New Australian Crane Standards Open for Comment

Members of the construction, transport, manufacturing, and public safety sectors are being urged to comment on over 20 international Standards for cranes that have been adapted for Australian conditions by Standards Australia (SA).

SA said there were now over 750 cranes across Australia following significant investment by governments along key transport corridors.

SA Head of Standards Development, Roland Terry-Lloyd, said the high level of construction activity across Australia was “calling on safety precautions around cranes at a greater rate and impacting more and more people.”

“Our aim is to help keep those that work on-site, and individuals near active cranes, safe. We are eager to receive feedback on the direction of these drafts.”

“Australian experts have played a significant role in shaping relevant international standards, which has enabled the Australian safety guidance to be promptly updated and aligned with international practice. As a result, we can strengthen our national crane sector.”

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) CEO, Brandon Hitch, said crane safety originated with their design but continues throughout their use.

“It is critical that Australia uses the latest crane standards developed on the world stage and adapted to Australian conditions. CICA supports the continuous review and modernisation of Australian Standards and has worked hard on these projects for the benefit of the entire crane industry.”

The proposed Standards cover common crane issues including labels, wind load assessments, anchoring devices, hoists and winches, control layout and characteristics, cabins and control stations, safety signs and hazard pictorials, design principles for loads, and load combination.

Comments can be submitted here by 6 April 2020.