Tower crane slew brakes

Health and Safety Executive - Safety alert

Introduction:

HSE investigations into the collapse of two tower crane jibs has identified that there were problems with adequate maintenance of the slew brake release mechanisms.

The purpose of this safety alert is to advise owners and users of steps to be taken to ensure that tower crane slew brake release mechanisms are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. The emerging findings from the HSE investigations indicate that the operational efficiency was compromised by lack of maintenance, in particular, insufficient lubrication of the slew brake release mechanism. This alert provides supplementary information to HSE Health and safety bulletin FOD 2-2014 Preventing catastrophic failure of luffing jib tower cranes in high winds.

Background:

Tower crane jibs are designed to free slew when out of service to avoid high loadings being placed on the crane structure and foundations with risk of failure or collapse. In order that a tower crane can be placed in the out of service condition it is essential that the slew brake release mechanism is maintained in an efficient state.

Failure to maintain the release mechanism can result in the operator being unable to fully release the slew brake when placing the crane in the out of service condition or the operator thinking that the slew brake is fully released when it is still partially engaged. If the brake is not fully released the upper slewing structure will not be able to slew freely in response to changing wind directions. This could result in the jib or whole crane collapsing in strong winds.

Action required:

Owners and users of tower cranes should ensure that tower crane slew brake release mechanisms are inspected and maintained in line with instructions issued by the manufacturer. Where crane manuals do not stipulate release mechanism maintenance instructions the manufacturers should be asked to provide details.

Instruction should be provided to operators and maintenance personnel as to how slew brake release mechanisms should be checked, inspected and maintained. This should include information, where necessary, as to the type of lubrication and the frequency and method of applying lubrication to the release mechanism.

Supervisory checks should confirm that personnel are correctly carrying out their instructions and the crane is being placed in free slew when left out of service. Persons carrying out Thorough Examinations should also confirm the correct function of the slew brake release mechanism.

Relevant Legal Documents

• Sections 2 & 3 of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Regulations 5, 8 & 9 of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

References:

FOD 2-2014 Preventing catastrophic failure of luffing jib tower cranes in high winds

BS7121-2.5:2012 Code of practice for the safe use of cranes Part 2.5: Inspection, maintenance and thorough examination – Tower cranes.

BS7121 Part 5:2006, Code of practice for safe use of cranes -Tower cranes.

Construction Plant Hire Association guidance (www.cpa.uk.net)

• Best Practice Guide – Maintenance, Inspection and Thorough Examination.
• Tower Crane Operator's Handbook
• Tower Crane Out of Service Wind Speeds
• Leaving Tower Cranes Out-of-Service When Other Cranes Are Working on Multiple Tower Crane Sites.

Further information:

Health and Safety Executive
FOD CD Cons Policy and Sector Unit
Rose Court
2 Southwark Bridge
SE1 9HS

General note:

Please pass this information to a colleague who may have or use this equipment.