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Tower Cranes on a construction site
At conception stage of a project, there is a detailed analysis undertaken by Bouygues -UK Technical Engineering Department and the Site Production Teams, to determine the safest and most efficient method of constructing any building. The key elements looked at are as follows:
· Site survey of existing conditions
· Selection of Tower crane (Size, tonnage, coverage etc.)
· Geological investigation of existing ground conditions
· Design of crane foundations
· Sequence of construction
· Interface with adjoining property
· Risk analysis for any over sailing of existing structures and design of safe lifting limits.
The next stage is the erection of the crane on site. This requires a great deal of planning and an in depth analysis of the risks involved, resulting in a detailed and specific method statement (safe system of work). Only competent specialist companies are used for the erection process.
Safe use of a tower crane
There are still further controls that are put into place before a tower crane can be commissioned for use:-
· The appointment of a certified and competent crane operator
· The appointment of certified workers on the ground, who direct the operations, commonly known as “slingers” or “banksmen”. Only these specified operatives can instruct the crane driver on any lifting and slewing operations.
· Automatic limiting devices and alarms. The modern cranes in use at Lewisham contain the latest electronic safety devices and aids, these include:
- Wind speed indicators (when specified wind speeds are reached, use of the crane ceases, but the crane must be allowed to free sail during these conditions)
- Overload prevention devices and alarms
- Radio communication
- Radius limiting devices. Those at Lewisham automatically prevent a load over sailing outside the construction zone, however the jib and counter-weight will over sail, but not with any load
Regular checks, inspections and maintenance
During construction use, a regime of daily, weekly checks, inspections and maintenance are carried out. These checks are not limited to the crane, but include all the lifting accessories that are used, e.g. sling, chains etc. Internal and external audits are regularly carried to test and verify these checks, inspections etc.
