SWA releases guidance to reinforce tower crane safety

Safe Work Australia has released a model code of practice for tower cranes that provides practical guidance for PCBUs and other duty holders about managing the work health and safety risks of working with tower cranes. Tower cranes are high-risk plant, with a number of risks associated with their operation. These risks include structural or mechanical failure or collapse; contact or collision with other plant, structures or people; arcing or flashover from an energised overhead or underground electric line; and extreme weather and related damage or failure and collapse.

Other hazards include falling objects, falls from height, noise, fatigue, and extreme weather and related damages. There are often multiple PCBUs 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 and while using the crane, and how to inspect and maintain a tower crane. The model code of practice for tower cranes can be downloaded here.

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