The International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA) - the international organisation hosted by the SC&RA in the USA, but made up of the major national crane associations including Esta in Europe, CICA in Australia, CRAC in Canada’s and Japan’s JCA - has published new guidance on working with cranes near power lines, which would also be useful for aerial work platforms.
Entitled Safe Crane Operation in the Vicinity of Power Lines ,the 30 page document is both highly detailed, informative and nicely illustrated, it is also truly international. It provides guidance for operations in the vicinity of live power lines, both low and high tension and is also intended to assist local regulatory authorities evaluate requirements to prevent power line contact. Examples of the illustrations can be seen below
The guidance has been driven by growing concern in a number of countries at the number of fatal power line related incidents. It starts with the basic notion that the only truly safe way to work in the vicinity of power lines is to ensure they are de-energised. However, it states that where this is not practical, it is vital to implement a proper risk management system to develop a safe system of work for the individual operation and job site and to be aware that any changes to the work, or site conditions will require a review and modification of the safe system of work.
Key elements of the new critical safety guide include:
• Rigorous risk assessment procedures that prioritise hazard elimination and control measures.
• NO-GO Zones around power lines to clearly define safe operational boundaries.
• Remote operation capabilities to enhance safety by minimising operator exposure.
• Non-conductive materials that reduce the risk of electric shock or power line contact.
New European regs
Last year the European Union published a European Machinery Regulation which contains a requirement for mobile machinery such as cranes to be designed in such a way as to prevent the risk of contact with an energised overhead power line - something the manufacturers have long said is impossible.
That debate is ongoing as manufacturers and associations try to work out how member states interpret the directive and develop their national regulations, stressing the need that they must reflect practical reality.
Free & Easy Download
You can download the new guidance document free of charge or registration by Clicking Here
Prior to publication the document was reviewed and adopted by the following member associations of ICSA:
• Association of Equipment Manufacturers [AEM] - USA
• Canadian Crane Rental Association [CCRA]
• The Crane Industry Council of Australia [CICA]
• The European Association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes [ESTA]
• European Materials Handling Federation [FEM]
• Japanese Crane Association [JCA]
• Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association [SC&RA] - USA
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