Tower Crane Operation

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines essential safety protocols for tower crane operation, including risk assessments for potential hazards such as collapses, falls, and electrical contacts. It is crucial for construction managers, crane operators, and safety officers to ensure compliance with workplace safety legislation. Utilizing this document helps mitigate risks and enhance safety measures, safeguarding personnel and minimizing incidents related to crane operations.

• Tower crane collapse during operation, erection, or dismantling – catastrophic, fatality
• Fall from height during mast climbing, jib assembly, or maintenance – serious injury or fatality
• Dropped load during lifting operations – serious injury or fatality
• Jib or counterweight striking personnel or structures
• Contact with overhead electrical lines during crane operation
• Overloading the crane beyond its rated capacity
• High-wind loading causing structural failure, load swing, or out-of-service jib failure
• Failure of tie-back anchors causing mast collapse

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) – Part 5.1 High Risk Work, Schedule 18
• AS 2550.1 – Cranes – Safe use – General requirements
• AS 2550.17 – Tower cranes
• AS 1418.14 – Cranes – Requirements for the design and construction of tower cranes
• AS/NZS 1891.1 – Industrial fall-arrest systems
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (2024)
• Independently Verified Erection/Dismantling/Climbing Method Statement (associated document)
• Structural Engineer's Foundation and Tie-Back Design (associated document)
• Tower Crane Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist (associated document)
• Approved Lift Plan (associated document)