CRANE SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS 

Crawler crane operations in the UK are governed by legal requirements and supported by recognised crane-specific standards and guidance.

Key references include:

LOLER requires lifting equipment to be suitable for the task and, where applicable, subject to statutory thorough examination. It also requires lifting operations to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.

PUWER also applies to work equipment, requiring it to be suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition and used by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.

Together, these requirements and crane-specific guidance establish the framework for selecting equipment, planning lifting operations, maintaining competence and controlling operational risk.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CRAWLER CRANE SAFETY

Crawler cranes are available in high-capacity configurations and are frequently used for major and complex lifting operations. Because these operations can involve substantial loads, various working radii and complex site interfaces, failures in planning or control can have serious consequences. 

Crawler crane safety is more than just complying with regulations. Effective planning and operational controls help protect personnel, equipment and surrounding infrastructure.

RISKS OF INADEQUATE CRAWLER CRANE SAFETY CONTROLS

Inadequate planning or operational controls can increase the risk of: 

  • Serious injury or fatalities
  • Crane overturning or instability
  • Dropped loads and damage to equipment 
  • Structural damage to nearby buildings or infrastructure
  • Delays to project schedules
  • Increased insurance and repair costs
  • Regulatory investigations and potential prosecution
  • Damage to business reputation and client relationships

Proper planning, suitable equipment, competent personnel and effective operational controls are essential to reducing these risks.

9 CRAWLER CRANE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 

The requirements of each operation will differ, but the following considerations are central to managing crawler crane risks:

1. COMPLETE PRE-USE CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS 

Required pre-use checks should be completed before crane operations begin. Relevant examination and inspection records should be confirmed as current, alongside the required pre-use checks of crane components and safety systems.

2. CHECK GROUND CONDITIONS 

The access route and crane working area must be assessed against the loads imposed by the crane, with the relevant client and temporary works responsibilities established before operations begin. Ground-bearing requirements need to be assessed by the relevant competent parties, with temporary works provisions established where required.

3. CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS 

Wind is a critical operating consideration and must remain within the limits specified for the crane and configuration. Lightning and other relevant site-specific weather conditions should also be monitored, with operations stopped where the agreed procedure or operating limits require it.

4. CHECK THE APPLICABLE LOAD CHART

The crane’s load chart provides important information about lifting capacities under different conditions. It includes information on operating configurations and rated capacities for the applicable boom, counterweight, working radius and other relevant crane settings.

The planned load, working radius and crane configuration must remain within the rated capacities shown for the applicable setup, while site and ground conditions are assessed separately as part of the lifting operation.

5. USE COMPETENT LIFT PERSONNEL 

Crawler crane operations require suitably trained and competent personnel, with experience matched to the complexity of the work. This can include the Appointed Person, Lift Supervisor, Slinger-Signallers and Crane Operator, depending on the lifting arrangement.

6. INSPECT RIGGING EQUIPMENT 

Lifting accessories such as chains, slings, shackles and lifting beams must be suitable for the planned operation and subject to the required examinations, inspections and pre-use checks. Damaged or unsuitable equipment must be removed from use. 

7. MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Clear communication between members of the lift team is essential during lifting operations. The agreed communication method should be set out within the Method Statement and may include standard hand signals, radio communication or other agreed signals. All personnel involved should understand the communication arrangements before operations begin.

8. OPERATE WITHIN THE PLANNED CONFIGURATION

The crane must be operated within the rated capacities and configuration established for the planned lifting operation, taking into account boom length, lifting radius, load weight and environmental conditions. Any change to these parameters can affect the crane’s available capacity and operating limits.

9. ESTABLISH OPERATIONAL BOUNDARIES 

Exclusion zones and physical boundaries should be identified through the Risk Assessment, with their layout and management defined in the Method Statement where required. Site conditions should also be monitored throughout the operation, with significant changes escalated to the relevant Appointed Person.

CRANE SAFETY WITH AINSCOUGH

Ainscough’s Make the Safe Choice ethos is supported by defined competency, inspection and operational procedures, alongside lift planning where this forms part of the agreed service. 

Ainscough operates a national crane fleet that includes crawler crane capability from 300T to 700T, supported by specialist technical teams and experienced lift personnel. Our team provides both CPA Crane Hire and Contract Lift services, with responsibilities for planning and managing the lifting operation determined by the hire arrangement.

Whether the requirement is CPA Crane Hire or support with a complex lifting operation, our team can help identify a suitable approach for the project. Contact our team today.