Tower cranes are incredibly useful equipment at construction sites where lifting of heavy construction materials or equipment is needed.
It is difficult to imagine erecting a towering building without the help of these cranes. They are especially popular in urban settings where movement and maneuvering of mobile lifting equipment may pose a challenge due to space constraints. Tower cranes often rise hundreds of feet into the air, and can reach out just as far.
Tower cranes have existed for decades. They date back to 1908 when the first tower crane designed for construction works was built in a German factory. The machines quickly gained popularity with an operator cabin on the top; they were perfectly adapted to work on narrow streets in European cities of that time.
Modern tower cranes are equipped with advanced technology, providing easy lifting of heavy construction materials to large heights with minimal time and effort.
There are various types of tower cranes. These include: Hammerhead tower crane, Luffing tower crane, Self-erecting tower crane, Flat-top tower crane, Top-slewing crane and Topkit tower crane. They are differentiated by their capabilities and suitability for certain situations.
Although advances in technology and safety have rendered tower cranes mostly safe to use, disasters have been known to occur. In 2021, nine people lost their lives when a tower crane that was being decommissioned collapsed in Nairobi.
Unsafe working practices may result in serious injuries, costly damage to buildings or materials, and even fatalities. When using tower cranes or any type of lifting equipment in a project, being aware of the risks involved is very important.
Common Crane Hazards
Crane collapse is major hazard that can cause fatal injuries at the site besides severe damage to property. Crane collapse can be caused by overloading or improper anchoring.
Falling loads is also a common hazard when working with tower cranes. A falling load can cause serious injuries, fatalities, or structural damage to the project and surrounding properties. This can be caused by mechanical failure of the crane or negligence of operators who may fail to secure loads properly before hoisting commences.
Electrical hazards represent around 50% of accidents that involve overhead cranes. They are caused when a metallic crane component touches a power source, such as a high-voltage line. This risk is present in most construction sites, when lifts are performed close to energized power lines.
While these hazards may not be entirely preventable, it is possible to minimize them by taking appropriate precautions when working with tower cranes.
Crane operators must be qualified to operate the equipment. In addition, proper safety training should be given to not only crane operators but also all workers at the site. Workers should never stand under loads or within their path, and operators must never lift a load over a worker. Clear warning signs should be displayed in all danger zones to warn workers and visitors of potential hazards.
A crane supervisor must always be on duty when the crane is being operated and all construction workers and visitors should wear suitable protective equipment.
