BS 7121-1 Code for the safe use of cranes is revised

BSI, the business standards company has revised BS 7121-1 Code http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030320608 of practice for safe use of cranes. General. This is one part of the BS 7121 suite of standards for safety in crane use, which is used by those planning and carrying out lifting operations with cranes in the UK.

It provides guidance on complying with the requirements of both the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998) and the Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) and is used by both the Health and Safety Executive and the Courts as an indication of good practice. Following the guidance assists with mitigating the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities during the set-up, use and maintenance of cranes.
BS 7121-1 gives recommendations for the safe use of cranes permanently or temporarily installed in a work environment. Subjects covered include safe systems of work, selection, erection and dismantling, maintenance, inspection, thorough examination, operation, and the planning and management of lifting operations.

It is not applicable to the use of cranes for bungee jumping or similar entertainment activities or as part of a fully automated storage or production system.

Anthony Burd Head of Sector, Built Environment at BSI said: “The health and safety of those using cranes or being in an environment where they operate, is vitally important. It has to be stressed that without guidance such as the BS 7121 suite anyone carrying out, or being near lifting operations could be at far greater risk of accidents or injuries associated with the use of cranes. It is therefore imperative that revisions occur to the standards and the BS 7121 suite has seen significant changes so that all parts can work in harmony. In this case BS 7211-1 has been fully revised to ensure safe lifting practices.”

What BS 7121-1 covers:

Safe systems of work selection
Erection and dismantling
Maintenance
Inspection
Thorough examination
Operation
Planning and management

Changes to BS 7121-1:

Reflect changes introduced on other parts of BS 7121 series
Reflect the changes in the application of risk based planning to lifting operations

BS 7121-1 was developed using a collaborative consensus-based approach involving such organizations as: Association of Lorry Loaders Manufacturers & Importers, Construction Plant, CPA (The Construction Equipment Association), Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, Low Power Radio Association, Safety Assessment Federation Ltd, HSE (Health and Safety Executive), RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board), Safety Check Engineering Ltd. as well as engineers and surveyors.