Mobile Crane
Mobile Crane
Mobile Crane
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This Code of Practice is issued free of charge and can be obtained from offices of the
Occupational Safety and Health Branch or downloaded from website of the Labour
Department at http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8b.htm. Addresses
and telephone numbers of the offices can be found by telephone 25592297.
This Code of Practice may be freely reproduced except for advertising, endorsement
or commercial purpose. Please acknowledge the source as “Code of Practice for
Safe Use of Mobile Cranes”, published by the Labour Department.
CONTENTS
Foreword ................................................................................................. 1
1. Scope...........................................................................................2
2. Definitions ................................................................................... 3
7.1 Identification............................................................................. 16
7.2 Safe working load cha 吋s.......................................................... 16
7.3 Instruction manuals and log book ............................................ 16
9.1 General.................................................................................... 23
9.2 Crane standing or supporting conditions.................................. 23
9.3 Proximity hazards .................................................................... 26
References .............................................................................................. 73
List of Figure
Fig. 1 Types of mounting for mobile cranes .............................................. 14
Fig. 16 Two single-Ieg slings in double wrap choker hitch ... ....................... 69
Fig. 17 Two single-Ieg slings in double wrap basket hitch ... ....................... 69
Foreword
1
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
1. Scope
1. Scope
2. Definitions
2. Definitions
Condition 0'tipping
A condition when a crane is subjected to an overturning moment which cannot be
increased by even a small amount without causing the crane to fall over.
2. Definitions
Owner
Owner, in relation to any crane or lifting gear, includes the lessee or hirer thereof,
and any overseer, foreman , agent or person in charge or having the control or
management of a crane or lifting gear, and the contractor who has control over
the way any construction work which involves the use of the crane or lifting gear is
carried out and , in the case of a crane or lifting gear situated on or used in
connection with work on a construction site , also includes the contractor
responsible for the construction site (Regulation 3(1) of the LALGR).
A contractor is responsible for a construction site if he is undertaking construction
work there or, where there is more than one contractor undertaking construction
work at the site, if he is the principal contractor unde付aking construction work
there (Regulation 3(2) of the LALGR).
3. Management of the
Lifting Operation
times; and
Lifting Operation
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
4. Planning of the
Lifting Operation
5. Responsibilities/Requirements of
Personnel
5. Responsibilities/
Requirements of
Personnel
(c) have been trained in the general principles of slinging and be able
to establish weights and judge distances, heights and clearances;
(d) have been adequately trained in the operation of the type of crane
he is operating and have sufficient knowledge of the crane and its
safety devices;
(e) understand fully the duties of the slinger and be familiar with the
signal code shown in Table 1 in order to implement safely the
5. Responsibilities/
Requirements of
instructions of the slinger or signaller; and
Personnel
(f) understand fully the radio/tele-communication signals between the
pa 閃ies concerned.
5.3 Slinger
5.3.1 The slinger should be responsible for attaching and detaching the load
to and from the crane , and for the use of correct lifting gear in
accordance with the planning of the operation. In particular, the
slinger should:
(a) have attained the age 18 yea 的;
(e) understand fully the signal code shown in Table 1 and be able to give
clear and precise signals;
(f) be capable of directing the movement of the crane and load in such
a manner as to ensure the safety of personnel and plant; and
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
5.4 Signaller
5.4.1 Where the crane operator of the mobile crane does not have a clear
and unrestricted view of the load carried by the crane , its vicinity or the
point of attachment for a load where no load is being carried and such
view is necessary for the safe working of the crane , a signaller shall be
employed to relay the slinger's instructions to the crane operator
(Regulation 158(1) of LALGR).
5.4.2 The signaller should be responsible for relaying the signal from the
slinger to the crane operato r. He is also responsible for directing the
5. Responsibilities/
Requirements of
10
Mobile Cranes
6. Selection of
11
(d) having adequate headroom between the load and rigging required
to make the lift.
The tracks of the crane which provide large ground-bearing area have
prevented the sinkage of it on soft or unpaved ground to enhance its
operational stability. Crawler-mounted crane is highly manoeuverable
and can be turned virtually about its own centre.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
Mobile Cranes
6. Selection of
mounted crane. While those involving considerable travelling between
sites during lifting operations would use truck-mounted crane.
6.2.8 日y-jib
13
Mobile Cranes
6. Selection of
14
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
a/h
Telescoping / /刁/:
//今/ 'J<
Mobile Cranes
6. Selection of
Fig. 2a - Telescoping jib (hydraulic)
Offsct anglc
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
7. Markings and
Documentation
16
7.3.2 The language used in the majority of the workforce in Hong Kong ,
especially among the shop-floor operations and the middle supervisory
staft, is Chinese. It is essential that all the written instructions , the
documents and literatures given by the crane manufacturers in relation
to the safe use and maintenance of the cranes (such as the load charts) ,
if not in Chinese , be translated into Chinese so that the operatives have
no diftic叫ty in understanding them. Suitable arrangement should also
be made to enhance communication in workplace where people would
use languages other than Chinese or English.
7.3.3 If the equipment is not supplied with a log book then one should be
started , maintained and kept on the work site for the regular , periodic
recording of all inspections , tests , repairs , maintenance, and hours of
service related to the machine. AII entries should be dated and signed
by the operator, repairer or supervisor. The crane owner should
7. Markings and
ensure that the log book remains with the crane and is kept up-to-date
Documentation
throughout its working life in Hong Kong (see section 14 of this Code).
17
8. Operational
Features of
18
8.3.1 The operating cabin attached to the structure of the mobile crane
should meet the following requirements:
(a) be designed and constructed to protect the operator and the
controls from the weather (Regulation 10(1) of LALGR);
(d) be fitted with a lock to prevent unauthorized entry when the unit is
left unattended , unless the control unit can be separately locked;
(e) be constructed to give the operator a clear and unrestricted view
that will enable him to use the crane safely (Regulation 10(1) of
LALGR);
(f) have a safe access to and egress from the cabin .
Mobile Cranes
8. Operational
(g) have guardrails provided on all outside and access platforms (see
Features of
Regulation 38 8(1) of the CSSR , Regulation 24 of the FIUR);
(h) have hand holds and steps to facilitate entrance to and exit from
the cabin; and
(i) all walking surfaces on the crane should be of anti-skid type.
8.4.1 AII controls must be located within easy reach of the operator and allow
him ample room for operation. The controls should be of dead man
switches in that they return to neutral automatically when released.
The main power switch should be lockable and located within easy
reach of the operator. Each control must be clearly labelled and
marked to show the motion and the direction of movement that it
controls. Where practicable , controls should be arranged so that
accidental displacement is prevented and inadvertent pressure on therri
does not cause the crane to be set into motion.
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8.5 Guards and protective structures
8.5.1 AII exposed moving pa叫s of a mobile crane such as gears , pulleys ,
belts , chains , shafts , flywheels which might constitute a hazard under
normal operating conditions shall be e仟'ectively gua 吋ed (see
Regulation 5 of the GOMR).
8.6 Outriggers
8.6.2 They should also be securely held in the extended position when
blocked for hoisting.
8.6.3 If power actuated jacks are used , they should never lose pressure or
leak while under load.
Mobile Cranes
8. Operational
Features of
8.7.2 The winding and unwinding directions of the drum should be clearly
marked in Chinese and English.
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8.8 Sheaves
8.8.1 Grooves should be smooth and slightly larger than the rope to prevent it
from being pinched or jammed in the groove.
8.8.2 Jib/boom hoisting sheaves should have pitch diameter of not less than
15 times the nominal diameter of the rope used.
8.8.3 Load hoisting sheaves should have pitch diameters not less than 18
times the nominal diameter of the rope used, and the load block
sheaves should also have pitch diameters not less than 16 times the
nominal diameter of the rope used.
8.8.4 Depth of sheave grooves should be at least 1.5 times the rope diameter,
and the tapered side walls of the grooves should not make an angle of
more than 18 degrees with respect to the centre line.
Mobile Cranes
8. Operational
Features of
for lubrication.
8.9 Safety.features
8.9.1 The fOllowing should be provided to mobile cranes for the sake of safe
operation:
(b) motion limit devices: These devices should be fitted to limit hoisting ,
derricking, travelling , slewing or any other crane motion. For
example , automatic device should be installed to stop jib/boom
drum motion when the maximum permissible jib/boom angle is
reached;
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(c) overload cut-out devices , if provided , should cut out crane motions
when the crane is in an overload situation. This should not be
achieved by stopping the prime mover. Only motions , that permit
the crane to return to a safe condition , should remain operative.
Besides, the overload cut-out device should be either of fail-safe
design or protected from damage by excessive overloading;
(d) a spirit level for levelling the outriggers should be provided at the
outrigger controls;
8. Operational
22
Mobile Cranes
9. Siting of
23
9.2.5 If outriggers are provided , the beams should be fu"y extended as far as
practicable (Fig . 3). The jacks should be suitably extended so that a"
the crane tyres are clear of the ground.
Out吋ggers beams
(extended position)
9.2.6 Some mobile cranes can lift loads with partia"y extended outriggers.
9. Siting of
9.2.7 The mat or timber blocking should be at least 3 times larger in area
than the float (unless a sma"er area is specified by the manufacturer)
and completely support the float. For timber blocking , it should be
tightly spaced and level to guarantee a right angle (90 ' degrees)
between the cylinder and the float of the outrigger.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
9.2.8 Advice should be sought from the manufacturer regarding the pa此icular
9.2.9 The overall stability and safety of a crane should be carefully checked
in relation to local conditions and particularly when the crane has to be
operated on bridge decks , partially completed building frames , other
structural supports, or c1 0se to excavations and embankments.
9.2.10 When operating c1 0se to the edge of a soil slope or an unsupported soil
excavation , a mobile crane may collapse as the load bearing capacity
there is much lower than those away from the edge. A safety distance
at least 4 times the width of the foundation (the mat or timber blocking
of the outrigger or the crawler) should therefore be maintained between
the foundation and the edge (see Fig . 4). The distance between the
foundation and the toe of the slope or excavation should also be at
least 2 times the depth of the slope or excavation. Advice on closer
distance from the edge for slopes or unsupported excavation with other
Mobile Cranes
materials should be sought from a Registered Geotechnic Engineer.
9. Siting of
9.2.11 Before a mobile crane is put into operation in a land filling , reclamation
or demolition site , a thorough investigation on the ground conditions
should be conducted to ensure that the crane will not be positioned in
areas which have insufficient load bearing capacity.
25
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Mobile Cranes
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9. Siting of
. . . . . . E . . • . .
9.3.2 As far as possible mobile cranes should be sited to avoid loáds being
handled over occupied premises , highways , the route of aerial ropeway ,
other construction works , or railways. The danger to or from
underground services, such as gas mains or electric cables , should not
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
9.3.3.1 Fatal accident may occur when a crane comes into contact with or near
to overhead electricity lines. Where a mobile crane has a chance of
coming within a horizontal distance of 9 meters from the outermost
conductor of any live overhead electricity lines , the crane owner should
before works are begun , liaise with the owner of the overhead lines , e .g.
a power company , to work out the exact safety requirements and devise
the safe work plans. Any person working in the vicinity of overhead
electricity lines shall observe the relevant provisions on taking all
reasonable steps and all reasonable measures as stipulated in Section
10 of the Electricity Supply Li nes (Protection) Regulation (Cap. 406H).
In particular, a safe working distance must be maintained between any
part of the crane and the overhead line conductor. Reference should
be made to the Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply
Mobile Cranes
Li nes published by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
9. Siting of
9.3.3.2 In ascertaining the safe working distance from the overhead electricity
lines , it should be noted that it would vary with di仔erent voltages and
operating conditions of the lines. For example , an overhead line may
swing laterally due to the wind and its vertical clearance may change
due to current loading of the line. Additional allowance should
therefore be made to the safe working distance based on the advice
from the power company.
9.3.3.3 AII overhead lines or other electric apparatus should be treated as live
unless declared dead and safe by the relevant authority.
9.3.3 .4 Any person working in the vicinity of any electricity supply line should be
properly trained to ensure that they are capable of taking riecessary
safety measures.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
9.3.3.5 When working parallel to overhead power cables , ground level barriers
or a string of warning markers should be erected at a safe distance from
the cables. The position of the barriers should be clearly marked.
Warning notices of overhead lines nearby should be attached to or
displayed on the barriers at intervals of not less than 2 metres.
9.3.3.6 Where a crane must travel underneath an overhead line , the crossing
route should be plainly marked. Suitable goal posts and crossbars
should be erected each side of the crossing approach to ensure that the
jib or moving pa 此s are lowered to a safe position (see Fig. 5). In the
case where it is not possible to place suitable crossbars due to the
width of the passageway, a string of strong non-metallic under tension
could be used as a flexible height limiter.
Safety clearance
Mobile Cranes
9. Siting of
9.3.3.7 The dimensions of the goal posts and crossbars , and their distances
from the nearest power cable are to be decided in consultation with the
relevant electric power company. Suitable warning notices should
also be erected.
9.3.3.8 The operator of the crane should operate under the direction of a
signaller who has a clear view of the crane and the obstruction.
28
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
9.3.3.10 The point of the jib and the front and rear of the crane should be
painted in a distinctive manner for visual sighting and warning purposes.
9.3.4.1 When considering the positioning of a mobile crane for operation , care
should be exercised regarding the proximity of other cranes. Where
overlapping working area/s cannot be avoided , all the crane operations
should be co-ordinated and supervised by a competent person. AII the
personnel involved including operators , slingers and signaller should be
fully informed of the lifting arrangements.
Mobile Cranes
9. Siting of
29
10. Erection,
30
Dismantling and
10.2.1 For jib which can be folded down-and-under or hinged sideways, the
Transportation
10. Erection,
manufacturer's instructions should be followed when the jib is setting up
for operations or performing jib folding operations.
10.2.2 It should be ensured that the jib is restrained by the hoist rope or other
specified means to prevent it from swinging uncontrollably on release
from its stowed position or when pins are removed for folding.
10.2 .4 Before erection of the assembled jib , any gate or hinge section should
be positioned or removed in the manner specified by the manufacturer.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
10.3.1 The following should be noted for jibs which are designed to be
extended by the addition of intermediate sections into the basic jib:
(a) only cor陀ct sections for the pa 此icular crane should be used;
suspension ropes or ties should not foul the locking pins or clips of
Transportation
10. Erection,
the pin connections when the jib is being raised from ground level.
AII the locking pins or spring clips should be in good condition and
o仟ere仟'ective security of the jib section pins;
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
10.4 .1 Correct length of derricking rope and ties should be used for the jib
fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
10.4 .2 Longer jibs may require special or auxiliary suspension equipment such
as a high gantry , mast , intermediate suspension , etc. Check should
be made for the maximum length of jib which can be raised with the
crane as specified by the manufacturer.
10.5.1 The rope system should be strong enough to handle the maximum load
required to be lifted on a jib , and the rope is of sufficient length to
pe斤。rm the load lifting or lowering operation.
10.5.2 Correct type and length of hoist rope as specified by the manufacturer
should be fitted. The steel rope should be made to BS 302: Stranded
Steel Wire Ropes or equivalent national standards.
10.5.3 The number of falls of hoist rope according to the jib length or maximum
Dismantling and
Transportation
10. Erection,
load to be fitted should be the same as required by the manufacturer.
10.5.4 For the case of an automatic safe load indicator installed , the indicator
cam and/or setting should correspond with the jib length fitted and the
number of falls of the hoist rope used.
10.5.5 Not less than two coils should always remain on the drum and the drum
capacity should not be exceeded .
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a. Continuous suspension
Fly-_i ib mast
(i nclusion of fly-jib is inddentaJ
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to type ofs肘 pension .) (uppe r)
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Lighlload品
10. Erection,
Intermedìate suspension
(Jllay be nec.essruy for longer jibS)
34
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
10.6.1 Before the crane is put into use , a check should be made to ensure that
all disconnected or by-passed safety devices such as load indicator,
overload cut-out or motion limit switch , etc. during previous erection or
dismantling operations have been reconnected and are functioning
properly.
10.7.1 The correct amount of counte附eight should be fitted on the crane and
at the appropriate location as specified by the manufacturer's
counterweight chart before a jib is elevated.
Dismantling and
Transportation
10.7.2 When additional counterweight for longer booms/jibs are fitt側, it should
10. Erection,
be removed if the operating length of jib is restored to originallength.
10.7.3 For crawler cranes with adjustable track span , retracted tracks for the
sake of transportation should be fully extended during operation.
10.7.4 Erecting or lowering of long jibs should be pe斤。 rmed with the jib axis in
the longitudinal axis of the mounting , i. e. in the position offering
greatest machine stability. Besides , for the case of crawler-mounted
crane operating on a hard concrete surface, wooden packers should be
placed under the ends of the crawler tracks to reduce the tendency for
the machine to rock during the lowering of long jib to the ground.
35
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
10.7.6 The hook block should be lowered and rested on the ground before
lowering the jib to ground level in order to maintain the best margin of
stability.
10.8 Tyres
10.8.1 For wheel-mounted cranes and truck-mounted cranes which are fitted
with pneumatic tyres , check should be made to ensure the conditions of
the tyres and that they are inflated to the recommended pressure prior
to any lifting operation.
10. Erection,
competent person.
36
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(b) The crane's operational brakes and when fitted , propel or digging
locks should be engaged and the crane should be fully chocked
against all movemen t.
(c) The crane should be securely lashed to the vehicle to prevent the
crane from bouncing , tipping or sliding otf the bed.
(d) The uppe附orks should be cross-chained against possible rotation
in addition to se吐ing the swing brake and/or slewing lock of the
crane.
Dismantling and
Transportation
10. Erection,
(e) Hook block and any other loose items should be securely lashed to
prevent any movement during transi t.
(f) For the case of truck crane , the outrigger beams and feet should
be securely stowed and fastened in position to prevent any
movement during transi t.
37
38
locked off, fuel supplies cut off and any doors giving access to
machinery or control cabins should be locked to prevent
unauthorized access;
(b) the jib should be secured or lowered according to the
manufacturer's instructions for out-of-service conditions;
(c) if it is not possible to lower the jib due to space restrictions , the
hook block should be lowered near to ground level and secured to
a substantial anchorage ve代ically below the jib point;
(d) the ignition key and any other keys should be removed from the
crane; and
Precautions
f1 y-jib) length is fitted on the visual indicator;
(d) check the levelling of the crane to confirm that there has been no
change in the original levelling , no sinking of outrigger feet or
settling of the foundation;
39
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(h) check the ropes , and rope terminal fi吐ings and anchorages for
obvious damage and wear;
(i) check the condition and inflation pressure(s) of tyres (where
applicable);
。) check that all water is drained from any air receivers;
11.4.2 At least once a week a full inspection of the crane shall be carried out
Precautions
40
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
11.4.3 Use of "Checklist" for carrying out the above mentioned routine checks
is recommended. A certificate in an approved form stating that the
mobile crane is in safe working order shall be submitted to the owner by
the competent person when no defect was found in the weekly
inspection.
11 .4.4 Should the person carrying out an inspection find any defect (such as
twisted/broken wires , etc.) or abnormality in the mobile crane or in the
operation of the mobile crane , or should the mobile crane be
accidentally damaged , this should be repo口ed immediately to the
person responsible for the safe use of the crane. The machine should
be taken out of service until the fa 叫ts have been rectified and
c1 earance is given by the person responsible for the safe use of the
crane. Sufficient space on the "Checklist" for repo內ing the defects are
recommended.
11 .4.5 The competent person responsible for the inspection of a mobile crane
or any lifting gear should have the responsibility to ensure the mobile
crane or the lifting gear under his responsibility has received proper
regular inspection according to the schedule set under the safe system
of work. He should record the state of every mobile crane or lifting
gear. He should ensure that a mobile crane or lifting gear is withdrawn
from service should he reveal in the inspection that it is not in safe
working order. In pa 叫icular, the competent person responsible for the
Precautions
(a) have attained the age of 18 years;
(b) be an expe叫enced mechanic;
(c) have properly trained in crane operation and c悶 ne maintenance;
(f) be familiar with the provisions related to the use of mobile cranes in
the LALGR and the contents in this Code; and
41
(g) be capable of performing simple tests in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
11.5.1 Before any major repairs , adjustments or inspections are carried out on
a crane , a proper system of granting permission to work should be
considered. Such a permit to work system properly implemented will
ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to make the crane
safe for maintenance or repair work , etc. (e.g. by isolation and lock-off
of electrical equipment, removal of ignition keys , etc.) and will notify all
affected persons that the crane is out of service.
11.5.2 A permit to work is a specially designed form issued only by the person
responsible for the safe use of the crane. It indicates that special
precautions have been taken to make it safe for work on the machine to
proceed for a specified period of time. The form should also specify
any additional precautions which should be observed by persons
carrying out the work.
11.5.3 Most system requires that the person pe吋orming the work should retain
the permit in his possession while carrying out this work. Where
several persons are involved on the same job , the permit should be
11. Procedures and
11.5.4 When the work is completed , all permits should be returned to and duly
endorsed by the person who issued them before the crane is 'handed
over' for normal use. This procedure is as important as the original
certification. The person responsible for the safe use of the crane
should ensure that all persons who worked under the permit are clear of
the machine or area. He should also ensure equipment that was
brought in for the work is removed , all safety guards on the crane are
42
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
replaced and the machine is in all respects safe for normal use , subject
to the conditions specified in section 14 of this Code.
11.6.1 Provision should be made for safe access to the crane cabin or any
other areas necessitating periodic maintenance , inspection , or
adjustment purposes.
11.6.2 Only the crane operator or the person being authorized should be
allowed to climb on the crane in order to gain access to the cabin or to
carry out tasks such as maintenance or inspection.
43
44
visible from the sides and rear of the machine should be painted on
the slewing uppe附orks;
Conditions
appropriate safe working load for operating the crane as specified in the
current certificate of test and thorough examination delivered in the
approved form by a competent examiner in respect of that crane
(Regulation 3(1) of the LALGR). In other words , the safe working load
is the maximum load under specified conditions for which a crane can
lift safely.
12.2.2 Mobile cranes and their associated lifting gear shall be clearly marked
with their safe working loads. Means of identification shall be provided
(Regulations 11 (2) and 18 of the LALGR).
45
12.2.3 Safe working loads apply only to freely-suspended loads. Before lifting
a load the hoist line should be plumb. Using the crane hook or slewing
motion of a crane to drag any load along the ground , etc should be
forbidden. Similarly , sideward pushing/pulling the load whether with
bare hands or by chain block/s or by similar equipment should be
discouraged. Failure to observe these points may endanger the
stability of the crane or introduce loadings (stresses) into the jib for which
it has not been designed. Even with an automatic safe load indicator
fitted , a structural failure may result without any prior warning being
glven.
12.2.4 In case a mobile crane is used to drag a load not in a vertical direction ,
steps shall be taken to ensure that no undue stress is imposed on any
pa此 of the structure or mechanism of the crane thereby endangering
the stability of the crane and such use is supervised by a competent
person (Regulation 15(1) of the LALGR).
12.2.6 Only the correct table of safe working loads appropriate to the design
capacity of the jib , the counter-weight fitted and the specification of the
mounting should be used.
12.2.7 Due to the variations in the weight of the hook blocks and slings which
Loads and Operating
12. Safe Working
can be used on mobile crane lifting operations , the weight of the hook
Conditions
block and slings should be considered as pa前 of the safe working load.
12.2.8 Allowance on the safe working load should be made according to the
manufacturer's instructions when auxiliary equipment such as fly-jib or
additionallifting attachments are used.
12.2.9 When working at depths below ground level , the actual loading of the
crane is affected by the weight of the long hoist rope. The 'weight of
the hoist rope should therefore be taken into consideration of the safe
working load.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
12.2.12 The safe working load at any given radius generally varies with jib
length and any extension in jib would reduce the safe working load.
12.2.13 Derricking-out the jib to increase the radius of the load would generally
result in a reduced lifting capacity.
12.2.14 The load-radius dimension is the radius of the hook with the safe
working load suspended , unless otherwise specified. When a load is
picked-up , owing to the stretch of the guy ropes of loaded jib and/or
deflection of the jib structure , the hook radius will increase. With the
approach of maximum safe working load , this increase may take the
load outside the permitted radius. Before the lift is made , the jib
should be de削 cked-in to bring the load back into radius , as necessary
(see Fig. 7). Conversely when settling down loads with the jib
positioned at steep angles , it should be ensured that the jib is not
damaged by extreme tensioning in the jib guy ropes. Sudden settling-
down or release of loads should always be avoided in order to prevent
the jib springing backward or the machine becoming unstable in a
backward direction.
Conditions
hook should be avoided because these could be dangerous and
damaging to the structure or machinery of the crane.
12.2.16 For cranes fitted with long jibs (and particularly extended telescopic jibs)
at large radii , the influence on overturning moment due to the weight
and dynamic e仟'ects of the jib itself would be very large by comparison
with that due to the suspended load. Therefore , the operational
controls such as the jib derricking control should be 'operated
sensitively and smoothly.
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12.2. 17 Zone of ooeration for cranes
(a) Cranes would usually be restricted to different duties over the front,
rear-end or sides of the crane. The lifting or movement of loads
over the front of the crane may overload the front axle(s) or chassis
frame owing to the weight distribution of the machine. The safe
working load applicable to the zone of operation should be
observed.
12.2. 18 Where a means for locking out or reducing the spring effect of the
suspension is used during crane operations for truck crane , the
manufacturer's instructions should be followed in respect of its use.
Loads and Operating
12. Safe Working
Conditions
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
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12.3 Near maximum working loads
12.3.1 When handling load which approaches the maximum working load for
an operating radius (95% - 100%), crane motions should be operated
with extreme care. The load should initially be lifted just clear of the
supporting surface and brought to rest in order for the slings, balance of
the load , etc. , are checked before proceeding further. Proper care
should be exercised by the operator, at all times , to avoid shock or side
loadings on the jib. Care should also be taken to avoid the hook
contacting the jib head structure, either through overhoisting or when
derricking out the jib. In the latter case, as the jib is derricked out the
hook should be lowered off in order to maintain an adequate clearance
between the hook and jib head structure.
12.4 .1 Travelling with suspended loads should be handled with great care and
under the supervision of a competent person.
12.4.4 The operation should be performed at creep speeds with the jib in line
with the direction of travel and with the slewing locks and/or swing brake
engaged. A suitable jib angle to maintain the stability of the crane
should be determined before the operation. Reference should be made
to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
12.4 .6 The load should be carried at the rear of the truck in the case of
truck-mounted cranes (see sub-section 12.2.17). The crane operator
should remain in the crane cabin to control the load and a second
person should be deployed to drive the vehicle.
12.4 .8 Steady lines should be attached to the load which in turn should be
carried as near to the ground as possible to prevent pendulum motion .
12.4 .9 Ground oreoaration
12.4 .9.1 The ground to be traversed should be prepared to ensure a firm and
level access route for the crane where necessary
12.4 .9.3 Mats or other suitable travelling surfaces should be laid where sinkage
of the wheels or crawlers could occur in soft ground.
12.4 .10 旦旦豆豆
12.4 .10.1 Mobile cranes travelling with suspended loads should avoid to travel on
slopes wherever possible.
Conditions
have a generous margin in capacity over the loads to be lifted;
(b) the load should always be carried on the uphill side of the crane ,
irrespective of the travel direction ;
(c) the load should always be placed on the uphill side of the crane
and precautions taken to ensure that neither the jib nor crane
become unstable on release of the load;
(d) the load should always be carried as near to the ground as
possible;
(e) the swing brake and/or slewing lock should be engaged during the
negotiation;
(f) no slewing should be allowed except to maintain the load in the
uphill direction ;
51
的) before sta 川ing up a gradient by a crawler-mounted crane , digging
locks , where fitted , should be engaged in the position to prevent
the crane from running backwards. The digging locks should be
engaged again when arriving at the working location to prevent any
movement of the crawlers before shifting the clutch from travel to
slew; and
(h) a suitable jib angle to maintain the stability of the crane should be
determined before the operation. Reference should be made to
the manufacturer's instructions.
12.5.1 A crane can only be used to carry persons where the use of a builde r's
li缸,
a tower working pla叮orm or a suspended scaffold is impracticable.
The carrying of persons by a crane is subject to certain statutory
requirements which include:
(a) the person shall be carried in a chair, cage , skip or other receptacle
at least 900 mm deep , the receptacle is of good construction ,
sound material and adequate strength , and is provided with
suitable means to prevent any occupant from falling out and does
not contain material or tools liable to interfere with his hand hold or
otherwise endanger him;
(b) suitable measu陀s are taken to prevent such chair , cage skip or
other receptacle from spinning or tipping in a manner dangerous to
Loads and Operating
12. Safe Working
any occupant;
Conditions
52
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(b) no part of the receptacle will give rise to a serious bumping hazard
to the occupant.
12.6.1 In the interests of safety, a standard signalling code (see Table 1) may
be adopted. It is recommended that copies of the signal code shown
in Table 1 be issued to all crane operators , slingers and any other
persons concerned.
12.6.2 In certain situations and where special lifts are involved , it may be
necessary to supplement the hand signals by other forms of
communication such as radio , walkie-talkie or telephone.
53
adequate precautions should be taken to prevent personnel associated
with the use of the crane from being endangered.
12.7.4 Where a load has a large surface area in relation to its weight , for
example a large timber shutter or panel , the action of the wind or the
load may give rise to unsafe working conditions in respect of the
strength or stability of the crane , or because the load cannot be
adequately secured against swinging or spinning; with some loads this
can occur at wind speeds below that specified for in-service conditions.
Under such circumstances the size of the load should be limited to that
which can be safely handled by the crane and which will not create
unsafe conditions for operatives. Furthermore, a tag line or control
rope should be used for assisting in the control of the swing or rotation
ofthe load.
12.7.5 Name boards or other items presenting a wind catching area should not
Loads and Operating
12. Safe Working
be fitted to the jib of a mobile crane without the express approval of the
Conditions
manufacturer.
12.7.7 Any lifting operation should be stopped and the mobile crane should be
secured in an appropriate out-of-service condition wheneve r" the wind
speed limit specified by the manufacturer is exceeded.
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
12.8.1 General
12.8.1.1 A mobile crane should not be used for piling operations , grabbing ,
magnet service or any other duty which might impose excessive and/or
indeterminate loadings onto the crane structure unless it is also
designed for such operation. Reference should also be made to the
manufacturer's manual on the limitations and conditions where such
operation can be used.
12.8.1.2 Working loads are often required to be reduced in accordance with the
duty conditions of a mobile crane to be used for such duties.
Manufacturer's recommendations should therefore be strictly followed
for each specific usage.
12.8.2.1 Piles are usually driven into the ground by means of an impact or
reciprocating hammer. Bored-pile techniques , with or without casings ,
may also be used whereby the pile is cast in its location by pouring
concrete into a hole driven or bored into the ground. Piling operations,
on occasions , are to withdraw or extract the pile (or pile casing) once
their useful purpose has been served.
Conditions
the simple form of a temporary attachment to a crane or, at the other
extreme , may form a permanent special-purpose installation on a
machine.
55
be jerked , the jib be swung or the machine be tipped to achieve faster
results.
12.8.2 .4 In assessing the required capacity of a crane for pile extraction duty , in
addition to the weight of the extractor and pile , account should be taken
of the frictional forces occurring between the soil and the pile during
extraction , and the induced vibrating effect of the load. In the case of
sheet pile extraction a further allowance is necessary for the friction
between the clutches of the pile being extracted and the adjacent pile
remaining in the ground. As the frictional e仟ects are largely unknown
factors , until extraction commences , the largest crane on site with
ample safety allowance available will always give the safest and
quickest results providing the pull does not exceed the extractor rating.
12.8.3.1 When using cranes for grabbing or magnet crane service , allowance
should be made not only for the weight of the grab , magnet or other
attachments , together with load , but also for additional loadings
imposed on the crane resulting from fast slewing , grab suction effec悟,
impacts , etc. In general , for grabbing or magnet crane service the
weight of the grab and contents , or the weight of the magnet and load
will be less than the corresponding safe working loads for crane service.
Reference should be made to the manufacturer's specification for
details of special duty ratings.
Loads and Operating
12. Safe Working
12.8.4.1 Lifting a load with two cranes is a potentially dangerous operation which
should be avoided except where the physical dimensions ,
characteristics or weight of the load prevent this being handled by a
single crane. There are statutory requirements governing the lifting
operation in which more than one crane is used (Regulation 7I of the
LALGR). Tandem lifting requires extremely carefuI planning and an
accurate assessment of the share of the load which is to be èarried by
each crane. There should be a full appreciation of how and to what
extent this can vary should the load come out of level or should one or
56
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
both cranes have to derrick, travel or slew, resulting in the hoist ropes
coming out of plumb.
12.8.4.3 Special lifting tackles may be also necessary to suit the maximum
variation in load distribution and direction of application which can
occur during tandem lifting.
12.8 .4.4 AII tandem lifting operations should be thoroughly planned in advance
by a competent person. Where possible cranes of equal capacity and
similar characteristics should be used. The cranes and lifting tackle to
be used should be selected to have a capacity margin greater than that
needed for the propo仕ioned load when handled as a single lift.
12.8.5.1 In Hong Kong , hydraulically driven mobile cranes which are operated
with hydraulic pumps and motors are sometimes used in driving other
machineries in foundation work. Beside lifting work , these cranes can
Conditions
as vibrators and drilling machines. For the safe operation of
hydraulically driven mobile cranes when driving other machineries , the
following hazards should be observed:
(c) increase in back pressure which may affect the safety of crane;
and
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
13. Maintenance
13. Maintenance
58
Examination and
14. Inspection,
Testing
59
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
14.8 AII test certificates and related documents shall be kept in a safe place
and be made available for inspection by any occupational safety officer.
A copy of the relevant and the most recent certificate or report shall be
displayed in the driving cabin or other prominent place on the
equipment to which it relates or in a prominent place nearby
(Regulation 18C of the LALGR).
Examination and
14. Inspection,
Testing
60
61
15.2.3 It should be noted that long bars should be securely tied up before a
sling is being applied and a tag line or control rope should be provided
to prevent the swing or rotation.
15.2.5 Every lifting gear, equipment or tackle to be used should comply with
the statutory requirements concerning the construction , safe working
loads, marking of safe working loads , testing , examination , inspection ,
Loads before Lifting
15. Securing of
15.2.6 It should be noted that a wire rope sling should be withdrawn from
service if any of the following is revealed during an
inspection/examination:
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(a) the markings on the wire rope sling disappear or become illegible;
15.2.7 It should be noted that a chain sling should be withdrawn from service if
any of the following is revealed during an inspection/examination:
(a) the markings on the chain sling disappear or become illegible;
(b) there is a reduction of more than 10% in nominal diameter on any
link due to inter-link wear;
(c) there is noticeable elongation on any link or any sling leg;
15.2.8 Where a sling is employed , the sling should not be allowed to damage
the load , nor should the sling itself be damaged. If the sling is to be
attached to the load , the points used for attachment, e.g. lugs and
eyebolts , should be suitable and adequate for the purpose of lifting the
whole load.
Loads before Lifting
15.2.10 When lifting rigid objects with slings having three or four legs , any two
of the slings , after considering the angle between the legs, must be
sized in capable of suppo此ing the totalload.
63
15.2.11 When using multi-Iegged slings to lift loads in which one end is much
heavier than the other, the decision to select the appropriate sling
should be based on the most heavily loaded leg.
15.2.12 As far as reasonably practicable , the effective diameter of any pin , hook
or other component over which soft eyes are used should not be less
than twice the rope diameter for single part legs , and four times the
rope diameter for double pa仕 legs.
15.2.13 It is important to note that the weights of loads , the rigging methods
adopted as well as the safe working loads of the lifting gear, equipment
and tackle should be made known to the rigging crew.
15.3.1 There are many rigging methods for different kinds of loads being
handled. It should be noted that a rigging method which is suitable for
handling one load might not be suitable for handling another load. In
fact , each rigging method has its limitations. The methods shown in
this section are intended to be typical examples and should not be
regarded as exhaustive.
15.3.2 It should be noted that though wire rope slings are used for illustration ,
the methods shown in this section are also applicable to the use of
suitable chain sling , fibre rope or fibre sling.
15.3.3 The owner of any double or multiple sling shall ensure that it is not used
in raising or lowering or as a means of suspension if:
(a) the upper ends of the sling legs are not connected by means of a
shackle , ring or link of adequate strength; or
(b) the safe working load of any sling leg is exceeded as a result of the
Loads before Lifting
64
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
(b) Basket hítch (Fig. 9) - A basket hitch should only be used when the
sling is passed through pa 此 of the load and the load is balanced on
the sling. The lifting should not commence until a shackle is
connected to the sling legs. The included angle of the sling should
not exceed 90 degrees.
(c) Símple Choker Hítch (Fig. 10) and Double and Choked (Fig . 11) -
These two slinging methods do not grip the loads completely and
should be used only when the loads are easily stabilized or cannot
slip out of the sling .
(d) Choker hítch double wrapped (Fig. 12) - The generallimitations for
this sling method is similar with simple choker hitch , except that
with the double wrapped choker hitch the load is gripped more fully ,
and hence is secured more effectively.
Note: The simple choker hitch or choker hitch double wrapped method should not be
used for handling composite loads such as loose bundles of tubes , or bars or
wooden battens unless the friction grips between the parts is sufficient to prevent
them slipping from the sling. As far as possible , such composite loads should
first be tied up securely at their ends by steel wires or similar means of adequate
strength.
65
66
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
15.3.5.1 A multi-Ieg sling may have two , three , four or more legs (Fig. 13 to 19).
It provides a more stable lifting arrangement than a single-Ieg sling.
(d) two-Ieg slings used in double wrap choker hitch (Fig. 16);
(e) two-Ieg slings used in double wrap basket hitch (Fig. 17);
Loads before Lifting
(f) three-Ieg slings used with direct attachment (Fig. 18); and
15. Securing of
67
15.3.5.3 When using multi-Ieg slings , care should be taken to ensure that:
(b) where the slings have different safe working load ratings then the
load that can be lifted is related to the least safe working load; and
(c) the attachment points of a two-Ieg sling to the load are far enough
apa 此 to give stability without exceeding 90 degrees (Fig. 13, 14 &
16). In the case of a two-Ieg sling used in basket hitch or a four-
leg sling , the angle between any two diagonally opposite legs
should not exceed 90 degrees (Fig . 15, 17 & 19). For a three-Ieg
sling , any one leg should make an angle of not greater than 45
degrees with the vertica l.
Note: The two-Ieg slings used in choker hitch , basket hitch , double wrap choker hitch or
double wrap basket hitch should not be used for handling composite loads such
as loose bundles or tubes , bars of wooden battens unless the friction grip
between the pa門s is sufficient to prevent them slipping from the sling. As far as
possible , such composite loads should first be tied up securely at their ends by
steel wires or similar means of adequate strength.
Loads before Lifting
15. Securing of
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
69
Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
15.4 .1 When fitting the sling to a load , steps should be taken to ensure tha t:
70
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
72
References
73
11. Guidance Notes on Inspection , Thorough Examination and Testing of
Li fting Appliances and Li fting Gear issued by the Labour Department ,
Hong Kong SAR
12. Crane Hazards and their Prevention - David V. MacCollum , ASSE , USA
18. HSE Guidance Note PM3 : Erection and dismantling of mobile cranes ,
Health and Safety Executive , UK
19. HSE Guidance Note PM9: Access to mobile cranes , Health and Safety
Executive , UK
20. HSE Guidance Note GS39: Training of crane operators and slingers ,
Health and Safety Executive , UK
22. Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply Li nes issued by the
Electrical and Mechanical Services D epa川ment, Hong Kong SAR
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Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
Enquiries
Complaints
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09/2017-2-COP31