Safe Work Australia has published a model Code of Practice for tower cranes. It provides practical guidance to employers and other duty holders on managing the work health and safety risks of working with tower cranes.
Tower cranes are high risk plant, with a number of different risks associated with their operation:
- structural or mechanical failure and collapse
- contact or collision with other plant, structures, or people
- arcing or flashover from an energised overhead or underground electric line
- falling objects
- falls from height
- extreme weather and related damage or failure and collapse
- fire and related damage or collapse
- noise, and
- fatigue.
There are often multiple employers and duty holders involved in managing risks of tower cranes in the workplace. Each may have responsibility for the same health and safety matters, either because they are involved in the same activities or share the same workplace.
The model Code of Practice includes guidance on what to do before using a tower crane, while using the crane and how to inspect and maintain a tower crane.
Download the model Code of Practice for tower cranes here