Policy Guidelines – Personal Safety Equipment On Tower Cranes

This policy applies only to cranes certified in accordance with BS2799:1974

The following Policy Guidelines cover:

1. Fall Arrest Equipment
2. Safety Footwear
3. Hard Hats
4. Personnel Clearance

1. Fall Arrest EquipmentIn accordance with AS/NZS1891.1:1995 should be worn at all times on tower cranes except on the following areas: 

1.1 Ladders provided, which are either mounted within the tower section or are enshrouded by backstays, provided that the uninterrupted length of any one ladder section does not exceed 13m 

1.2 Platforms provided with all round handrails/chains, or other such protection, on such areas as counter jibs, machinery decks, slew platforms, tower-heads, “A” frames and jibs. This exemption does not apply on moving trolley or boom head platforms, or where in the opinion of the crane supervisor, there is a perceived danger of a person falling through the handrails whilst working in an extraordinary or non standing position. 

NOTE: All platforms, ladders and access-ways on a tower crane SHALL be kept clear, clean and free of obstructions, oil & grease. 

2. Safety Footwear
In accordance with either NZS5845 or AS2210 should be worn at all times on tower cranes. 

3. Hard Hats
In accordance with NZS5806:1980 should be worn at all times, on all construction sites where a hazard from falling objects occurs, or in accordance with the Site Safety Plan, or as follows: 

3.1 Only hard hats with chin straps should be worn on tower cranes. 

3.2 Hard hats are exempted from use whilst on a tower crane where no perceivable hazard from falling objects exists and/or where wearing a hard hat is perceived as being more hazardous than not wearing one. 

NOTE: All personnel are alerted that perceptions of hazards may change and the decision to wear, or not to wear a hard hat whilst on a tower crane should be regularly reviewed. 

4. Personnel Clearance
Immediately under the work area, for all operations on tower cranes should be planned and executed in accordance with the Site Safety Plan.

These Policy Guidelines are Endorsed by the 
Occupational Safety & Health Service of the Department of Labour