These regulations regulate the manner in which construction/construction sites are managed and all persons involved in construction work. They must be read in conjunction with the OHSA. Some of the more important definitions to note are: “Agent”; “Client”; “Competent person”; “Construction manager”; “Construction supervisor”; “Construction work”; “Designer”; “Excavation work”; “Structure”. Please note that there are more definitions that may be relevant. It is important to understand these as they may impact on your compliance requirements.
This regulation sets out the contractor’s duties with regard to cranes.
Compliance Obligations?
These compliance obligations are in addition to compliance with the Driven Machinery Regulations.
A contractor must ensure that where tower cranes are used, that they are designed and erected under the supervision of a competent person. Furthermore where a tower crane is used a relevant risk assessment and method statement must be developed and applied.
The effects of wind forces on the crane must be taken into consideration and a wind speed device that provides the operator with an audible warning when the wind speed exceeds the design engineer’s specification must be fitted. The bases for the tower cranes and tracks for rail-mounted tower cranes must be firm, level and secured.
It is the duty of the contractor to ensure that the tower crane operators are competent to carry out the work safely and that they have a medical certificate of fitness to work issued by an occupational health practitioner in the form of Annexure 3.