CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2021 39 on the Crane Notification Process and Obstacle Lighting and Marking’. CAP 1096 places duties on crane users to mitigate the risk of collisions with aircraft and was originally due to come into force on 1st October 2020. The guidance is relevant to users of all cranes exceeding a height of 10m above ground level (AGL) or that of the surrounding structures or trees (if higher). Following feedback from across the lifting sector, including the CPA, ALLMI and others concerning the new requirements, the implementation date was delayed to 31st May 2021 and it has subsequently been postponed again to no earlier than 1st April 2022. Members of the CPA and TCIG have played a key role in feeding back concerns such as the threshold height for notification, the notification period, obstacle lighting requirements, marking of the crane structure, inconsistency between aerodrome operators in application of guidance and charges, the appeals process and the impact on the UK crane industry. Another key topic which is currently being addressed by the Tower Crane Interest Group is temporary works practice and how tower cranes are sited. The stability and safety of a tower crane is reliant on the safe design, construction and installation of temporary works including bases, grillages and mast ties. As a result of a recent tragic incident involving a tower crane, TCIG has introduced a new TIN031 which addresses this area at length. Extending to 23 pages long, TIN031 is the longest Technical Information Note ever produced by the group, but Dave told us he thought this level of detail was required and necessary to address this important issue. Dave will continue to liaise closely with Rob Squires and Ian Simpson who is a Technical Consultant to the CPA. Ian was a Principal Specialist Inspector with the HSE for 15 years. He sat on various British Standards Institution (BSI) committees and chaired its MHE3/11 Crane Safety Committee responsible for the BS7121 Crane Safety series of standards. Prior to this, TimWatson was heavily involved in providing consultancy services to the CPA and TCIG in particular. Timwrote, edited or contributed to over 30 Best Practice Guides and more than 120 Technical Information Notes currently published by the CPA. Tim very sadly passed away last year following a long battle with cancer. So, what’s next for Dave and the Tower Crane Interest Group? Dave tells us that there will be continued focus on periodic reviews of the safety guidance and the Steering Group Committee will be busily preparing for the Open Meeting in the Autumn and taking a detailed look at the electrical requirements of the industry. Dave concludes: “We’re always looking for people with good ideas and fresh perspectives. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Tower Crane Interest Group, drop myself or Rob Squires an email ( d.holder@wolffkran.com or rob.squires@cpa.uk.net ) or come along to the Open Meeting to see what it’s all about. It’s not just a tower crane owners club - it represents a broad spectrum of industry professionals with one common goal of improving safety for all.”