PART 12: SELF-ERECTING TOWER CRANES

12.1 General

Self-erecting tower cranes require design verification by an inspection body in accordance with the PECPR Regulations and Parts 2 and 6 of this code, prior to certification for use within New Zealand.

Parts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 of this code also apply.

A supplier, manufacturer or controller of such a self-erecting tower crane shall provide this documentation, as in Part 7.2 and 8.1, to the inspection body carrying out the design verification.

(1) A statement to confirm that the seismic requirements and wind loadings for operating in New Zealand have been taken into account in the design calculation as per Appendices D and E is required. The zone factor (ZF) shall apply to all cranes. The statement shall specify the maximum in-service and out-of-service design wind speeds. The stability factor shall be as per AS 1418.4 or an equivalent standard. The coefficient zone factor of 1.2 shall apply to all cranes. Wind forces are to be calculated as per the version of AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural Design Actions: Wind Actions applicable at the time of submission for design verification in New Zealand, or equivalent standards.

(2) For minimum load safety device requirements required on the various crane types, refer to Appendix A.

(3) All self-erecting tower cranes shall be overload tested to 125% SWL after design approval certification and before the first use in New Zealand. (This test may be performed outside New Zealand, if witnessed by a properly authorised and approved testing/inspection authority.) Thereafter, cranes are not to be overloaded except where agreed by the inspection body and by the manufacturer. Setting of the load limits is to be performed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, by an adequately trained person, duly authorised by the controller, at each and every erection or configuration change, or every 12 months.

Testing of the load limits is to be performed every week by the crane operator.

Picture 4: Self-Erecting Tower Crane

12.2 Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements in part 12.1 and part 3: Operational Requirements for Controllers, the following are also required.

(1) Prior to initial erection in New Zealand, and thereafter annually (whilst erected or in regular use), an inspection shall be carried out by an equipment inspector of (but not necessarily limited to) the items listed in part 1 of 11.2(6) of this code.

The inspection of these components is commonly referred to as a ground inspection.

A foundation certificate shall be provided by a chartered professional engineer stating that the foundations can withstand the crane manufacturers approved crane loadings, including seismic and wind forces. Special attention must be paid to the supporting ground with, for example, concrete footings or substantial support of some form.

Note: Self-erecting tower cranes are not to be erected for the first time until the equipment inspector has been presented with the completed design verification.

(2) Additional componentry (i.e. jib sections, vertical towers, etc.) that modify the configuration of the crane, shall be subject to ground inspection prior to initial use, and annually thereafter, by an equipment inspector.

(3) Whilst erected or in regular use, the crane shall be maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's/designer's requirements, and records kept.

(4) The load moment limit device will be load tested weekly by the designated crane operator or competent person, using test weights on site for that purpose, and the results shall be documented.

(5) Safety barriers shall be installed at the base of the crane, to deny unauthorised access to the swing area of the lower rotating components.

(6) Should it prove necessary for a self-erecting tower crane to be mounted on a structure or building, a foundation/structural design drawing and a certificate from a chartered professional engineer must be produced prior to the erection taking place.

(7) All signage hoardings and advertising billboards or banners that in any way affect the wind forces acting on the crane, other than as originally provided for by the manufacturer, must be specifically authorised by the manufacturer for the specific crane model and use during both in-service and out-of-service conditions in accordance with 12.1(1).

The mountings of any non-manufacturer-original signage hoardings, billboards and banners shall be approved by a chartered professional engineer. Flags (including hook-mounted flats) must be authorised by the manufacturer for the specific crane model and used and be attached to the crane only during in-service conditions.