Do tower cranes require annual inspections?
2 Answers
Tower cranes require annual inspections. Definition of tower cranes: A tower crane, also known as a "tower hoist," is the most commonly used lifting equipment on construction sites. It extends section by section (referred to as "standard sections") and is used to lift construction materials such as steel bars, wooden formwork, concrete, and steel pipes. Tower cranes are essential equipment on construction sites. Functions of tower cranes: The function of the tower crane's (tower-crane) jib is to bear the upper loads transmitted by the boom's suspension rope and the counter-jib's suspension rope. These loads are then transferred to the tower structure through structural components such as the slewing tower, slewing platform, and support seat, or directly through the slewing platform. Self-erecting tower tops come in various forms, including truncated cone columns, forward or backward inclined truncated cone columns, A-frame structures, and diagonal bracing structures.
This issue is quite important to me, as tower cranes are large lifting equipment that indeed require regular inspections, including annual checks—safety is no trivial matter! On construction sites, I've seen similar equipment; without annual inspections, it's as dangerous as driving with failed brakes. Most countries legally mandate at least one professional inspection per year to examine structural wear, hydraulic systems, and electronic controls, preventing risks like arm breakage or collapse. In case of an accident, not only does the project halt, but lives could also be endangered, leading to even higher costs. Routine maintenance should also become a habit, as timely upkeep can extend a tower crane's service life by several years, avoiding unnecessary troubles.
