How safe is crane signage?

Multiplex ensures crane signage is purpose-built, compliant and approved by a licenced structural engineer.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR TOWER CRANE SIGNAGE?

City skylines countrywide now feature tower cranes with large illuminated signage at night, promoting the construction firm and development company responsible for the project. Peter Sachr from Sachr Sign Co., with 45 years experience in the sign industry, is asking, “Is your crane signage safe? Is your crane sign compliant? Are you covered in case of a crane sign accident?”

SACHR HAS DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED,

and installed some of Australia’s most prominent sign projects and illuminated rooftop signs and is well qualified to question signage integrity on tower cranes.

“From what I have seen, most crane signs are not fit for purpose. And from my discussions with crane operators, builders and property developers, it has become apparent that they are not aware their signage is not compliant and lacks proper documentation,” said Sachr.

Multiplex, one of Australia’s leading construction companies, has taken this very seriously. When Rolly Dimitrovski Multiplex’s WH&S Coordinator and Plant Manager became aware of this problem, he took immediate steps to ensure their crane signs were purposebuilt, compliant and approved by a licenced structural engineer.

Like Multiplex, others are now discovering that crane signage is unregulated, unlike other highly regulated construction industry aspects.

Sachr said that, in many cases, crane signs are supplied by companies lacking the knowledge and experience for this type of signage.

“I have seen crane signs using 3D fabricated acrylic letters and signage construction using the ‘Jewelite’ plastic

George Drakakis, director of BDW Solutions

face trim. Illumination using exposed neon glass. These are typically used for shop fronts and minor illuminated building signs. The Australian distributor does not recommend Jewelite for crane signage,” he said.

George Drakakis is an expert in building litigation and a director of BDW Solutions, a construction consultancy practice.

Drakakis is aware that crane signage is not regulated and that most signage appearing on tower cranes is not fit for purpose. He also explains why the tower crane and construction industries could be facing disaster if standards are not improved.

“The construction industry would be amazed to learn how often parts fall off tower crane signs. It’s not reported because the site could be closed down,” Drakakis said.

“It concerns me that these incidents won’t make the news until a crane sign causes severe injury or a fatality. I agreed to contribute to this article because I believe the personal, financial and legal carnage these crane signs are capable of causing is very real. The whole issue can be avoided if crane signs are purposedesigned, built, and fully certified by a licensed structural engineer.

“If you have a tower crane sign on your building site, you need to ensure it is fit for purpose, compliant and fully engineer certified. How would you feel if your crane sign caused an injury or death and your company was featured in the nightly six o’clock news and throughout media outlets?

“Let’s take a scenario where a crane sign causes a serious accident. I’ll be asking is, “Who is responsible? Is it the person who ordered the signage, or is it the sign supplier? Is it the company that purchased the sign? Or is it the crane company?

“From a legal perspective, the answer is likely to be every single one of them, including the property owner potentially, will be in the firing line. We have all seen it before. We are in a competitive market, and if a company can save a dollar without fear of breaking regulations and take manufacturing shortcuts, they often will,” he said.

Industry standard exterior letter fabrication specifications compared to the Jewelite system being used on many crane signs.

“Tower crane signage must be designed, constructed and installed for its specific use. Unlike signage on the side of a building, crane signage is exposed to wind, sun, and rain from all angles 24 hours a day. There is also crane vibration and jolting that causes added stress and fatigue to the signage and fixings,” said Drakakis.

“Because nobody has been seriously injured, it all goes under the radar and media attention is avoided. We want to prevent a catastrophic event. When you’re getting signage from people that aren’t giving you proper certification, you are relying on the manufacturer to tell you that all elements of the signage are structurally sound. Manufacturers of signs are not structural engineers, and they’re unable to sign off on the structural integrity of their signage, leaving you at risk.

“How can you ensure your signage is safe and compliant, and you are protected from litigation? When you get signage designs, they have been approved and certified by a licensed structural engineer,’ he said.

“When engineers produce a certificate, they create a document, confirming they have reviewed the design documentation and the signage is compliant, safe, and fit for purpose. Be warned, as soon as that crane sign fails, you are liable, and your company will be discredited,’ said Drakakis.

“I have been working with Peter at Sachr Sign Co to address this issue. Together, we have developed a ‘checklist’ for every stage of the signage production describing the materials, lettering construction, lettering attachment onto the sign framework, the framework fabrication, and its bolting system onto the crane,” he said.

Peter Sachr was asked what documentation is required to help protect against litigation in the event of a crane sign accident.

“I would not allow anyone to install a sign on my crane unless I received a comprehensive set of as-built production designs that have been approved and certified by a licensed structural engineer. “Tower crane signage must be designed, constructed, and installed for its specific use. Unlike signage on the side of a building, crane signage is exposed to wind, sun, and rain from all angles, 24 hours a day. There is also crane vibration and jolting that causes added stress and fatigue to the signage and fixings.”

Peter Sachr with the patented Sachr V - Cradle stainless steel crane sign bolting system, designed in conjunction with aviation and structural engineers specifically for crane signs.

“At a minimum, I would require the following: Checklist for individual 3D box letter illuminated signage: • Design 1: Lettering material specification and fabrication method • Design 2: Sign framework material specification and fabrication method • Design 3: Letter-fixing method onto the sign framework • Design 4: Background material specification and its fixing process to the sign framework • Design 5: Sign framework–fixing method to the crane

Checklist for backlit illuminated light-box signage: • Design 1: Sign cabinet material specification and fabrication method • Design 2: The sign face material and its fixing method to the sign cabinet • Design 3: The sign cabinet–fixing system to the crane structure

“Additionally, I would require a confirmation letter that the signage has been manufactured and installed as per the production drawings,” he said.