British Columbia's regulations for tower crane inspection, maintenance, and safety compliance are detailed in Part 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. These regulations cover a range of requirements, including pre-use inspections, structural integrity, and operational safety.
Pre-Operational Checks: Before using a crane or hoist, the operator must verify that the equipment has been inspected for the work shift and that control and safety devices have been tested. This inspection and testing must follow the manufacturer's specifications, applicable design or safety standards, and the regulations outlined in Part 14. Any defects found must be recorded in the inspection and maintenance record system and reported to the supervisor immediately, who will determine the necessary actions. Limit devices on tower cranes must be tested before the crane is first used on each work shift according to manufacturer's procedures or procedures approved by a professional engineer. Any malfunction of a limit device, warning device, or safety device must be fixed before the crane is used.
Maintenance: Cranes and hoists must be inspected and maintained frequently enough to ensure every component can perform its original design function safely. Maintenance or repair of a crane or hoist must be done by or under the direct supervision of a qualified person. Records of inspection and maintenance must be kept by the equipment operator and other persons inspecting and maintaining the equipment.
Safety Compliance: Tower crane operations must cease when a load cannot be safely handled due to wind conditions. In the absence of manufacturer's specifications, the maximum allowable wind speed is 50 km/h (30 mph), or less if a load cannot be handled safely. Tower crane operations must stop when the ambient temperature drops below -18°C (0°F) or as specified by the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer. A written fall protection plan must be in place, addressing fall protection requirements during operation, inspection, servicing, and maintenance. The interchangeable structural components of tower cranes must be uniquely identified and that unique identification must be used when referring to structural components in reports for inspection and testing, and certifications for repairs and modifications. [1] [1] [1] [7] [7] [5] [5] [3] [6] [6] [6] [4] [2]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.