British Standards Institution (BSI) has revised Part 2 of its BS 7121 code of practice for the safe use of cranes.
Part 2 gives recommendations for the in-service inspection, testing and examination of all types of cranes and other lifting machines, and says how tests should be carried out. Since the last edition of BS 7121-2 was published in 1991, legal requirements in the UK have changed. The revised version takes into account the requirements of PUWER* and LOLER**, legislation that was introduced in 1998.
Other areas now covered by the standard include: • equipment for the lifting of persons.
• responsibilities of the competent person and the owner • non-destuctive testing, data logging, and tower crane climbing frames.
Also, there is more detail on checks, inspections and tests, with much of it given in checklist format. The assessment of wire ropes and the discard criteria has been expanded in much more detail, with supporting photographs, in colour. And the text now takes account of recent EN and ISO standards.
BS 7121-2:2003 replaces BS 7121-2:1991 which is now withdrawn.
* Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ** Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
