SINGAPORE STANDARD CP 62 : 1995 (ICS 53.020.20) CODE OF PRACTICE FOR Safe Use Of Tower Cranes Copyright Reserved Qu Be Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research 1 Science Park Drive Singapore 0511 ISBN 9971-67-506-4Foreword =~ - - Section I. General 2 3. Section Il. Operational Conditions 4, 5. 6 7 8 Section 3. Scopp- Description of crane types Definitions - - CONTENTS CODE OF PRACTICE Siting and general safety considerations - ‘Stabiity - oe Proximity hazards Erection and dismantling Operation and control - |. Maintenance and Inspection Maintenance, inspection and repair - Standard hand signals. - Types of mount - Types oftower- - Types ofjib = APPENDIX FIGURES CP 62: 1995 Page 10 13 14 15 16 7CP 62: 1995 ’ ‘SINGAPORE STANDARD CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ‘THE SAFE USE OF TOWER CRANE FOREWORD “This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee for the Safe Use of Tower Cranes under the direction of the Industrial Safety Standards Committee, Preparation of this Code was prompted by the fact that tower cranes are widely used in Singapore especialy in the building construction, shipbuiing and shiprepaiing Industries, They aro very Important but also dangerous equipment if not properly handled. Any accident arising frore the ‘wrong usage of @ tower crane may result In serious or fatal injuries. ‘This Code gives general guidance to the users on the safety aspect of practice regarding sting, Sadly, Proximity hazards, erection, dismanting, operation, control, maintenance, inspection and repay of tower cranes, it fs our alm that users refer to this Code as a guide for good practice so as to avoid unnecessary risks and costly acckients to life and properties. {n the preparation of this Code, reference was made to the following standards - AS 1418.4: 1988 SAA Crane code, Part 4 : Tower cranes AS 2550 : 1982 Cranes - Mobile, tower and derrick cranes - Selection and operation BS CP 3010: 1972 Safe use of cranes (mobile, tower and derrick cranes) 180 4306-3: 1991 Cranes - Vocabulary, Part 3 : Tower cranes NF E52-082 : 1982 Tower cranes : General safety requirements Drawings are reproduced by permission of : BSI, 2 Park Street, London, WIA 28S, England SAA, 1 The Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140, Australia ‘Acknowledgement is made for the use of information trom the above references. NOTE 2, Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.. CP 62: 1995 ‘SECTION | GENERAL 1. SCOPE 1 out itis Code serves as a guide for the safe use of tower cranes. For this purpose, the Code wil Payee guidelines on, among others, the sting and installation, operation, testing and maintenance of tower cranes, 2. DESCRIPTION OF CRANE TYPES 2.1 Tower cranes are power driven cranes which have a vertical tower designed to be free-standing Lup to a specified height. 2 inant, Cranes are avaiable in various types and configuration according to the particular Fomblnation of tower, jib and the mount on which tt rests. These are described in Figures 1,2 and 3, Individual crane may comprise almost any combination of the features mentioned: 3. DEFINITIONS 3.1 Approved Person. A person approved by the Chief inspector of Factories to. carry out testing, Inspection and examination of titing appliances, liting gears and iting machines to satisfy the requirements of the Factories Act. 32 Centre Of Rotation. The vertical axis about which the crane slews or rotates, 28 gee mbing Crane. A tower crane which is supported by the building or structure within which stands and which can be raised as the number of storeys increases. 3 aoe omPetent Authority. The authority having jurisdiction over the subject in the Republic of ‘Singapore. Seanceommetent Engineer. A professional engineer of the relevant discipline registered in Singapore. era CNMerlib. A secondary jib which carries the counter-weight or a counter-balancing device (Gee Figure 3). 3.7 Counterweight. Weights added to the crane in such a postion to provide a counterbalancing effect. ald by icce-standing Helght. The maximum height at which a tower crane can operate without being held by ties. 3.9 Hoisting. The movement of the load in the vertical direction, a0 interference. A condition in which the fb can come into contact with another structure, crane, © the hoisting ropes of another crane, or any other obstacles, ‘3.11 Interference Zone. The area in which interference can occur. 3.12 Jib. The main structure from which the load is suspended (see Figure 3). 5CP 62: 1995 7 3.13 gLimit Switch. A dovice that stops a particular crane motion at its predetermined extremities or limits of operation. 3.14 Load Capacity Chart. The chart that shows the crane's lift ‘capability for different load radi ATS 4 Lond Moment Limit Switch. Alimit switch that prevents the crane from being loaded beyond 'ts safe working load at a particular radius. 3:16 Load Radius. Tho distance between centre of the load to the centre of the rotation, 3:17 Public Area, Areas in which the public has unhindered access. 3.18 Radius Indicator. A device that shows the load radius. 3.19 Safe Working Load. The maximum load which can be safely handled by a crane under ‘conditions as specified by the manufacturer or the competent authority. 3.20 Service Conditions (@) In-service With the crane handling loads up to the safe working load in permissible conditions. (bo) Out-of-service With the crane not required for use or out of use due to unpermitting conditions. 3.21 Slew. The rotary motion of a crane jib about the centre of rotation, 3:22 Slinger. A man whose duty is to secure load for the purpose of liting, 3.23 Static Crane. A tower crane that is free standing or anchored to a building. 324 Tower. That part of the tower crane which provides elevation and support forthe jb mounting. 3.25 Travelling. Movement of the crane along the ground or track. 3.26 Trolleying. |The movement of the trolley along the jib to vary the distance between the hook to the centre of rotation, SECTION It OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS 4. SITING AND GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Place where Its erected. A point to note here is that cranes that are perched on high rise buldings Will be subjected to stronger winds, and consequently, higher wind oad. Wind load exert considerable forces on the crane and hence, adequate allowance should be made for this when deciding the type of rane to use, and when designing its supports.i CP 62: 1995 4.1;4 _{daition of billboards on the crane’s jib or counter jib wil necessary add to the surface area of the crane and hence, increasing the wind load. Where this may reach dangerous proportions, attachment of billboards should be best avoided according to the manufacturer's tecommendations, wet peltarance must frst be obtained from the competent authottes to ensure that the crane does ‘not interfere with zones designated as aircraft fight path before the crane Is erected. ‘caused by the weather. G21 here the crane is to be supported by other structures (such as the building at which is being used) then @ thorough check should be made to ensure that the structure and all the emooe ‘anchorages are sufficiently strong to bear the load imposed. Ground Hazards. Cranes should not be sited on grounds which can pose a hazard to its on As far as practicable, cranes should not be placed near excavations, embankments, buried Pes, etc. ‘It is also possible that these hazardous conditions could arise after the crane hed beon 4 ng iadients. Cranes should be sited on level ground or surface. Where the crane fs mounted ‘on rails, then the entire length of the rail shall be laid on level surface. Hesse tning. Tower cranes are most likely to be the highest structure atthe worksite, As such, {ts essential that itis adequately grounded or otherwise protected agains lightning Inaccordance with ‘manufacturer's recommendation or CP 16. Ae ne Maming Lights/Fiags. The crane should be fited with aircraft waming lights. Cranes may also be further required to be installed with chequered white and red flags or painted red and white 5. STABILITY ot tant? crane should be installed such that itis stable, while in-service and outof-senice. The Daanufaeturer oF the crane supplier shouid provide data on the maximum forces acting at the erare's S11 With these data, the crane's support (Including foundation, stays, tracks, ete) should then be Gesigned, taking these forces into consideration. Where avaiable, the structure should be designed, ana Spasttucted according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The design for the supporting structure should be made and endorsed by a competent engineer. 6.1.2 |The crane's supporting structure should be of sufficient strength to withstand the maximum loads imposed by the crane. ‘Superstructure or supports.CP 62: 1995 6. PROXIMITY HAZARDS So gs Teneral. Consideration should be given to the presence of proximity hazards such as public access areas including buildings, roadways, railways, rivers, public walkways. When the crane Is in ‘operation, the load should, under no circumstances, be allowed to oversail outside the site boundaries 62 Public Areas 6.2.1 | Slewing limit switches could be used to restrict the jib movements to be within the site's boundary. 6.2.2 Where site constraints are such that the jb has to oversall public areas, precautions should be taken to prevent the load from oversalling these areas. £23 " Trolleying lim switches may be installed to prevent the trolley from being moved beyond the site boundary. Otherwise, adequate precautions such as alarms etc. could be used to forewarn the ‘operator that the jib is oversailing public area so that he could exercise more caution, 63 Proximity To Structures 8.3.1 Where it is possible for the crane’s jib or counterib to interfere with a nearby structure, care Should be taken to prevent colision. For such a case, the crane should be fitted with slewing limit ‘switches to stop the jib or counter jb well in advance before it collides with the structure. 6.3.2 _ Inthe case where the crane's jib Is higher than the structure, trolleying limit switch may instead be installed to prevent the crane’s hoisting rope from fouling with the structure. 6.4 — Proximity To Other Tower Cranes 6.4.1 Where two or more tower cranes are located such that the working areas overlap, extra Precaution is necessary to prevent the cranes from interfering with one another. 6.4.2 Firstly, the cranes should be so separated such that the lowest elements of the jib of the higher Crane (Le. the hook in top position or the counter weight) is at least 2m above the highest component Of the lower crane (such as the cat-hoad) that is inthe interference zone. To prevent the hoisting rope of the higher crane from fouling with the jib or counter-ib of a lower crane, slewing limit switches should wherever possible, be installed on the higher crane to prevent its jb from entering the interference zono. ‘When it is not possibie to install slewing limit switches, alarms should be fitted to warn the operators whenever the jIb is in the interference zone. 6.4.3 Possible interference of jb or counter-jib with the mast of another crane is prohibited and should be prevented by using slewing limit switches. 7, ERECTION AND DISMANTLING TA General 7-1-1 Atower crane should be erected or dismantled In accordance to the manufacturer's instructions. ‘Sequence of the process and the methods being used should be strictly adhered to. Connecting devices, such as pins, bolts, etc shall be of the size and type approved by the manufacturer. These are to be checked before boing put to use. 7.1.2 Before the crane is erected or dismantled, the area affected by the process has first to be Cleared of personnel not involved with the erection work. There should be made available sulficient space for the job to be done safely.: CP 62: 1995. 7-43 Where special machines, gears or devices are used for the work, these have to be maintained and should be in proper working condition. Before they are used, they must be inspected fer damage or wear. cata ate, bats and components of a tower crane should be inspected by a competent engineer before it is erected. Only correct parts and components are to be used for the crane. Z.1.5 The crane’s load capacity chart in relation to its operating radius isto be fitted in the operator's cabin at such a place that Is visible to the operator while he is operating the crana. 78 coq teks On Completion Of Erection. After the crane has been erected, i should first be Checked and tested by the erector. The following should be given particuiar attention: (@) All bolts and locking devices are correctly positioned and secured; (©) All wire ropes are thoroughly checked for defects, ete; (©) Indicators, alarms and other safety devices are correctly fitted; and (@) Ladders, platforms, walkways, handrails and other accesses and its attachments are in Position and secured. 7.3.1 | The crane should then be inspected visually to ensure that the assembly Is in order and to ensure the integrity of the crane. The crane should then be tested under no-load conditions, with Suitable working load and under maximum load conditions, 7A ganspection By Approved Person. Before the crane is put into service, it must frst be inspected and tested by an approved person. The approved person should inspect the crane te accordance with the relevant standards and guidelines issued by the Competent Authority. 7.8 Extending And Decreasing The Height Of Crank 7.5.1 | Extonding and decreasing the height of crane should only be done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In extending the cranes height, only the correct mast section should be used. The crane’s height should not bo extended beyond the maximum free-standing height Specified by the manufacturer for that particular crane type. Fa anh Static cranes, anchorages should be used once the crane's height exceeds the specified free-standing height. Anchorages shall be constructed and installed according to the manuiacturers recommendations. 7.8.3 For climbing cranes all supports should be constructed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 7.6 Dismantling. The relevant precautions mentioned in Subolause 7.1 are to be observed. 7.6.1 In hoisting down the crane sections, tagvlines should be used to steady the load if necessary. Bolts, pins and other connecting devices should not be loosened or removed before the section % ‘secured to the hook or the hoisting attachment of the holsting equipment.CP 62: 1995 err ure 1itight Extension. On cranes that are capable of height extension, care should be taken to ensure that there is always @ minimum number of 3 tums on the holst drum or as specified by the ‘manufacturer when the hook is at the lowest position, 7.8 Limit Switches, Indicators And Other Satety Devices. 7.1, Mnenever limit switches and alarms are used, these have to be propery installed. When these Gevices aro activated by the crane's or jfb's position, then the devices should be so adjusted os to Perform this accordingly. Tests should be conducted to verity this . 7.82 The use of radius indicator is mandatory for all cranes. The indicator should be set to correctly indicate the horizontal distance between the centre of the hook to the centre of rotation, 7.8.3 jl cranes are to be fitted witha load moment limit switch or similar device to prevent the crane from being overloaded. 7.8.4 | Fora crane that is traveling on rals, a travel limit switch should be installed near the ends of the tracks so as to stop the crane’ travel once It is approaching a distance of halt its base length from the ends of the track. In addition to this, sutable buffers are to be provided at the ends of tho tracie ‘Audible alarms should be installed such that these will be activated when the orane Is travelling, 7.9 __ Guarding Of Moving Parts. Where moving parts of the crane are exposed and are such that they can cause danger to anyone, these parts are to be effectively guarded. Bos one Extinguisher. The operator's cabin should be equipped with a fire extinguisher conforming 10 S$ 232. This should be periodically inspected and recharged to ensure its operational readiness 15 ‘accordance with existing fire prevention regulations. 8. OPERATION AND CONTROL, Ot maaneral. Tower cranes should not be used for purposes which are expressly prohibited by the crane manufacturer. In addition, the crane should not be used for the following purposes : (@) Dragging and pulling of load; (&) Carrying any inclined load; (©) Ping work; and (@) Carrying swing bail for demolition services. 8.1.1) Atower crane should also not be used for tandem lifting with any other crane. The crane should hot be used for transportation or support of persons. 10i CP 62: 1995 82 Crane Operation $2.4 sine operator should conduct pre-operational checks on the crane at the start of the work shift, ‘These should include : (@) Observe the verticality of the cran (©) Check all limit switches; (©) Check all brakes; ©) Check all warning devices; (©) Ensure that the electrical cables in the mast are free from twisting # the crane is of a type without corrective rings; () _Inaddition, for travelling tower cranes, he should ensure (@ that the rail clamps aro released; (i) that the track is free from obstructions; (9) Observe any other visual or audio abnormalities. Pacing ey Cbetator should then run the crane through ail ts controls including all brake system, hoisting, trolleying, stewing and traveling without load to ensure that these ara in proper working condition and that the limit switches are operational 6.2.4 | When trolleying out the load, the operator should take into consideration the load radlus from the centre of rotation to ensure that the load does not exceed the safe working load for that radice %2.8 The load should not be manoeuvred over areas outside the confines of the worksite. B26 iin the operator has no visual contact withthe load, he should be guided by a signaller. The Signaler has to ensure that the oad Is manoeuvred only within the site boundary. Only low speed movement fs allowed in such a case. Voice communication devices should be used to enhance ‘communication between crane operator and signaller. 8.2.7 The load should not be jerked or caused to be jerked while It Is being manoeuvred. Sudden ‘movements and stoppages are also to be avolded. B28 ie Crane should not be operated under wind conditions that wil affect the safe operations of the crane. It should also not be operated In inclement woather or when there is Insufficient ight for safe ‘operation. 8.2.9 Loads that are of considerable surface areas so as to be affected by wind shall be controlled Using taglines. "CP 62: 1995 ae racer tveling cranes, plcand-carry operation shouid only be done Hf this is allowed for by the ‘manufacturer, in which case, the relevant load chart for such operation should apply. 82412 The correct number of parttines should be used forthe load that the crane is carrying. 83 Crane Operator, Slinger And Signaler 8.3.1. Crane operator ‘The person who operates the crane should be : (@) over 18 years of age; (b) medically and mentally fit for the job; (©) with good eyesight, with or without the use of spectacles; (2) trained and competent in tower crane operation; {e) trained to judge distances, heights and clearance; ( trained in the operation of the types of crane he is to operate; (9) expressly authorised by the owner, hiter or end user of the crane to operate It: and (h) conversant with the duties of the slinger and signaller and familiar with standard Operational signals. The standard hand signals are illustrated in Appendix A. 8.3.2 Slinger or signaller. The slinger or signaller should be : (2) over 18 years of age; (©) medically and mentally ft (©) _famniiar with general slinging methods, estimating weights and centro of gravity of the (@) able to select proper liting gears suitable for common types of operation and within the safe working load of the gears; (©) familiar with standard crane operational signals (see Appendix A) and able to use them ‘and other means to give clear and precise signals to the operator; (9) able to control the movements of the load through his signals so as to ensure that the load is manoeuvred safely; and (@ adequately trained 84 Crane Owner's Or User's Responsibility. The crane owner, hirer or end user should ensure that the operator and slingers are competent to carry out thelr responsibilty. They should also be ‘responsible to ensure that the crano is examined, tested and maintained regularly. They should also ensure that these are done in accordance with the requirements of the Competent Authority. 12. CP 62: 1995, &5 Leaving The Crane Unattended B.8.1_ Whenever the crane is to be left unattended even for a short duration of time, all ‘suspended loads should be removed. The control has to be set to neutral and the power suiiched cf The ‘appropriate motion brakes and locking devices should be applied, with the hook raised to tts highest osttion and moved to its minimum radius. The cabin door should be locked to prevent unauthecised entry. 85.3 For cranes on rails, the travelling mechanism shall be locked whenever the crane is unattended SECTION It MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION 9 MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION AND REPAIR Oo egoeneral. The manufacturer's instructions on the crane's maintenance schedule are to be followed. A record in the form of a tog-book should be maintained for each individual crane. ‘The book should give information, such as dimensions and construction details of the crane parts. It should also focord the hours worked, adjustments, renewal of parts, thorough examinations and repairs. This log. book shall be kept readily available and shall follow the crane whenever it is moved from site to site, 9.2 — Routine inspection 9.2.1, Routine inspections of each crane should be made periodically. Special attention should be given to: (@) parts of the crane that are subjected to deterioration through wear; (b) structural elements of the crane; and (©) means of access. 9.2.2 Inspection should be made by a competent person authorised by the owner, hirer or end-user of the crane, 8.2.3 In addition to this, cranes are required by Section 31(2) of the Factories Act to be thoroughly examined by an approved person at least once in every 12 months. A report of the examination in the Prescribed form should be prepared and signed by the person making the examination, 8.3 Maintenance And Repair. Any part of a crane, or its ancllary or auxiliary equipment which has become so wom or damaged as to or may constitute a hazard should be repaired or replaced without undue delay. The repair or replacement should comply with the manufacturer's recommendations or specifications. 13CP 62: 1995 APPENDIX A. STANDARD HAND SIGNALS ‘SIGNAL WITH GNE-HAND ‘OTHER HAND ON HEAD oe as VI JIB UP JIB DOWN | IrravetTome | FRAGT Ae | DERRICKING JiB SIGNAL wink BORON fr» {2 AB) |(O. SU | MM SLEW LEFT SLEW RIGHT “SIGNAL WITH ONE ‘OTHER HAND ON RA] aS Khe es Vol Welleeett| HAND HEAD EXTEND JIB RETRACTUIB wwecencn | I | hh TROLLEY. OOF rTNOLLEY IN | |Fne'tono EMERGENCY LOAD HORIZONTAL JIB THE COA? STOP STOP THe SONALLER (GANKSMAN) MUST BE IN A SAFE POSITION FROM WHERE HE CAN BE SEEN CLEARLY BY THE ARNE OPERATOR AND FROM WHICH HE CAN SEE THE CRANE LOAD THROUGHOUT THE LIFTING OPERATION, |F THIS IS PRACTICAL. THE SIGNALLER SHOULD FACE THE OPERATOR. SROITIONAL COMPETENT SIGNALLERS MUST BE POSTED IF OBSTRUCTIONS PREVENT THE LOAD FROM BEING SEEN CONTINUOUSLY BY A SINGLE SIGNALLER DUPING PART OF THE LIFTING OPERATION. “4CP 62: 1995 Conerete foundation A Counterweight rat KM Es a Sleepers Bogies So ‘S2] i) FIXED MOUNT i) RAIL MOUNT Counieweight Stewing ring, lewing cin Tes eae Counterweight sai Outriggers Z 7 i) CRAWLER MOUNT Outriggers fi) TRUCK MOUNT i vy) WHEEL MOUNT Figure 1. Types of mount 15CP 62: 1995 a 9) CUMBING TOWER ‘Slewing axis ZIZZO ii) SLEWING TOWER iv) MONO TOWER Zz Iz Figure 2. Types of towerCP 62: 1995 ii) SADDLE JIB (HAMMERHEAD) ii) ARTICULATED JIB. Figure 3. Types of jibCP 62: 1995 Standards Referred To : Factories Act Section 31(2) ‘SS 232: 1994 Specification for portable fire extinguishers CP 16: 1991 Code of practice for earthing 18