Mini crawler cranes overturn

Alert

Mini crawler cranes overturn ( )

Document Type: Alert
Category: Cranes and Lifting Equipment 
Division Author: Construction
Publication Date: 17 April 2008
Date First Published: 17 April 2008

This Alert can also be downloaded in pdf format

Purpose

This alert highlights to owners, operators and users of mini crawler cranes the dangers of overturning. It also provides basic recommendations for operating mini crawler cranes safely.

Background

In recent years a number of incidents have occurred where mini crawler cranes have overturned (photo is of an earlier incident).

 

Mini crawler crane overturned on the roof of a multi-story building and left hanging over the edge of the roof.

The most recent incident occurred when mini crawler crane was suspending a dogman in a workbox 4 m above the ground. Fortunately no one was injured, although there was the potential for the dogman or other people in the vicinity to be seriously injured or killed, in this incident. These types of cranes are becoming popular due to their small size and manoeuvrability. However, if they are not set up and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, they can overturn, often with very little warning.Recommendations The number of incidents where mini crawler cranes have overturned clearly demonstrates the need to ensure these cranes are operated safely and within their design capacity.

1: Employers must ensure:

• The mini crawler crane operator has the correct licence or certificate of competency to operate the crane [generally, at least slewing mobile crane operation - up to 20 tonnes], and
• The operator has adequate training or instruction on how to set-up and safely use the specific mini crawler crane before operation, no matter how experienced the operator is on larger cranes

2: Crane operators must ensure:

• They hold the appropriate licence or certificate of competency for the crane to be used, and
  
• The mini crawler crane is set-up and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the
  specific model.

3: Where the lifts required are complex, ensure a detailed lift plan is developed and adhere to it. A lift plan is similar to a Safe Work Method Statement, but is specific to cranes.