New guidance for those using cranes has been published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It provides users guidance on the crane notification process and lighting and marking requirements applicable to cranes. The CAA have declared this to be applicable from October 1st 2020, however due to the significant increases in the notification, lighting and marking requirements the Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA) are currently still discussing the details of the guidance with the CAA.

The CPA have stated that “we feel there are a number of requirements that we do not think are practical and necessary.” – The CPA have now prepared a draft Technical Information Note (TIN 039D) to assist crane users. This includes tower, mobile and crawler to comply with the revised version od CAP 1096.

The guidance will be applicable to all types of cranes, irrespective of location exceeding a height of 10m above ground level, or that of the surrounding structures or trees (if higher). This action has come into place as the guidance issues that cranes have the potential to present a serious hazard to aircraft navigation. This being most when aircrafts are in the approaching and the departure phases of the flight – when the aircraft is at low altitude. Cranes can also interfere with the navigation and communication equipment at times.

The Technical Information Note is intended to assist crane users with their duties to comply with the UK Air Navigation Order (ANO). The ANO believes it is a criminal offence to act recklessly or negligently in a manner which could endanger an aircraft. Prosecution could result in a fine or imprisonment. The CPA stresses that CAP1096 places the duty to notify the siting of a crane to CAA on the crane user. This will be the client, or their principle contractor, or nominated contractor.

At BIMsafe we always ensure to keep up with the very latest information, policies and regulations in workplace health and safety. We believe that relaying such information is of most importance as not being aware of the new guidance is certainly not a valid excuse if anything were to go wrong. Crane users can find out more on the new publishing by clicking on the link below with more in depth detailing.

Article from – https://www.shponline.co.uk/legislation-and-standards/new-guidance-for-crane-users-published/