|
|
|
Tower Crane Committee Meeting History of Free standing Cranes, new technology now allows tower cranes to free stand up to 60meters. There is an expectation on tower crane drivers to climb up to 60 meters. It has become common practice for crane drivers to remain in the crane all day rather than make these dangerous descents to use site facilities. These cause serious OH&S problems. From 01 July all newly erected tower cranes must not require operators to climb over 30 meters. All work presently under tender and won prior to 01 July 2010 will be exempt from requiring operators to climb over 30 meters.
Peter Glover (Biz), Ricky Tomasel (D&G Verticon), Glenn Osborne (Lewis Cranes), Chris Lindores (LCL), Russell Watts (Lewis Cranes), Terry Shand (Crane Pro), Paul McDougall (Lewis Cranes), Ernie France (Watpac), Craig Jones (Morrow Equipment), Harry Nolan (Bookfield Multiplex), Royce Kupsch (BLF), Joe Myles (BLF), Peter Close (CFMEU), Guy Baker (CFMEU).
Health Issues directly impacting crane drivers;
1. Musculoskeletal Injury from climbing. (ergonomic issues when climbing)
2. Deep vein Thrombosis from sitting for long periods of time.
3. Hygiene issues with drivers not using regulatory mandated ablution facilities.
4. Psychosocial issues
5. Fatigue management issues
6. Premature retirement of experienced crane drivers due to the above factors.
7. Emergency evacuation
Possible Solutions-
· Install a hoist on all tower cranes free standing greater than 30 meters.
· Free stand tower crane 30 meters.
· Design buildings to facilitate the access and egress from the crane i.e. walk ways.
· Free stand crane at 60 meters but only run the hoist to 30 meters.
· Climb tower crane no further than 30meters at any one time.
General Business-
· Discussion on the availability of hoists, availability to be discussed at our next meeting.
· Discussion on the availability of climbing frames
· Cost to industry.
· Discussion on climbing time and the impact on the site to maintain the threshold of 30 meters.
· General support for coming up with solutions to manage the 30 meter threshold.
· Support for future meetings to continue discussion on tower crane issues each committee representative is to source information on hoist technology for tower cranes before our 15th of July meeting.
· Royce Kupsch to source compliance criteria for contractors from the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner.
|
|
