Workplace, Health Contents & Safety
WORKSAFE
Aviation warning lights for tower cranes
There are almost 700 tower cranes registered in NSW for use, which is 3 times the amount of cranes registered five years ago. Quantity surveying advisory services have estimated that there are 352 tower cranes in use in Sydney alone.
S
afeWork (SWNSW) NSW recently undertook a two-year “Tower Crane Project” identifying that 47 per cent of cranes climbed had no policy in place for managing mobile communication devices on site e.g. use of mobile phones. A further 48 per cent of tower cranes inspected either had no fire extinguishers, were out of date, the wrong type or inaccessible. An incredible 120 tower cranes did not have aircraft aviation lights installed at all. The regulator’s focus in the next 6-12 weeks will be on maintenance records and servicing documentation. SWNSW visited more than 30 crane yards in relation to erection and dismantling procedures, and undertook site verification of 180 tower cranes across NSW. A total of 22 improvement notices have been issued and one Prohibition notice had been issued for matters including unauthorised access, inoperative weathervane practices, securing lights and/or signage, insufficient inspection and maintenance records, and access to power isolation. SWNSW advised that a similar project is proposed in coming years for mobile cranes
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MBA NSW | Issue Three | June/July 2018
(MOS) Part 139 – Aerodromes Section 8.10 (Obstacle Markings) and Section 9.4 (Obstacle Lighting). Most tower crane models have provisions for fitting aviation warning lights — consult with the crane manufacturer for further information. www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016C00220
which is anticipated to last 12-18 months.
Cranes near aerodromes
Reason for the alert
Certain airspace near aerodromes is regulated, with legal requirements for both PCBUs erecting a tower crane and the aerodrome operators.
Safety concerns have been raised regarding low flying aircraft being unable to see and avoid tower cranes at night. Examples of low flying aircraft include aircraft on approach or departure from aerodromes, military aircraft and emergency service helicopters such as police, RAC Rescue, air ambulances (particularly near hospitals) and similar. For special attention By nature of their work, emergency services aircraft may be required to fly at low levels in random locations away from aerodromes or designated air traffic corridors. Such activity can occur at night, and in poor weather, with little or no notice. The Industry Plant Consultative Committee (IPCC) therefore considers it reasonably practicable to fit aviation warning lights to all tower cranes in metropolitan areas, to increase visibility and reduce the risk of collision. Aviation obstacle and obstacle lighting To ensure consistency and avoid any confusion to pilots, obstacle marking and lighting must comply with the CASA Manual of Standards
Wherever a crane is to be located within 30 km of an aerodrome the IPCC considers it reasonably practicable to consult with the aerodrome operator to determine, as a minimum: • Whether the crane will encroach regulated airspace • Whether the crane will be a hazardous obstacle to aircraft • Whether there is a requirement to notify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and/ or the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, and who is responsible for the notification • Appropriate measures to reduce risk of collision, such as aviation obstacle lighting and obstacle marking. These requirements are further explained in detail in the following link. www.safework.nsw. gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/107403/ tower-cranes-principal-contractors-dutiesSW08439.pdf
