What is this standard about?
As of 2019, this British Standard is an all-new addition to the series giving recommendations on the safe use of different types of crane. It covers types of lifting equipment not previously dealt with by any other safety use standard: specifically general purpose bridge and gantry cranes which terminate with a hook.
Who is this standard for?
- Plant hire companies
- Trade bodies
- Health and safety specialists
- Construction businesses
- Crane owners and operators
- Training organizations
- Insurers
- Universities
Why should you use this standard?
This part of BS 7121 gives recommendations for the safe use of general purpose bridge and gantry cranes which terminate with a hook, including:
a) Top running gantry cranes
b) Under-slung gantry cranes
c) Semi-portal cranes
d) Portal cranes
e) Light crane systems
This standard fills a gap in the BS 7121 series and is cited in the HSE’s guidance to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Its use will help to improve safety and reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. It will also help owners and users of these crane types to comply with their legal duties when carrying out lifting operations.
NOTE 1: This part of BS 7121 is intended to be used in conjunction with BS 7121-1, which gives general recommendations for all types of cranes, and BS 7121-2, which gives general guidance on inspection, testing and examination of all types of cranes.
NOTE 2: This standard doesn’t cover:
1) Bridge and gantry cranes permanently equipped with specialized load-lifting attachments, for example container cranes, ladle cranes and cranes equipped with vacuum or magnetic lifters
2) Cranes for special environments such as those for use in explosive atmospheres
3) Cranes covered by other parts of BS 7121
4) Cranes permanently installed on marine and other water-borne vessels
5) Any equipment used to move loads horizontally by way of winching or hauling
6) Rubber-tyred gantry cranes (covered in BS 7121-2-9)