05.09.2008

New York implements new tower crane rules

New York City council has voted to approve three pieces of legislation to improve construction safety at sites where tower and climber cranes are in use.

The following are the main points of the new rules:

1. Heightening communication and coordination of safety procedures.

This measure intends to strengthen and improve coordination between safety procedure and inspection protocols between the many workers involved in tower and climber crane erection, climbing and dismantling operations.
Specifically, the legislation requires that licensed engineers and riggers prepare a plan and file this plan with the Department of Buildings.

Further, prior to a crane’s initial erection or dismantling, the general contractor must hold a safety coordination meeting with the engineer, rigger, crane safety coordinator and the site safety manager. The pre climb safety meeting must take place no more than 24-hours prior to each instance of a tower or climber crane climbed. The general contractor must notify the Department of Buildings at least 48-hours before any meetings are held, and the meetings must cover all topics related to the scope of work.

2. Increasing climber and tower crane training requirements.

This measure requires that workers who operate, climb or erect tower cranes be required to complete an authorised 30-hour training course. Those who have completed the course once will need to take an eight-hour refresher course within the following three years and every three years thereafter.

3. Limiting the use of nylon slings in crane operations.

This measure limits the use of nylon slings in the operation of climbing or erection of tower cranes to instances where the manufacturer’s manual specifically states or recommends the use of such slings and where certain additional safety measures have been taken.

Council speaker Christine Quinn said: “The tragedies that have occurred at city construction sites over the past year are both devastating and unacceptable. The City Council has made a commitment to improving the safety of our construction sites, and today’s legislation implements smart regulations around crane operation that will help to protect the workers that are so important to the development of our City and the pedestrians that walk around construction site cranes everyday.”