BS 7121 'Code of practice for safe use of cranes'

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 17, 2006

To address crane safety and the need for standard safe business practices, BSI Business Information is publishing the first part of BS 7121 'Code of practice for safe use of cranes' series.

Accidents involving cranes are not uncommon.

The majority of accidents caused by lack of operator training, insufficient marking of controls, crane overloading and careless assembly and disassembly could be avoided.

Unsafe working practices can lead to fatalities and serious injuries, which is why safety must be a top priority for everyone involved.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) states that organisations need to have safe systems for all work activities to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work.

For professionals who work with and around cranes, the first step in establishing safe systems for crane usage is recognising that the people and buildings situated around the crane are in a potential danger area, and the consequences of not inspecting and using cranes properly could prove disastrous.

To address crane safety and the need for standard safe business practices within the crane industry, BSI Business Information is publishing the first part of BS 7121 'Code of practice for safe use of cranes' series.

This practical series will help to implement legislation by providing guidance on good practice in the use of various types of cranes.

The aim of the BS 7121 'Code of practice for safe use of cranes' series is: to assist duty holders in implementing a safe system with clear instructions for planning, management and supervision, training or personnel; to describe the principal characteristics of the various forms of cranes of the types most commonly used; to draw attention to some of the more common hazards and potential dangers that might be encountered in their use; and make recommendations for general precautions to be taken and procedures to be followed to avoid accidents.

Newly published, BS 7121-1:2006 'Code of practice for safe use of cranes, General' is intended to provide recommendations that will enable businesses to follow best practice for the safe use of cranes and alert operation and maintenance personnel and management to the role they play in ensuring crane safety at all times.

Subjects covered include safe systems of work, management, planning, selection, erection and dismantling, inspection, testing, examination, operation and maintenance of cranes and the planning and management of lifting operations.

The price is £140* or £70 for BSI subscribing members.

BS 7121-1:2005 supersedes BS 7121-1:1989, which will be withdrawn.

To view all 14 parts of the BS 7121 series and keep abreast of the latest developments in crane safety, visit BSI's dedicated crane safety website.

The following industry experts were consulted to ensure that BS 7121 enables businesses to follow best practice for the safe use of cranes: ALLMI (Association of Lorry-Loader Manufacturers and Importers); CEA (Construction Equipment Association); Construction Confederation; CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association); HSE (Health and Safety Executive); IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health); IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers); LPRA (Low Power Radio Association); and SAFed (Safety Assessment Federation).

The following standards are also available.

BS EN 13001-1:2004 'Crane safety, General design, General principles and requirements' is priced £92* or £46 for BSI subscribing members.

BS EN 13001-2:2004 'Crane safety, General design, Load effects' is priced £128* or £64 for BSI subscribing members.

BS EN 13135-1:2003 'Cranes, Safety, Design, Requirements for equipment, Electrotechnical equipment' is priced £106* or £53 for BSI subscribing members.

BS EN 13135-2:2004 'Cranes, Safety, Design, Requirements for equipment, Non-electrotechnical equipment' is priced £128* or £64 for BSI subscribing members.

*Packaging and postage (P and P) charges applies to hardcopy purchases only.

P and P is £4.17 within the UK (inclusive of VAT), £5.83 overseas (+ VAT if applicable) or free to BSI subscribing members.

All prices, content and publishing dates may be subject to change.