and dynamic-load tests. The lifting load for the static load test is 125% of the rated load, while that for the dynamic load test is 110% of the rated load. 4. When working at night, in addition to the lighting provided by the tower crane itself, the construction site must be equipped with sufficient lighting facilities. 5. Safety protocols must be implemented for the operation of tower cranes, and operators must follow the crane operation procedures strictly. When dealing with electrical faults, at least two maintenance personnel must be present. 6. The driver must maintain high levels of concentration to prevent collisions between tower cranes, and pay attention to the buildings surrounding them. 7. Tower cranes should be regularly inspected, maintained, and serviced. The transmission components must have sufficient lubrication. Vulnerable parts should be checked, repaired, or replaced frequently. Connection bolts, especially those that are subject to frequent vibration, should be checked for looseness; if they are loose, they must be tightened promptly. 8. Check and adjust the gap between the brake shoes and the brake wheels to ensure reliable and sensitive braking; the gap should be between 0.5 and 1 mm, and there should be no oils or other contaminants on the friction surfaces. 9. The maintenance of steel ropes shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of GB5144-94; if any violations of these regulations are detected, the ropes must be replaced immediately. 10. Check whether there is any damage, deformation, loosening, rusting, or cracks in the various structures of the tower crane, its welds, and related components; any issues found should be repaired promptly. 11. All electrical circuits should be repaired and maintained in a timely manner.
The local construction authority (the department in charge of construction management) has specific safety requirements for the use of tower cranes, which can be used as a reference.
Ensure proper communication; this way, even if something goes wrong, your responsibility will be much reduced. At worst, it can be attributed to inadequate surveillance. When conditions permit, establish a lifting area and limit the range of rotation; especially in areas with many tall structures surrounding them, it is essential to develop a plan, detailed operating procedures, and assign clear safety responsibilities
It’s better to enforce it strictly. It’s not a matter of whether it’s a good approach or not; the regulations clearly state this – it’s a question of enforcement. Sometimes, strong push is needed to ensure safety, and of course, there is an art to applying that strength
Practically speaking, there must be supervisors and monitors on the ground beside the tower crane, and they must not leave their posts. Second, mandatory training should be provided to all employees, stating that they must take a detour whenever they need to pass by the tower crane. These are the actual operational requirements. Then, a safety responsibility agreement is signed with the unit in charge of the tower crane, requiring them to ensure that the necessary personnel are on site for supervision and command. This way, your responsibility is much smaller.