“Eliminating the standard override key would not result in safer crane operations but could, in fact, result in serious consequences,” the SC&RA position paper says. “The override key is provided, among other functions, to assist operators and provide them with an efficient and timely way to avoid and/or correct a dangerous situation.”
The proposed changes would replace the LMI manual override key with a button that allows overriding during set-up only. In emergency situations, the crane operator could get an extra 10% capacity, to 110% capacity, but at only 15% of maximum speed.
The changes would apply to CE-marked cranes made from January 1, 2010. Although the change would not necessarily affect machines sold in the USA, the organisation argues that the matter needs to be opposed.
“Regardless of where a crane is sold, these are critical safety issues that will have an immediate impact on the industry. The industry needs to stand united to defeat these recommended amendments,” it says.
The paper says: “Removing the standard override key and reducing a crane’s capacity to 15% when in an override situation is essentially allowing the computer to override human common sense in the field.”
“Load moment indicators, boom angle indicators and anti-two blocks are operational aids, used to facilitate the operation of the crane, not to control the crane,” the paper says. “Should one of these operational aids fail, a reduction in the crane’s speed to 15% would be detrimental to the operation of the crane. Imagine a crane operator, well within the crane’s load chart, lifting a steel beam. Suddenly a gust of wind blows the beam causing it to exceed the radius of the load chart, putting the crane in an overload situation and cuts off the lifting function. A qualified operator would quickly lower the load. If his operating speed is reduced to 15%, it reduces the control an operator has over the crane which can result in a tipping or failure situation.”
The association has set up a task force to examine the issue.
The following companies have signed their opposition to the EN 13000 changes: All Erection & Crane Rental Corporation, AmQuip Crane Rental LLC, Bay Crane Service, Inc, Bragg Crane Service, Buckner Companies
Cranes, Inc. Essex Crane Rental Corp, Manitowoc Crane Group, NBIS Construction & Transport Underwriters, Inc.
The SC&RA will discuss the issue at two meetings at the ConExpo show in Las Vegas, USA in March. One of them, on March 13, is open to SC&RA members. The organisation’s booth at the show is L-3214.
Related Files
The position paper in full
