Crane Code of Practice

ARCHIVE
Approved Code of Practice for
Cranes
Includes the Design, Manufacture, Supply,

Safe Operation, Maintenance and Inspection
of Cranes
ARCHIVE
Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service

Department of Labour
Wellington
New Zealand
Published March 2001
ISBN 0-477-03643-0
Price: $25.00 (incl. GST)
OSH 3160
ARCHIVE
CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ISSUE 6
FOREWORD 7
A SUMMARY OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY

IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 8
Regulations 8
Approved Codes of Practice 8
Employers’ Duties 8
Hazard Management 9
Information for Employees 10
Employers to Involve Employees in the Development of
Health and Safety Procedures 10
Training of Employees 10
Safety of People Who Are Not Employees 10
Employees’ and Self-Employed Persons’ Duties 11
Accidents and Serious Harm (Recording and Notification) 11
Notifiable Works 11
PART 1: GENERAL 12
1.1 Preface 12
1.2 Scope 12
1.3 Definitions 12
PART 2: DUTIES OF CONTROLLERS 18

2.1 Operations 18
2.2 Routine Checking 20
2.3 Inspection/Certification 20
2.4 Alterations and Repairs 20
2.5 Maintenance 21
2.6 Accident Notification 21
PART 3: DUTIES OF DESIGNERS 23

3.1 Duties 23
PART 4: DUTIES OF DESIGN VERIFIERS 26

4.1 Duties 26
ARCHIVE
PART 5: DUTIES OF MANUFACTURERS 27
5.1 Duties 27
PART 6: DUTIES OF SUPPLIERS AND IMPORTERS 28

6.1 Duties 28
PART 7: FUNCTIONS OF EQUIPMENT INSPECTORS 29

7.1 Functions 29
PART 8: MOBILE CRANES 30

8.1 General 30
8.2 Additional Requirements 30
PART 9: TOWER CRANES 33

9.1 General 33
PART 10: GANTRY CRANES

(INCLUDING ELECTRIC OVERHEAD
TRAVELLING CRANES) 37
10.1 General 37
PART 11: VEHICLE-MOUNTED TRUCK LOADER CRANES

(INCLUDING KNUCKLEBOOM AND
TELESCOPIC/STRAIGHT BOOM) 41
11.1 General 41
PART 12: TRACTOR CRANES, INDUSTRIAL CRANES

AND SIDEBOOM PIPE LAYERS 45
12.1 General 45
PART 13: OTHER CRANES 47

13.1 General 47
PART 14: EARTHMOVING AND FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

(WHEN BEING USED AS A CRANE) 49
14.1 General 49
PART 15: FORKLIFTS AND MATERIAL HANDLERS

(WHEN BEING USED AS A CRANE) 50
15.1 General 50
ARCHIVE
PART 16: CRANE-LIFTED WORK PLATFORMS 51
PART 17: DEMOLITION BALL OPERATIONS 53

17.1 Machines 53
17.2 Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) 53
17.3 Demolition Ball 53
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Safe Load Indicators, etc. 55
Appendix B: Hand Signals 56
Appendix C: Reference Standards and Documents 61
Appendix D: Seismic Requirements for The Design of Tower,
Portal and High Pedestal Cranes 62
Appendix E: Stability Requirements for the Design of
Elevated Power Cranes Under Seismic Loading 66
ARCHIVE
NOTICE OF ISSUE
I have issued this Approved Code of Practice for Cranes, being a statement
of preferred work practices or arrangements for the purpose of ensuring the
health and safety of persons to which this code applies and persons who
may be affected by the activities covered by this code.
J. M. Chetwin
Secretary of Labour
6 APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR C RANES

ARCHIVE
FOREWORD
I have approved this statement of preferred work practices, which is an

Approved Code of Practice for Cranes, under section 20 of the Health and
Safety in Employment Act 1992. When a code is approved, a Court may
have regard to it in relation to compliance with the relevant sections of the
Health and Safety in Employment Act. This means that if an employer in an
industry or using a process to which an approved code applies can show
compliance with that code in all matters it covers, a Court may consider
this to be compliance with the provisions of the Act to which the code
relates.
Hon. Margaret Wilson

Minister of Labour
APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 7

ARCHIVE
A SUMMARY OF THE
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN
EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992
The principal object of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is to
prevent harm to employees at work. To do this, it imposes duties on
employers, employees, principals and others, and promotes excellent health
and safety management by employers. It also provides for the making of
regulations and codes of practice.
REGULATIONS
Regulations are promulgated from time to time under the HSE Act.
Regulations may impose duties on employers, employees, designers,
manufacturers, and others relating to health and safety. These regulations
may apply with respect to places of work, plant, processes or substances
and may have been made to deal with particular problems that have arisen.
APPROVED CODES OF PRACTICE

“Approved Codes of Practice” are provided for in section 20 of the HSE
Act. They are statements of preferred work practice or arrangements, and
may include procedures which could be taken into account when deciding
on the practicable steps to be taken. Compliance with codes of practice is
not mandatory. However, they may be used as evidence of good practice in
court.
EMPLOYERS’ DUTIES
Employers have the most duties to perform to ensure the health and safety
of employees at work.
Employers have a general duty to take all practicable steps to ensure the
safety of employees. In particular, they are required to take all practicable
steps to:
(a) Provide and maintain a safe working environment;
(b) Provide and maintain facilities for the safety and health of
employees at work;
(c) Ensure that machinery and equipment is safe for employees;
8 APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR C RANES

ARCHIVE
(d) Ensure that working arrangements are not hazardous to employees;
and
(e) Provide procedures to deal with emergencies that may arise while
employees are at work.
Taking “all practicable steps” means what is reasonably able to be done to
achieve the result in the circumstances, taking into account:
(a) The severity of any injury or harm to health that may occur;
(b) The degree of risk or probability of that injury or harm occurring;
(c) How much is known about the hazard and the ways of eliminating,
reducing or controlling it; and
(d) The availability, effectiveness and cost of the possible safeguards.
HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Employers shall have an effective method to identify and regularly review
hazards in the place of work (existing, new and potential). They shall
determine whether the identified hazards are significant hazards and require
further action.
If an accident or harm occurs that requires particulars to be recorded,
employers are required to investigate it to determine if it was caused by or
arose from a significant hazard.
“Significant hazard” means a hazard that is an actual or potential cause or
source of:
(a) Serious harm; or
(b) Harm (being more than trivial) where the severity of effects on a
person depends (entirely or among other things) on the extent or
frequency of the person’s exposure to the hazard; or
(c) Harm that does not usually occur, or usually is not easily
detectable, until a significant time after exposure to the hazard.
Where the hazard is significant, the HSE Act sets out the steps employers
shall take:
(a) Where practicable, the hazard shall be eliminated.
(b) If elimination is not practicable, the hazard shall be isolated.
(c) If it is impracticable to eliminate or isolate the hazard, the
employer shall minimise the likelihood that employees will be
harmed by the hazard.
Where the hazard has not been eliminated or isolated, employers shall:
(a) Ensure that protective equipment is provided, accessible and used;
(b) Monitor employees’ exposure to the hazard;
(c) Seek the consent of employees to monitor their health; and
(d) With their informed consent, monitor employees’ health.

ARCHIVE
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES
Before employees begin work, they shall be informed by their employer of:
(a) Hazards employees may be exposed to while at work;
(b) Hazards employees may create which could harm people;
(c) How to minimise the likelihood of these hazards becoming a
source of harm to themselves and others;
(d) The location of safety equipment; and
(e) Emergency procedures.
Employees should be provided with the results of any health and safety
monitoring. In doing so, the privacy of individual employees shall be
protected.
EMPLOYERS TO INVOLVE EMPLOYEES IN THE

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY
PROCEDURES
Employers need to ensure that all employees have the opportunity to be
fully involved in the development of procedures for the purpose of
identifying and controlling significant hazards, or dealing with or reacting
to emergencies and imminent dangers.
TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES
Employers shall ensure employees are either sufficiently experienced to do
their work safely or are supervised by an experienced person. In addition,
employees shall be adequately trained in the safe use of all plant, objects,
substances and protective clothing and equipment that the employee may be
required to use or handle.
SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES

Employers also have a general duty towards persons who are not
employees.
Employers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that employees do not
harm any other person while at work, including members of the public or
visitors to the place of work.
10 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

ARCHIVE
EMPLOYEES’ AND SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS’
DUTIES
Employees and self-employed persons have a responsibility for their own
health and safety while at work. They shall also ensure that their own
actions do not harm anyone else.
However, these responsibilities do not detract from the employer’s
responsibilities.
ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS HARM (RECORDING

AND NOTIFICATION)
The HSE Act requires employers to keep a register of work-related
accidents and serious harm. This includes every accident that harmed (or
might have harmed):
(a) Any employee at work;
(b) Any person in a place of work under the employer’s control.
Employers are also required to investigate all accidents and near-misses to
determine whether they were caused by or arose from a significant hazard.
Employers are required to notify serious harm that occurs to employees
while at work to the Secretary of Labour (in practice, the nearest OSH
office), as soon as possible. In addition, the accident shall also be notified
in the form prescribed within 7 days. (Suitable forms for notification are
available from OSH offices and selected stationers.)
If a person suffers serious harm, the scene of the accident shall not be
disturbed unless to:
(a) Save life or prevent suffering;
(b) Maintain public access for essential services, e.g. electricity, gas;
(c) Prevent serious damage or loss of property.
The OSH office will advise whether it wishes to investigate the accident
and what action may be taken in the meantime.
NOTIFIABLE WORKS
The Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 require each
employer to notify the inspector of certain work, deemed to be more than
usually dangerous, before it is started. For more details see the Regulations.

ARCHIVE
PART 1: GENERAL
1.1 PREFACE
This code has been prepared by the Occupational Safety and Health Service
of the Department of Labour in conjunction with representatives of the
industries concerned. Its purpose is to support the requirements of the
Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999
and the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995. References in
this code to ‘Regulations’ mean the Pressure Equipment, Cranes and
Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999.
Adoption of this code will provide an increased level of safety for all types
of cranes covered by this document.
Proposals for changes to this code may be submitted to OSH, for
consideration by the industry group concerned.
1.2 SCOPE
This code covers, but is not limited to, the following cranes:
Dockside Derrick/Post
Jib Mobile (including crawler)
Overhead travelling and gantry Tower
Pillar Vehicle-mounted truck loader
Union purchase Wharf and container
It also covers the following equipment when being used as a crane:
Forklift trucks Earthmoving and
Material handlers forestry equipment
1.3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this code, the following definitions apply:
Act: Means the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
Activity: In relation to any equipment, means any of the following:
(a) Adjustment
(b) Alteration
(c) Commissioning
(d) Construction
(e) Disposal

ARCHIVE
(f) Design
(g) Design verification
(h) Equipment inspection
(i) Installation
(j) Investigation
(k) Maintenance
(1) Manufacture
(m) Operation
(n) Repair
(o) Testing
Alteration: Means changing the design of, adding to, or taking elements
away from the crane and includes the relocation of non-mobile
equipment but does not include repairs, replacements, or routine
maintenance.
Anchorage: Means the securing of a crane in position, or the fixed end
of a rope, or a dead-end of a rope.
Anti-two-block cutout: Means a device that is activated as a crane
comes close to a two-blocking situation and prevents any further
motions.
Anti-two-block warning device: Means a device that warns of the hook
block being pulled into the boom head.
Automatic safeload indicator: Means a device which requires no
manual setting or adjustment, fitted to a crane to provide the operator
with automatic warning of approach to an overload situation.
Boom: Means a cantilevered structure from which a load is suspended.
Boom angle indicator: Means a device which shows the angle of
inclination of a luffing (derricking) boom.
Boom arrestors (also referred to as safety ropes): Means ties fitted
between the underside of the boom to a fixed part of the crane to
prevent whip back. Safety ropes may also be fitted between the
underside of a fly jib and boom.
Boom back stops: Means a device fitted to the crane to prevent
whipback.
Certificate of inspection: Means a certificate issued by an inspection
body in accordance with the Regulations.
Competent person: Means a person who has acquired, through a
combination of training, qualification or experience, the knowledge
and skills to perform the task required.
Controller: Means a person who is the owner, lessee, sublessee, or
bailee of any equipment in a place of work.

ARCHIVE
Crane:
(a) Means a powered device:
(i) That is equipped with mechanical means for raising or
lowering loads suspended by means of a hook or other
load-handling device; and
(ii) That can, by the movement of the whole device or of
its boom, jib, trolley or other such part, reposition or
move suspended loads both vertically and
horizontally; and
(b) Includes all parts of the crane down to and including the
hook or load-handling device, and all ropes, wires, chains
or other devices used to move the hook, or device; but
(c) Does not include lifting tackle that is not an integral part of
the crane.
Crane rating chart: Means a notice fitted on or attached to a crane
stating the maximum SWL for the crane in specified operating
conditions.
Crane operator: Means a person who has acquired, through a
combination of training, qualification or experience, the knowledge
and skills to operate a particular type of crane.
Current: Means for the time being in force and “currently” has a
corresponding meaning.
Derricking: Refer to Luffing.
Designer: Means a designer of equipment that could reasonably be
expected to be operated in a place of work.
Design verification: Means verification that the following comply, in
every respect related to safety, with the requirements of the
appropriate design standards and contain every safety feature that is
relevant, whether or not referred to in those standards:
(a) Design of equipment; and
(b) Alterations to designs, affecting the structural strength or
safety of equipment, made in the course of manufacture;
and
(c) Designs of any repair or alteration affecting the operational
safety of the equipment repaired or altered or any other
equipment; and
(d) The fabrication inspection requirements specified by the
designer.
Design verifier: Means a person who:
(a) Is employed or engaged by an accredited inspection body to
carry out the functions referred to in the Regulations; and
(b) Is the holder of a relevant certificate of competence.

ARCHIVE
Equipment: Refer to Regulation 4 of the Pressure Equipment Cranes
and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999.
Equipment inspection: Means an inspection carried out by an
equipment inspector that:
(a) Is carried out to determine whether equipment is safe and is
likely to remain safe; and
(b) Takes place in one or more of the following periods:
(i) The period in which the equipment, or its component
parts, is manufactured;
(ii) The period after the manufacture and before the
commissioning of the equipment;
(iii) The period after the commissioning of the equipment;
(iv) The period after a repair or alteration to which the
Regulations apply; or
(v) The period after maintenance, or an adjustment,
alteration, or repair to which the Regulations apply.
Equipment inspector: Means a person, who:
(a) Is employed or engaged by an inspection body to carry out
the functions referred to in the Regulations; and
(b) Is the holder of a relevant certificate of competence.
Erection: Means, in relation to any type of equipment, the assembly,
construction, and includes installation.
Factor of safety: Means the ratio obtained by dividing the minimum
specified breaking load by the safe working load.
Inspection body: Means:
(a) An organisation currently recognised under the
Regulations; and
(b) In relation to a design verifier or equipment inspector, the
inspection body by which the design verifier or equipment
inspector is employed or engaged.
Inspection protocol: Means procedures acceptable to OSH for the
purpose of inspecting 5 to 15-metre tonne vehicle-mounted truck
loader cranes (see Part 11.2.5) and up to 10-tonne tractor cranes,
industrial cranes and sideboom pipe layers (see Part 12.2).
Lifting gear:
(a) Means a device used:
(i) To attach the load to the hook or load-handling
device; or
(ii) To control the load independently of the hook or
load-handling device; or

ARCHIVE
(iii) As a container for the load; and
(b) Includes lifting beams, lifting frames, spreaders or similar
devices that are not an integral part of the crane.
Limit switch: Means an automatically-activated switch to warn an
operator or to stop a particular crane motion prior to the extremity of
operations.
Load-handling device:
(a) Means a device:
(i) That is an integral part of the crane; and
(ii) That may be substituted for the hook; and
(b) Includes lifting beams, lifting frames and spreaders or
similar devices and associated chains, pins, pulley blocks,
pulley frames, ropes, shackles, twist locks and wires.
Load indicating device: Means a device that measures and displays the
weight being lifted or force being applied.
Load moment: Means the load x the horizontal distance from the centre
of rotation to the hook.
Load moment indicator: Means a device that indicates the load
moment.
Load moment limiter: Means a device that is preset prior to operation,
that limits the lifting capacity at any given crane configuration.
Load radius indicator: Means a device fitted on a crane which shows
the distance to the hook measured from the centre of the slew.
Luffing: Means the raising and lowering of the crane boom.
Maintenance: Includes servicing.
Multi-lifting: Means the use of more than one crane to raise a single
load.
Operate: In relation to equipment:
(a) Means to use the equipment; and
(b) Includes making the equipment available for use, whether
by hiring or otherwise – and “operation” has a
corresponding meaning.
Operating manual: Means documentation published by the
manufacturer(s) that includes maintenance procedures, general
specifications, and other relevant data.
Outriggers: Means structural members used to provide stability during
crane operations.
Overload protection: Means a device which prevents the crane from
moving into an overload situation by stopping all load moment
increasing functions.

ARCHIVE
Radius: Means the horizontal distance from the centre line of the crane
hook to the centre of rotation.
Rated capacity indicator: See Safeload Indicator.
Regulations: Means the Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger
Ropeways (PECPR) Regulations 1999 and Health and Safety in
Employment Regulations 1995.
Repair: Means to restore equipment to an operating condition but does
not include alterations, replacements or routine maintenance.
Safeload indicator: A device which, when fitted to a crane, gives,
within certain specified tolerance levels, a warning of the approach to
the safe working load of the crane, and further warning when a the
safe working load has been exceeded.
NOTE: 1. In addition, a safe load indicator may have to supply
certain defined information associated with the safe use
of the crane.
2. Rated capacity indicator is an equivalent term.
Safety device: Means any kind of device, item, or system that is used in
or on equipment and that controls or monitors any aspect of the safety
of the equipment and includes a safety relief device.
Safe working load (SWL): Means the maximum rated load which can
be safely handled.
Secretary: Means the Secretary of Labour.
Self-erecting tower crane: Means a tower crane with the capability of
self-erection. Self-erecting cranes are not to be confused with
self-climbing cranes.
Self-climbing tower crane: Means a tower crane using its own motive
power to extend its height. Self-climbing cranes are not to be
confused with self-erecting cranes.
Slewing: Means the rotary motion of a crane, boom or load in a
horizontal plane.
Stability: Means the ability of a crane to resist tipping.
Supplier:
(a) Means a person who supplies or imports equipment that could
reasonably be expected to be operated in a place of work; and
(b) Includes a person who sells or hires, or offers for sale or hire,
equipment that could reasonably be expected to be operated in a
place of work.
Telescopic boom: Means a boom which incorporates telescopically
extendable elements in the boom structure.
Type fault: Means a fault inherent in a particular type of equipment,
resulting from deficiencies in the design or manufacturing process,
that may cause the equipment to cause serious harm to any person.

ARCHIVE
PART 2: DUTIES OF
CONTROLLERS
The term “controller” means a person who is the owner, lessee, sublessee,
or bailee of equipment in a place of work.
The controller of a crane is ultimately responsible for the safe operation,
testing, inspection, repair and maintenance of the crane, as stated below and
in accordance with the relevant crane type.
The controller may appoint a competent person to carry out that function or
activity.
2.1 OPERATIONS
EVERY CONTROLLER of a crane is required to:
(1) Supervise every crane function or specified activity.
(2) Delegate such powers as are required to enable the appointed
competent person to carry out that function or activity.
(3) Ensure that the name of the competent person is known to any
other persons who carry out any related activity.
(4) Ensure that every crane is operated in a safe manner by a
competent person within the limits of its design, and is not
overloaded above its safe working load (SWL) except for
maintenance and testing after maintenance under controlled and
supervised conditions by a competent person.
(5) Ensure that procedures relating to the operation of the crane in any
condition/situation are developed and kept under regular review.
(6) Ensure that:
(a) All drawings, manuals, specifications, certificates,
operational procedures, rating sheets, hand signal charts
etc., are maintained in current form.
(b) In situations where special lifts are involved or where hand
signals alone are inadequate, other forms of communication
shall be used.
(c) When radio or telephone is used as a means of signalling,
the channel selected shall be kept clear of all other
communications. A constant talk method shall be adopted
requiring the radio users to talk in such a manner that the
progress of the task is continuously made known to people
involved at all times.

ARCHIVE
(d) During lifting operations, hand signals and any voice
instruction to the crane operator(s) should only be given by
one person at a time.
(e) All crane operations cease immediately when any loss or
deterioration of radio communication occurs.
(7) Ensure the means of securing ropes to a drum, hook block or
structure of the crane are as specified by the manufacturer. Care is
to be taken to ensure that anchorage points are securely fastened in
accordance with instructions.
(8) Ensure that examinations are carried out periodically to ensure the
safety of rope systems. Ropes shall be thoroughly examined by a
competent person for wear, damage and corrosion. Particular
attention should be paid to the splices, the area lying close to
terminal fittings and to any other section of rope which has, from
previous experience, been shown to be liable to early deterioration.
(9) Ensure that any crane that is considered unsafe is withdrawn from
service.
(10) Ensure that any crane that is considered unsafe by an equipment
inspector is made safe to the satisfaction of an equipment inspector
before further use.
(11) Ensure that to prevent unauthorised use of a radio-controlled crane,
the operator of the crane:
(a) Retains the transmitter in his or her physical possession;
(b) When the crane is not in use, deposits the transmitter in safe
storage.
(12) Ensure that when the radio transmitter is fitted with a belt or
harness, the driver should be wearing the harness before switching
on the transmitter so that accidental operation of the crane is
prevented. The transmitter should only be switched on when
operating the crane and should be switched off before removing the
harness.
(13) Ensure that any load-handling device such as grapples, demolition
balls, clam shells, piling hammers, magnets etc. is maintained and
operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
and kept in a safe condition.
(14) Ensure that no crane with a load (other than the hook and slings) is
operated in a free fall situation on any site other than clam shelling,
draglining, pile driving, demolition and compaction.
(15) Ensure that moving parts and exposed equipment which may
reasonably and practically be expected to cause injury should be
suitably guarded.

ARCHIVE
2.2 ROUTINE CHECKING
EVERY CONTROLLER of a crane shall ensure that:
(1) Procedures are put in place as per manufacturer’s instructions for
operators to carry out regular checks to enable the crane to be
operated safely.
(2) The controlled range feature, where fitted on radio-controlled
cranes, should be tested at suitable intervals and it is necessary that
at the beginning of each shift, or where there is a change in the
crane operator, the controlled range should be checked to ensure
that it is in accordance with the limits specified for its operation.
2.3 INSPECTION/CERTIFICATION
(1) Cranes are inspected by an equipment inspector and issued with a
certificate of inspection by the inspection body at intervals not
exceeding 12 months, excepting those cranes covered by an
“Inspection Protocol”.
(2) Records are kept of the date, time and results of any inspection
carried out and the name of the inspection body involved.
(3) The inspection body engaged is currently recognised as an
inspection body for cranes of the relevant type.
(4) The equipment inspector is provided with safe and adequate means
of access to the crane.
(5) The unique identifier assigned by the inspection body shall be
permanently and clearly marked on every crane when it is issued
with a certificate of inspection for the first time.
2.4 ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS

(1) The date and results of any structural alterations or repairs are
recorded.
(2) Alterations or repairs that require changes in the quality of the
materials used on the crane or changes to the dimensions of
components providing structural integrity are subject to the
manufacturer’s written approval. Where the manufacturer’s
approval is not available, the repair is designed by a registered
engineer and design verified and carried out to the satisfaction of
an equipment inspector. The documentation is to be made available
to the inspection body.
(3) Any structural repair that requires welding is carried out by a
qualified welder in accordance with manufacturer’s specific

ARCHIVE
procedures. If a manufacturer’s procedures cannot be obtained,
then procedures must be approved by a qualified welding inspector
and carried out to the satisfaction of an equipment inspector.
(4) Adjustments or repairs to any safety device shall be carried out by
a competent person.
(5) Any tests required by the equipment inspector are carried out to the
satisfaction of the equipment inspector in accordance with the
relevant Standards.
2.5 MAINTENANCE
(1) Every crane is maintained in a safe condition and in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
(2) A procedure is in place that ensures a safety-related fault is
immediately repaired.
(3) All maintenance records, procedures, drawings, specifications and
instructions are kept up to date.
2.6 ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION

EVERY CONTROLLER shall:
(1) Take all practicable steps to ensure that, if an event of the kind
described in sub-clause (2) occurs, the actions described in sub-
clause (3) are carried out.
(2) The event is one that:
(a) Occurs in a place of work; and
(b) Causes:
(i) Damage that affects the operational safety of
equipment; or
(ii) Causes damage to other property that may affect the
safety of equipment; and
(c) Might, in different circumstances, have caused any person
to be seriously harmed.
(3) The actions are:
(a) Notifying the Secretary as soon as possible after the event;
and
(b) Giving the Secretary, within 7 days of the event’s
occurrence, a detailed written report of an investigation of
the circumstances of the event carried out by an inspection
body or by a registered engineer independent of the

ARCHIVE
controller. Further detail is available in the Health and
Safety in Employment Act 1992.

ARCHIVE
PART 3: DUTIES OF
DESIGNERS
3.1 DUTIES
DESIGNERS OF CRANES shall ensure that:
(1) The crane is designed for the operating conditions to a standard
acceptable to OSH, e.g. BS, AS, EN, ANSI, DIN, ISO, JIS and any
others that may be gazetted at a later date.
(2) Included in the design shall be calculations for seismic influences,
ice, snow and wind loadings (where applicable for the type of
crane).
(3) The design verification, fabrication inspection requirements and
safe working load are determined in accordance with the specific
design Standard for that particular crane, Regulation 18 of the
Regulations and the requirements of this code.
(4) Where two or more ropes are used in a system, means shall be
provided for ensuring that tensile forces in the ropes are distributed
in the designed proportions. Arrangements entailing reverse bends
shall be avoided as far as possible. A rope reeving diagram shall be
provided with the crane.
(5) Derricking ropes shall be of sufficient length to permit the jib to be
raised from, or lowered to, the horizontal position during the
erection or inspection of the crane.
(6) Where ropes are used to support a fixed offset fly jib, the distances
between the support point centres shall be specified by the
manufacturer to enable the fly jib offset to be correctly set under
working conditions.
(7) Electrical Protection
The electrical installation of every crane in New Zealand shall be
in accordance with the appropriate requirements of AS/NZS 3000:
2000.
NOTE: Such electrical installation may be subject to the
requirements of the AS 1418 series of Standards or other
requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities.
(8) Controls
(a) Operating levers or wheels shall have clear markings, on or
adjacent to them, to indicate their function and mode of

ARCHIVE
operation. Control arrangements can be specifically
designed for ‘joystick’ control of two movements
simultaneously, otherwise they shall be so designed that
selection of one movement cannot cause any other
movement unless it is for the operation of a safety device or
interlock. Control valve systems shall be designed to return
to the neutral position when released, except when
operational characteristics dictate otherwise.
(b) On electrically-powered cranes if power is lost for any
reason, it shall not be possible to restart the drive on
restoration of the supply unless the control device has first
been returned to the ‘off’ position.
(c) The weight of the pendant control shall be supported
independently of its electrical conductors. If the pendant
control enclosure is of metal, then it shall be earthed and
the earth shall not depend on supporting chains for
continuity.
(d) The design of electrically-operated overhead travelling
cranes shall be such that all brakes will automatically apply
in the event of power failure.
(e) When magnet attachments are used it is recommended that
there is a backup system, e.g. a battery, in case power
supply to the magnet fails. This should be mandatory when
personnel are in close proximity.
(9) Radio-Controlled Equipment
(a) Ensure that equipment that controls the operation of the
crane by radio, induction or other non-conduct means shall
include the following:
(i) A key switch or equivalent security device on the
transmitter that can be used to prevent unauthorised
use of the transmitter.
(ii) An emergency stop device. The system used for (iii)
shall only be used for emergency stop where it
introduces no additional inbuilt time delay.
(iii) The transmitter should be constructed so that it is
capable of withstanding rough handling.
(iv) Suitable visual indication on the crane indicating
when the crane is on radio control.
(b) A radio-controlled crane shall incorporate a controlled
range feature which enables the operating range to be
positively limited to a safe distance determined by the
competent person responsible for safety. The practical
effect of this is that if the driver tries to send the crane
beyond the controlled range, the main contactor of the crane

ARCHIVE
will open automatically and the crane should come to rest
under the action of its automatically-operated progressive
form of long and cross-travel brake.
(10) Access
Safe access and means of emergency escape shall be provided and
maintained in good condition for the driving position(s) of the
crane and for inspection, maintenance, repair, erection and
dismantling of all parts of the crane.

ARCHIVE
PART 4: DUTIES OF DESIGN
VERIFIERS
4.1 DUTIES
DESIGN VERIFIERS are to:
(1) Carry out design verification on behalf of an inspection body.
(2) Make recommendations to the inspection body relating to the issue
or cancellation of certificates of design verification in accordance
with Regulations 30 and 31.

ARCHIVE
PART 5: DUTIES OF
MANUFACTURERS
5.1 DUTIES
EVERY MANUFACTURER of a crane shall ensure that:
(1) The manufacture is carried out to the design and the Standard.
(2) Any changes made to the design of the crane in the course of
manufacture are approved by the designer, verified as necessary,
recorded and the crane is then manufactured in accordance with the
revised design.
(3) The moving parts of a crane shall be so guarded as to afford
adequate protection to all persons working on/with the crane or
who may be in the vicinity thereof.
(4) The Secretary and controller are advised of type faults.
(5) The controller is supplied with the information in accordance with
Regulation 21.

ARCHIVE
PART 6: DUTIES OF
SUPPLIERS AND
IMPORTERS
6.1 DUTIES
EVERY SUPPLIER OR IMPORTER of a crane shall ensure that:
(1) The crane complies with the following regulations of the Pressure
Equipment Cranes and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999 and
any subsequent amendments:
Reg. 18 Duties relating to design and design verification.
Reg. 19 Duties relating to manufacture and fabrication inspection.
Reg. 20 Duties relating to supply.
Reg. 21 Duties relating to provision of information.
(2) The documentation for the crane is written in English and all
dimensions used are in the metric system.
(3) The Secretary and controller are advised of type faults.

ARCHIVE
PART 7: FUNCTIONS OF
EQUIPMENT INSPECTORS
7.1 FUNCTIONS
(1) The functions of an equipment inspector are to:
(a) Carry out equipment inspections on behalf of an inspection
body. If it is a new crane, then all documentation is also to
be checked; and
(b) Make recommendations to the inspection body relating to
the issue of certificates of inspection and, whether or not
that inspection body issued the particular certificate of
inspection in question, the renewal, suspension, or
cancellation of certificates of inspection; and
(c) When an NDT inspection is called for by the equipment
inspector it must be carried out by an NDT company which
is accredited for that particular type of inspection and the
report must be endorsed by the company to identify the
accreditation.
(2) An equipment inspector must inform the manufacturer or
controller, as the case requires, of:
(a) Safety issues relating to the equipment; and
(b) The action, if any required to make the equipment safe.

ARCHIVE
PART 8: MOBILE CRANES
8.1 GENERAL
(1) The following are the requirements for obtaining a certificate of
inspection for any new or used mobile crane prior to the crane
being put into operation in New Zealand (unless otherwise
specified).
The supplier shall provide the following information to the
controller relevant to the crane model and serial number from
the manufacturer for all cranes:
(a) A statement signed by the Chief Design Engineer or other
person authorised (in writing) by the manufacturer to sign
such documents stating the standard the crane was built to.
This shall be a standard acceptable to OSH, e.g. BS, AS,
EN, ANSI, DIN, ISO, JIS and any others that may be
gazetted at a later date.
(b) The rating sheets and range diagram is to be endorsed by
the Chief Design Engineer or other person authorised (in
writing) by the manufacturer to the Standard to which it
was built and the serial number of that crane.
(c) All documentation including rating sheets/range diagrams,
rope reeving diagrams and operating manuals shall be
supplied, be written in English and endorsed with the
relevant serial number.
(d) All dimensions, weights, etc. shall be metric measurements.
(e) All machines used as cranes shall have an approved range
diagram.
(f) Test certificates for all hooks, hook blocks and wire ropes
shall be provided.
(2) Safe Load Indicators, etc.
For full details of the safe load indicators, radius indicators, etc.
that are required on the various crane types, refer to Appendix A.
8.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are additional to those in 8.1 General:
(1) The stability factor shall be based on not more than 75% of tipping
load. For free on wheels it is to be not more than 66.6%.

ARCHIVE
(2) The rope safety factor shall be a minimum of 4.5 for running ropes;
3.5 for standing ropes; 3 for erection ropes and the manufacturer’s
recommended rope types and construction for each use.
(3) A general arrangement drawing showing the main boom and fly
jib, giving material type and dimensions, with chord and lacing
members specified. A dimensional cross-section of boom, chords
and lacing is required.
(4) All rigging and boom options the crane is fitted for shall be shown
in the cab.
(5) An “anti-two-block” warning device shall be fitted to cranes in
accordance with Appendix A.
NOTE: Some manufacturers use a two-block damage prevention
device in place of an anti-two-block warning device.
(6) Annual visual and operational inspections are required to assess the
general condition for continued safe operation and certification.
This should cover (but is not necessarily limited to) the following
items:
(a) Crane documentation including certified rating sheets
marked with the crane unique identifier and serial number.
(b) Maintenance and repair records including any new rope
certificates.
(c) Operation of crane to be demonstrated.
(d) General condition of crane structure, fastenings and chassis
including boom and fly jibs.
(e) Coatings condition (paint, etc.), markings and labels.
(f) General wear and tear.
(g) Conditions of welded joints.
(h) Level indicator (if fitted).
(i) Tracks/tyres.
(j) Slew ring/king post.
(k) Boom arrestors and backstops.
(1) Bridle.
(m) Counterweight/ballast.
(n) Sheaves and bearings.
(o) Hoist, luffing and slew brakes including brake linings.
(p) Safety guarding.
(q) Drums and locking pawls.
(r) Gearing.
(s) Hydraulic system including rams and attachments.

ARCHIVE
(t) Anti-two-block and other limit switches.
(u) Test of safe load indicator with test load to confirm all
functions are within manufacturer’s recommendations.
(v) Condition of hoist, luffing and pendant ropes.
(w) Rope anchors and dead ends.
(x) Hooks, hook blocks and swivel bearings.
(y) Lifting spreaders when used in place of a hook.
(z) Cab condition and controls (including safety latches).
Further detailed in-depth inspections may be required depending on results
of visual inspection.

ARCHIVE
PART 9: TOWER CRANES
9.1 GENERAL
inspection for any new or used tower crane prior to the crane being
put into operation in New Zealand (unless otherwise specified).
This shall be a standard acceptable to OSH, e.g., BS, AS,
diagram.
shall be provided.
For full details of the safe load indicators, radius indicators etc.,

In addition to the requirements in 9.1 General the following are also
required:
(1) A statement that the seismic requirements and wind loadings for
operating in New Zealand have been taken into account in the

ARCHIVE
design calculations. The stability factor shall be as per BS2799,
AS1418.4 or an equivalent standard. It is expected that the
coefficient zone factor of 1.2 will apply to all cranes. Wind forces
are to be calculated as per NZS 4203 section 5.4 or AS 141 section
4.6.2. Refer to Appendices D and E.
(2) Electrically-powered cranes should have phase failure protection so
that in the event of a phase failure ALL phases are shut down.
The following does not apply to self-erecting tower cranes which
shall have an initial inspection after first erection and thereafter an
annual inspection.
Inspection of new and existing tower cranes is to be in three
distinct parts as follows:
Part 1: An inspection prior to erection together with inspection
of any repairs found necessary.
Inspections will cover (but are not necessarily limited to) the
following items:
(a) An inspection of all components shall be carried out on
every occasion prior to a tower crane being erected. This is
commonly referred to as a ground inspection.
(b) Maintenance and repair records including any new rope
certificates.
(c) General condition of crane structure, fastenings, towers,
boom sections, counter boom section, counterweights (fixed
or moving), A-frames, cab section, base section, climbing
frame, rails.
(d) All parts to ensure they are marked for identification
purposes.
(e) Slew ring inspection and report to manufacturer’s
recommendations.
(f) Coatings condition (paint, etc.).
(g) General wear and tear (including electrical equipment).
(h) Weld condition.
(i) Counterweight section.
(j) Sheaves and bearings.
(k) Hoist, luffing, slew brakes and linings.
(1) Safety guarding.
(m) Winch drums.
(n) Gearing.

ARCHIVE
(o) Power pack.
(p) Hydraulic system, rams and attachments.
(q) Condition of hoist, luffing, trolley and pendant ropes.
(r) Bridle.
(s) Rope anchors and dead ends.
(t) Hooks, hook blocks and swivel bearings.
(u) Base anchors to be subject to magnetic particle inspection
for cracks and the date of testing recorded.
(v) Crane bolts operating in tension to be tested for defects by
visual and magnetic particle inspection techniques upon
each dismantling of the joints/connections or every 5 years,
whichever occurs first. This includes slewing, tower and
tower head bolts, if applicable.
NOTE: Any bolts found with crack-like indications shall be
removed from service and destroyed.
Further detailed in-depth inspections may be required depending
on results of visual inspection.
Part 2: The inspection and testing of the tower crane after
erection and annual inspection for recertification.
following items:
The following documentation is to be provided by the owner to the
inspector prior to testing commencing:
(a) Statement from the owner with details of crane
configuration, including number of towers, jib length,
counterweight weights certificates, rating sheet, new rope
certificates, planned changes in height with details of tie ins
and number of towers between tie ins, details of any clash
zones and load-testing programme.
(b) Foundation certificate from a registered engineer and crack
testing results of base anchors.
(c) NDT results of crack testing of tower bolts.
(d) Statement from the erector that the crane has been erected
in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
(e) Test weight certificates.
(f) Torque wrench accuracy certificate.
Inspection prior to testing to include:
(a) Crane access.
(b) Base section installation.
(c) Tower bolts.

ARCHIVE
(d) Rope anchors and dead ends.
(e) Ladders and platforms.
(f) Pins, washers, split pins, locking plates.
(g) Boom sections.
(h) Counterweight sections.
(i) Hydraulics.
(j) General electrical equipment.
(k) Bolt torques (where applicable) to be checked in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Testing to include:
(a) Crane operation.
(b) Driver’s cab and controls.
(c) Hoist, trolley and boom limit switches.
(d) Load moment cutouts.
(e) Hoist speed limiters.
(f) Phase failure protection.
(g) Overload test to 125% of maximum SWL at each operating
radius.
Part 3: The inspection and testing of the tower crane after
alteration of the height and/or jib length when installed on a
site.
following items:
(a) General inspection of crane condition.
(b) Inspection and identification of new tower sections.
(c) Confirmation of the maximum number of towers between
tie ins.
(d) Check results of magnetic particle inspection of tower bolts.
(e) Inspect tie-in collars and supports and documentation of
manufacture.
(f) Overload test to 125% of maximum SWL at maximum load
moment.
(g) Statement of a satisfactory load test by an independent
inspection organisation.

ARCHIVE
PART 10: GANTRY CRANES
(INCLUDING ELECTRIC
OVERHEAD TRAVELLING
CRANES)
10.1 GENERAL
inspection for any new or used gantry crane prior to the crane
specified).
was built and the serial number of that crane. The
construction standard and the unique number/identifier shall
be permanently displayed on the crane beam.
diagram and, in the case of gantry cranes, the safe working
loads shall be displayed on the crane beam.
shall be provided.

ARCHIVE

In addition to the requirements in 10.1 General the following are also
required:
(1) Welding to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of
the construction standard or AS/NZS1554.
(2) Cranes shall be designed and constructed to one entire standard
(both mechanical and structural) when the mechanical and
structural components are designed as a homogenous whole, i.e.
mixing of standards is not acceptable. Exception is made in the
case of purpose-built approved hoist units, utilising either chain or
wire rope for lifting, when running on the crane beam as a separate
unit. Any changes to the dimensions of the standard hoist runner
shall be design verified.
(3) A certificate of inspection of the crane during manufacture.
(4) Suitable warning notices of any live conductors on gantries and
access points.
(5) Clearly marked electrical power isolation switches.
(6) Safe and adequate means of access for inspection and maintenance
purposes are mandatory. Where this physically cannot be provided
then an alternative method must be agreed between the
manufacturer, the supplier and the owner of the crane. The means
of access must be included in the design verification and
certification of the crane by the inspection body.
(7) The crane supporting structure shall have a structural certificate
from a registered engineer together with any load limitations.
(8) In the event of failure of wheels or axles, provision is to be made
on the long and cross travel to prevent a crane or any working part
of a crane from falling off the rails.
(9) Electrical installation shall comply with the New Zealand
Electrical Regulations.
(10) A visual inspection by an equipment inspector of the crane
installation prior to testing.
(11) A performance test for the full length of travel including the
following (if fitted):
(a) End limit switches.
(b) Proximity limits.
(c) Load cells.

ARCHIVE
(d) Upper and lower hoist limits.
(e) Radio control operation.
(12) Load testing to 125% of the maximum SWL.
(13) Deflection test to be carried out in accordance with the standard to
which the crane was manufactured, or 1/750th of the
span under maximum safe working load if the standard does not
specify deflection.
NOTE: This DOES NOT apply to wharf container cranes.
(14) Test the operation of the hoist brake with the power supply turned
off and maximum SWL applied.
(15) Lowering of maximum safe working load by hand control with
power off (where applicable).
(16) Long travel braking (where applicable).
(17) Any structural change to the crane or its components requires
design verification.
(18) Relocation of an existing crane to be subject to an independent
inspection for the renewal of certificate and an overload test as if it
was a new crane. The crane supporting structure shall have a
structural certificate from a registered engineer together with any
load limitations.
(19) Uprating of the crane is to be approved by a crane designer and
design verifier. Increased loading on the supporting structure is to
be approved by a registered engineer. Testing to be carried out as
for a new crane.
NOTE: It is not mandatory to have an automatic audible visual safe
load indicator.
items:
(a) Maintenance and repair records.
(b) Operation of the crane to be demonstrated.
(c) Condition of hoist ropes and/or chains.
(d) Brakes and linings.
(e) Operation of all limit switches, alarms and proximity
sensors.
(f) Operation of radio control in all modes (if fitted).
(g) Rope anchors and dead ends.
(h) Sheaves and bearings.
(i) Crane nameplate and details.

ARCHIVE
(j) General condition of electrical equipment including pendant
controls and phase failure protection.
(k) Foundations and supports – any signs of distress apparent
during the inspection.
(1) Rails and securing attachments.
(m) Driver controls (where fitted).
(n) Cab windows (where used as protection in steelworks etc.)
and that the cab is securely attached to the crane structure.
(o) Cross travel trolley/crab.
(p) Rope drums and wrap.
(q) Couplings.
(r) Handrails, ladders and guards.
(s) Derailment catchers.
(t) End stops and buffers.
(u) Wheels, including bearings and axles.
(v) Crane structure and fastenings including welds, rivets and
bolts, and cab to crane structure.
(w) Coatings condition (paint, etc.).
(x) Lubrication.
(y) Hooks.
(z) Lifting spreaders when used as a hook.
Further detailed in-depth inspections may be required depending
on results of visual inspection.

ARCHIVE
PART 11: VEHICLE-
MOUNTED TRUCK LOADER
CRANES (INCLUDING
KNUCKLEBOOM AND
TELESCOPIC/STRAIGHT
BOOM)
11.1 GENERAL
inspection for any new or used truck loader crane prior to the crane
specified).
was built, and the serial number of that crane.
diagram.

ARCHIVE
shall be provided.
(g) For imported Japanese vehicle-mounted truck loader cranes
the official de-registration certificate is acceptable for the
crane to be used in New Zealand.

In addition to the requirements in 11.1 General, the following are also
required:
NOTE: Certain heavy duty, high duty cycle, e.g. self-loading log loaders
may be exempted from the all or any of the following requirements:
(1) Suppliers shall provide:
(a) Manufacturer’s rating chart.
(b) Manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions.
(c) Operating and maintenance instructions.
(d) Hook certificate.
(2) Before putting a crane into service there shall be:
(a) A certificate from a registered design engineer showing:
(i) Compliance with the crane manufacturer’s installation
recommendations; and
(ii) That installation has been made taking into account
the vehicle manufacturer’s installation
recommendations.
(b) An approved rating chart and range diagram and any
operating limitations the crane will operate under is
attached to the crane where it is visible to the operator. This
will be based on the stability test.
(c) A certificate that identifies the VIN number (where
applicable) of the vehicle and the serial number of the
crane.
(d) A performance test report that demonstrates the capability
of the vehicle-mounted crane to operate in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: Stability is to be demonstrated and to be in accordance
with design requirements. The vehicle is deemed to be stable if all
wheels stay on the ground. The test is to be carried out on firm
level ground.

ARCHIVE
items:
(a) All boom and extension pins and bushes.
(b) Stabiliser beams, pins and leg operation.
(c) Extension cylinder guide blocks.
(d) Control rods and pins.
(e) Hook pin and safety latch.
(f) Valve bank mounting.
(g) Tank mounting.
(h) Hydraulic hoses.
(i) Column or slew ring.
(j) Crane to truck chassis mounting.
(k) Demount mechanism on truck and crane.
(l) Crane base stop blocks fitted to both sides of main beam.
(m) Chassis spacer fitted on mounting bolts.
(n) Mounting bolts tight with lock nut or nylock.
(o) Load radius rating chart fitted.
(p) Parking bolt and parking mount.
(q) Operation of overload protection systems and load holding
valves.
(r) Electrical emergency stop and radio compliance.
(s) Crane documentation including certified rating sheets
marked with crane unique identifier and serial number.
(t) Maintenance and repair records including any new rope
certificate.
(u) General condition of crane structure, fastenings and chassis.
(v) Coatings condition (paint etc.), markings and labels.
(w) Condition of welded joints.
(x) Winch, sheaves, hook block and bearings (where fitted).
(y) Condition of hoist ropes (where fitted).
(z) Rope anchors and dead ends (where fitted).
(aa) Hook block and swivel bearing.
(bb) Jib.
(cc) Manual extension.

ARCHIVE
(4) Under 5-metre tonne cranes:
Shall comply with the 11.2(1) and 11.2(2) and:
• After initial inspection the crane then requires only an
annual inspection by a competent person and documented in
a register.
(5) 5-metre to 15-metre tonne cranes:
Shall comply with the 11.2(1) and 11.2(2) above and:
• Have an annual inspection carried out by an equipment
inspector or under an inspection protocol acceptable to
OSH.
(6) Over 15-metre tonne cranes:
(a) For units in New Zealand as at the date of the release of
this code.
Shall comply by 1/1/2003 with 11.2(1) and 11.2(2) and:
(i) Have an annual inspection carried out by an
equipment inspector.
(ii) Have an audible, visible indicator that shall warn the
operator as the load approaches the maximum safe
working load or overload protection for each load
moment increasing function.
(b) For units imported into New Zealand after the release of
this code.
Shall comply with 11.2(1) and 11.2(2) and:
(i) Have an emergency cut-off button at each operating
control station.
(ii) Be fitted with load holding valves on main, outer and
extension booms.
(iii) Be fitted with pilot controlled double check valve on
each stabiliser jack.
(iv) Have an annual inspection carried out by an
equipment inspector.
(v) Have an audible, visible indicator that shall warn the
operator as the load approaches the maximum safe
working load or overload protection for each load
moment increasing function.
(7) Vehicle-mounted truck loader cranes of 0.5-metre tonne or less are
exempt from the rest of Part 11 but are to be inspected annually by
a competent person and a register kept of these inspections.

ARCHIVE
PART 12: TRACTOR CRANES,
INDUSTRIAL CRANES AND
SIDEBOOM PIPE LAYERS
12.1 GENERAL
(1) The following are the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of
Inspection for any new or used crane prior to the crane being put
into operation in New Zealand (unless otherwise specified).
This shall be a standard acceptable to OSH, e.g., BS, AS,
(c) OR a design certificate from a registered engineer.
(d) All documentation including rating sheets/range diagrams,
(e) All dimensions, weights, etc. shall be metric measurements.
(f) All machines used as cranes shall have an approved range
diagram.
(g) Test certificates for all hooks, hook blocks and wire ropes
shall be provided.

ARCHIVE
In addition to the requirements in 12.1 General, the following are also
required:
NOTE: These cranes normally have a limited boom length, and
Shall have:
(1) An annual inspection carried out by an equipment inspector or
under an inspection protocol approved by OSH.
(2) The boom adequately marked to indicate boom length.
(3) A boom angle indicator fitted (if applicable).

ARCHIVE
PART 13: OTHER CRANES
13.1 GENERAL
This part includes but is not limited to:
• Monorails
• Pillar cranes
• Jib cranes
• Guy derricks
• Scotch derricks
• Union purchase
• Dockside cranes.
inspection for any new or used crane prior to the crane being put
into operation in New Zealand (unless otherwise specified).
diagram.
shall be provided.

ARCHIVE

In addition to the requirements in 13.1 General and the relevant sections in
Part 10, the following are also required:
(1) A deflection test for jib and pillar cranes. In this case the maximum
deflection shall be 1/250th of the length of the jib at its outer
extremity at the maximum safe working load.
This should cover (but is not necessarily limited to) the items for
gantry cranes but also taking into account any special design
features that may be part of an individual crane installation.
(a) In the case of Scotch derricks, visual inspection of the heel
and top pins, backstays, bridle and sleepers should be
included.
(b) Scotch derricks are to be re-tested to 125% of the maximum
SWL when dismantled and re-sited.
(c) For jibs, guy derricks and union purchase, visual inspection
of heel pins should be included.
(d) For dockside container cranes, inspection of the personnel
lift (if fitted) should be included.
(3) Monorails, pillar and jib cranes subject to the PECPR Regulations
with a SWL of 1 tonne or less, are to have a first inspection subject
to the regulations which will include an engineer’s report on the
supporting structure being capable of carrying the load. After this
first inspection, further inspections can be carried out by a
competent person and documented in a register.

ARCHIVE
PART 14: EARTHMOVING
AND FORESTRY EQUIPMENT
(WHEN BEING USED AS A
CRANE)
14.1 GENERAL
NOTE: These machines should only be used when carrying out work
associated with the primary function of the machine and shall have:
(1) Lifting hooks, eyes or other attachments, certified and rated by a
registered engineer or tested to NZ 3404 after fitting by a
competent person;
(2) A rating chart in the cab showing the various outreaches. (This will
be obtained from the manufacturer’s lifting data sheets); and
(3) Be capable of lifting a load equal to 125% of its safe working load.
NOTE: Machines fitted with ‘quick hitch’ couplings using a bucket with a
lifting hook attached shall have a fail-safe quick-hitch locking device.
Where machines have these couplings fitted, it is good practice to remove
the bucket and have the certified hook fitted to the boom end.
These machines require regular inspections but not:
(1) An annual inspection by an equipment inspector; or
(2) An SLI.

ARCHIVE
PART 15: FORKLIFTS AND
MATERIAL HANDLERS
(WHEN BEING USED AS A
CRANE)
15.1 GENERAL
(1) Forklifts with a Suspended Load
Attachments fitted to forks:
(a) Shall be designed and constructed for the purposes of
suspending a load; and
(b) Shall not exceed the load centre rating for the forklift.
(2) Material Handlers
When working with a suspended load, this equipment shall comply
with the requirements for a mobile crane.

ARCHIVE
PART 16: CRANE-LIFTED
WORK PLATFORMS
A crane-lifted platform is the piece of equipment from which personnel

carry out their work which is either attached to the crane’s hook or the head
of the crane's boom.
Conditions that apply to the use of a crane-suspended work platform are:
(1) All platforms shall be designed, manufactured and tested in
accordance with NZS 3404 (50% overload) or BS 2573 (50%
overload) or a Standard which is acceptable to OSH.
(2) The platform is to be fitted with sidewalls or guardrails with
midrails and toe-boards, or guardrails with any other suitable
barrier such as expanded metal or chain mesh. The sidewalls or
guardrails should be of a minimum height of 1 metre and be able to
withstand, without obvious deflection, a horizontal force of
440 Newtons or a vertical force of 690 Newtons applied separately
in any position.
(3) The floor of the platform shall be slip-resistant and free draining.
Electrically-insulated platforms need not be free draining, but can
be fitted with an insulated insert complying with ANSI 92.2.
Insulated buckets should be dried using sponge and bucket before
use. Platform gates, where fitted, shall be able to be secured in
position and open inwards or slide sideways and be self-closing.
(4) A safe means of access to the platform shall be provided. If access
is by means of steps or a fixed ladder, the rise of steps or rungs
shall be uniform and shall not exceed 300 mm. The steps or rungs
shall be slip-resistant.
(5) Machines designed for specific activities may have different
platform and guardrail layouts provided an equivalent level of
safety is afforded operators.
(6) All cranes being used for suspended work platform use shall have
power lowering capability. Free-fall capability should be “locked
out”.
(7) Cranes with automatically-applied brakes to the hoist or twin-
lever-operated hoists may operate with two hooks.
(8) Where a crane that is to be used has multiple hoist drums and is
fitted with a hoist system that allows either hook block to free fall,
the hook block not in use shall be removed and the wire rope
stowed.

ARCHIVE
(9) Cranes operating swinging or fixed platforms shall operate within
their safe working limits.
(10) All cranes being used with swinging platforms shall have anti-two
block devices fitted.
(11) When operating swinging work platforms from the hook, all hook
safety latches shall be fully operational.
(12) When a work platform is suspended from a hook, the crane
operator shall be in attendance at all times and shall operate the
crane within the manufacturer’s recommendations.
(13) The crane operator shall carry out appropriate inspections of
equipment daily before use.
(14) Persons working on the platform shall wear the appropriate safety
harness at all times. In the case of a platform suspended from the
hook, all harnesses shall be independently attached to the hook
block. Where the platform has a roof or cover there shall be a
harness anchor point incorporated in the structure under the roof.
(15) Appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn at all
times.
(16) Persons working from the platform shall be able to have
appropriate communication with the crane operator at all times.

ARCHIVE
PART 17: DEMOLITION BALL
OPERATIONS
The incorrect use of a demolition ball is hard on the machine. Crane

operators shall be conversant with demolition balling and the work shall be
supervised by an experienced person.
17.1 MACHINES
Not all machines are sufficiently robust to withstand the rigours of
demolition ball work. Large-capacity strut boom crawler cranes are the
most suitable. Hydraulic boom cranes shall not be used for this type of
work as overstressing at the sliding points can occur. Because an
uncontrolled demolition ball swings in all directions, slackness in the boom
and slewing machinery will reduce control of the ball and make operating
uncomfortable.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent the hoist rope from leaving the boom
point sheave as the slack rope condition, when the ball has fallen, allows
the rope to jump off the sheave unless heavy-duty rope guards are fitted.
Damage is likely where the ball is attached to the hoist rope. Hoist ropes
should not be fixed directly to the demolition ball, these should be joined
by a minimum 16 mm chain section at least 2 metres long.
17.2 FALLING OBJECT PROTECTIVE

STRUCTURES (FOPS)
Cranes used specifically for balling should be fitted with a FOPS cab and
should be enclosed, strong and debris-proof.
17.3 DEMOLITION BALL

Safety rules for balling are:
(1) ALL demolition is to be supervised by a competent person.
(2) The boom angle when balling should not be more than 60° to the
horizontal.
(3) The top of the boom should not be less than 3 metres above the
wall being knocked down.
(4) The static weight of the demolition ball is to be not more than 33%
of the machine's maximum rated safe working load.

ARCHIVE
(5) The weight of the ball is not to exceed 10% of the hoist rope's
minimum breaking load.
(6) The boom and hoist rope are to be as short as possible.
(7) The ball is to be securely attached to the chains from the hoist and
drag ropes with a swivel coupling and inspected hourly.
(8) Arrestors are to be fitted to prevent the boom whipping back over
the machine should a rope or coupling fail, or entangled ball breaks
free.
(9) Operators are to be protected from debris by a protective structure
of metal mesh adequate and safe for the purpose intended.
Operators shall be competent and experienced.
(10) The machine shall be in proper working order while in use. When
the demolition ball is suspended, the operator shall be at the
controls.
(11) Watch for machine fatigue and particular attention should be paid
to fatigue failure at pendant rope sockets.
For further information on safe demolition practices refer to the Approved
Code of Practice for Demolition (published by OSH).

ARCHIVE
APPENDIX A: SAFE LOAD
INDICATORS, ETC.
The following table shows the type of equipment that should be fitted as a
minimum to the machines listed. The chart also includes details of radius
indicators, boom length indicators and anti-two block devices, etc., that
should be fitted to appropriate items of plant.
Existing cranes not complying with this appendix have until 1 January 2003
to comply. New cranes and imported new or used cranes are to comply
immediately.
TABLE A1: SAFE LOADER INDICATOR USE
Crane Type Radius Boom Anti-two- Anti-two- Automatic Safe Load Load Load
or angle length block block SLI load moment moment gauge or
indicator indication warning cutout indicator indicator limiter or display
device cutout
Mobile (including tractor

and industrial cranes)
- Up to 3 tonne M M Rc R or R or R
- 3 tonne to 10 tonne M M Mc d or d or d or d or d
- 10 tonne and over M M Mc M
Tower M M M
Gantry Overhoist
limiter
M
Under-
hoist
limiter R
Truck loader
- Under 5 metre tonne Me Me Rc M
- 5 to 15 metre tonne Me Me Rc M M
- Over 15 metre tonne Me Me Rc M M
Side boom pipe layers M
Other cranes R R R f f f f f
Key
c Where the crane has a hoist winch M = Mandatory
d One of these safety features MUST be fitted R = Recommended
e For telescopic/straight boom cranes only
f One of these safety features SHOULD be fitted
NOTE: Some manufacturers use a two-block damage prevention device in place of an anti-two-block warning
device.

ARCHIVE
APPENDIX B: HAND SIGNALS
STOP
STOP (B)
Extend one arm and hold palm of hand vertical.
Arm extended, palm down, move hand right and left.
NOTE: EMERGENCY STOP is indicated by holding
Usually for different level operations.
both arms up.
HOLD EVERYTHING MOVE SLOWLY

Clasp hands in front of body. Place one arm motionless across chest in conjunc-
tion with or before giving any other directional
signal. (“hoist slowly” shown as example.)

ARCHIVE
HOIST LOWER
With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move With arm extended downward, forefinger pointing
hand in horizontal circles. down, move arm in horizontal circles.
USE MAIN HOIST USE FLYLINE (AUXILIARY HOIST)

Tap fist on head, then use regular signals. Tap elbow with one hand, then use regular signals.

ARCHIVE
RAISE BOOM (LUFF UP) LOWER BOOM (LUFF DOWN)

Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing Arm, extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing
upward. downward.
SLEW RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER THE LOAD

Arm extended, point with finger in direction of swing One arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing
of boom. upward. Other arm extended downward with forefinger
OVERHEAD GANTRY CRANE - Arm extended, pointing down, move arm in horizontal circles.
point with finger in the long travel or cross travel
direction.

ARCHIVE
LOWER THE BOOM AND RAISE THE LOAD EXTEND HYDRAULIC BOOM OR TROLLEY
One arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing OUT (TOWER CRANE)
downward. Other arm vertical with forefinger pointing Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing
up, move arm in horizontal circles. outward.
RETRACT HYDRAULIC BOOM OR TRAVEL

TROLLEY IN (TOWER CRANE) Arms bent at the elbows, fists clenched, rotate
Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing toward both forearms around each other, then point in
each other. the direction of travel.

ARCHIVE
TRAVEL (One track - Crawler cranes only)

Lock the track on the side indicated by the closed fist.
Travel opposite track in the direction indicated by
circular motion of other fist rotated vertically in front of
body.
FINISHED WITH CRANE

Place arms above head and cross hands.

ARCHIVE
APPENDIX C: REFERENCE
STANDARDS AND
DOCUMENTS
AS 1418 Cranes (including hoists and winches)

AS/NZS 1554 Structural steel welding
BS 466 Power-driven oht cranes
BS 1757 Power-driven mobile cranes
BS 2452 Electric-driven jib cranes on high pedestal/portal
carriage
BS 2799 Spec. for power-driven tower cranes
BS 2903 High tensile steel hooks
BS 5744 Safe use of cranes
BS 7121 Safe use of cranes
BS 7262 Safe load indicators
BS 7333 Spec. for slewing jib cranes
BS CP 3010 Safe use of cranes
DIN/EN 1418 Welding test procedures
ISO 4309 Wire ropes - code of practice for examination and discard
NZS 1545 Spec. for design and testing of steel o/h runway beams
NZS 3404 Steel structures standard
NZS 4203 General structural design and design loadings for
buildings
NZS/BS 302 Stranded steel wire ropes
NZS/BS 2573 Rules for the design of cranes
Approved Code of Practice for Load Lifting Rigging (OSH)
Approved Code of Practice for Demolition (OSH)
Crane Safety Manual for Operators/Users, available from the Power Crane
Association

ARCHIVE
APPENDIX D: SEISMIC
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DESIGN OF TOWER, PORTAL
AND HIGH PEDESTAL
CRANES
D1. DESIGN
The computation of seismic load combinations are detailed as follows:
(1) Notation
Cd Seismic design coefficient for the appropriate seismic zone
and fundamental period of the crane from Figure 1.
NOTE: If a crane is to be used in different seismic zones,
then it must be designed for the highest intensity zone in
which it will operate.
FIGURE D1: SEISMIC DESIGN COEFFICIENT (RIGID AND

INTERMEDIATE SUBSOILS)

ARCHIVE
E Earthquake loads or their related internal
moments.
NOTE: lateral forces on the suspended load may be
neglected in determining E, viz. Wt= L1.
L1 Dead loads due to dead weight.
L2 Live loads including the hook load.
S Structural type factor:
NOTE: S is to be determined separately for each direction
under consideration,
(i) Diagonal bracing members capable of plastic
deformation in tension only,
S = 2.5 or by special study.
(ii) Diagonal bracing capable of plastic deformation in
both tension and compression, S = 1.6 or by special
study,
(iii) Structures where the yielding mechanism under the
action of lateral seismic forces is plastic hinge
rotation, S = 1.0.
T Fundamental period of vibration of the structure in the
direction under consideration.
V Total horizontal seismic force or shear at the base in the
direction under consideration.
NOTE: The structure shall be designed to withstand a total
horizontal seismic force, V = CdS (Wt) in each direction
under consideration.
Wt Total reduced gravity load above the level of lateral ground
restraint.
(2) Load and Load Combinations
1.0 L1 + 0.65 L2 + E
0.9 L1 + E
(3) Moments
(a) P-delta moments are the sum of the products of the vertical
weights on the crane and the corresponding horizontal
seismic deflections.
(b) In calculating P-delta moments the following conditions
shall apply:
(i) The deflections shall be assumed to be four times
those calculated due to the combination of seismic
force and P-delta moments.
(ii) For all members the loads or stresses resulting from
P-delta moments calculated on this basis shall be no

ARCHIVE
greater than 0.2 times the corresponding strength of
the member.
(c) Torsional moments need not be calculated for tower cranes.
(4) Explanatory Notes
(a) Structural Type (S) Factor:
Is intended to reflect the potential seismic performances of
different structural systems, taking primarily into account
the ability of the structural type concerned to dissipate
energy in a number of deformation cycles into the inelastic
range.
Frames that utilise diagonal members acting as ties, which
are capable of plastic deformation in tension only develop
load displacement hysteresis loops of a very pinched nature,
upon cyclic loading beyond yield level, because of the
inability of the diagonals to sustain a significant
compressive load. These pinched hysteresis loops result in a
much lower level of energy dissipation than that provided
by diagonals capable of plastic deformation in both
compression and tension, where more stable hysteresis
loops are formed. This results, in turn, in a higher S factor.
In design of diagonally braced structures care is necessary
to avoid undesirable effects such as lateral buckling of
diagonal struts or columns or chord member hinge
mechanisms.
Where the yielding mechanism is of a flexural nature,
involving plastic hinge rotation, buckling of compression
flanges must be avoided.
(b) P-Delta Moments:
A P-delta moment is the bending moment which is
developed when the point of application of a vertical
gravity load is moved sideways by horizontal seismic
deflections. The value of the P-delta moment is the product
of the vertical load P and the corresponding horizontal
movement of its point of application.
In flexible frames responding into the inelastic range, delta
may reach large values, and P-delta moments can make up a
large portion of the loading on the structure. The ultimate
objective of these P-delta provisions is to provide an
adequate margin of safety against the possibility of residual
inelastic deflections tending to accumulate in one direction
over a series of successive cycles of response until the total
deflection becomes great enough to cause collapse. The
maximum credible value for the accumulation of residual
deflections has been assessed as 10 times the deflection
caused by the design loading. The basis used in the code
has been to limit the loads resulting from the P-delta

ARCHIVE
moment in this situation to no more than half the strength of
the members affected. Hence, for deflections assumed to be
four times those given by the design loading, the loads
resulting from the corresponding P-delta moments require
to be no greater than 0.2 times the respective strengths of
the loaded members.
(c) Seismic Design Coefficient (Cd ):
Shall be taken from Figure D1 for the highest seismic level/
zone in which the crane will operate. It is expected that the
coefficient zone factor = 1.2 will apply for all except a few
cranes designed for a specific function and permanent
location in a zone of lower seismic level. The values given
allow for:
(i) Lower design seismic forces than would be applied to
buildings of the same period, for the following
reasons:
• Most cranes spend only a portion of their life
in an erected condition and they also have a
shorter total life than buildings. This has the
effect of reducing the level of earthquake
intensity which has a given probability of
occurrence during the erected life of a crane
below the level which has the same
probability of occurrence during the life of a
building.
• The risk to life resulting from collapse of a
crane would be less than that resulting from
collapse of an occupied building.
(ii) A material factor of 0.8, assuming steel construction,
which is incorporated in the figure.
(5) Design Method
Structures will experience response accelerations greater than the
values given by the design forces. This means that structures of
cranes will have to be designed to withstand a series of cycles of
response involving deflections substantially greater than yield
deflection. The magnitude of the deflections to be provided for
should be taken as a minimum of 5 divided by S.
Relative member strengths should be proportioned so that the
inelastic yielding takes place in members which can develop a high
level of ductility. In proportioning the relative strengths, account
should be taken of the margin by which the actual strength of any
member can exceed the specified minimum strength.
The foregoing outlines the minimum acceptable seismic design
requirements. Higher values may be specified as required.

ARCHIVE
APPENDIX E: STABILITY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DESIGN OF ELEVATED
POWER CRANES UNDER
SEISMIC LOADING
E1. DESIGN
(1) Application
Every crane to which this code applies shall be designed to be
stable under seismic loadings for the following load combinations:
1.0 L1 + 0.65 L2 + E
0.9 L1 + E
where, L1 = dead loads due to dead weight.
L2 = live loads including hook load and shall be taken as
that which causes the maximum tipping moment.
E = earthquake loads calculated in accordance with
Appendix D of this approved code of practice.
(2) Procedure
(a) Divide the crane masses into a convenient number of
submasses and establish the centre of gravity of each of
these.
(b) Calculate the total moment due to deadweight of the
submasses including the effects of the deflections due to
these deadweights.
NOTE: Remember not to neglect the twisting moment at
the top of the tower in consequence of the out of balance
moments due to the masses of the jib, counter jib,
counterweight, load (if applicable), ropes, pendants, etc.
(c) Calculate the total overturning moment due to the
individual seismic forces acting at the centre of gravity of
each of the submasses.

ARCHIVE
(d) Calculate the deflections of each of the submasses due to
seismic loadings and compute the total moment due to ten
times these deflections (i.e. ten times the P-delta moment
due to seismic loads).
(e) Add (b), (c) and (d) to obtain the total overturning moment
tending to tip the crane.
(f) Using the moment obtained in (e) against the righting
moment due to self-weight and stabilising ballast at the
crane base, determine whether the crane is stable.
(g) A satisfactory degree of design stability under seismic
loadings is achieved when the downward force due to the
total mass of the crane and its stabilising ballast exceeds the
uplifting force by 20 per cent.

Crane Code of Practice

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Crane Code of Practice

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Crane Code of Practice

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ARCHIVE

Approved Code of Practice for

Includes the Design, Manufacture, Supply,

Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service

Published March 2001

Price: $25.00 (incl. GST)

A SUMMARY OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY

PART 2: DUTIES OF CONTROLLERS 18

PART 3: DUTIES OF DESIGNERS 23

PART 4: DUTIES OF DESIGN VERIFIERS 26

PART 6: DUTIES OF SUPPLIERS AND IMPORTERS 28

PART 7: FUNCTIONS OF EQUIPMENT INSPECTORS 29

PART 8: MOBILE CRANES 30

PART 9: TOWER CRANES 33

PART 10: GANTRY CRANES

PART 11: VEHICLE-MOUNTED TRUCK LOADER CRANES

PART 12: TRACTOR CRANES, INDUSTRIAL CRANES

PART 13: OTHER CRANES 47

PART 14: EARTHMOVING AND FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

PART 15: FORKLIFTS AND MATERIAL HANDLERS

PART 17: DEMOLITION BALL OPERATIONS 53

6 APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR C RANES

I have approved this statement of preferred work practices, which is an

Hon. Margaret Wilson

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 7

APPROVED CODES OF PRACTICE

8 APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR C RANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 9

EMPLOYERS TO INVOLVE EMPLOYEES IN THE

SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES

10 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS HARM (RECORDING

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 11

12 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 13

14 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 15

16 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 17

18 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 19

2.4 ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS

20 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

2.6 ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 21

22 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 23

24 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 25

26 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 27

28 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 29

8.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

30 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 31

32 APPROVED C ODE OF PRACTICE FOR CRANES

9.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

APPROVED CODE OF P RACTICE FOR CRANES 33