Technical Group Pushes for Dataloggers and Anemometers on NYC Cranes

June 13, 2016 - A technical working group has recommended cranes be equipped with "black box-like devices" to electronically capture crane activity in New York City. It was one of several mandates proposed last week by the group in the wake of a February fatal crane accident. Proposed requirements include most cranes operating in the city be equipped with anemometers.

 

The report also called for an aircraft-style checklist for the inspection of each crane before operations begin each day. Like OSHA’s Cranes & Derrick’s Rule, a lift director would oversee all aspects of crane safety, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

 

Data-logging black boxes have been installed in many cranes in recent years. The data recorded by the black boxes would include the crane’s configuration, how far out the load is, switch settings, and when the operator overrides automatic settings. The report says data must be made available to the Department of Buildings at the agency’s discretion.

 

After the fatal February crane accident, the city issued “cease-operations” orders directing cranes to be shut when winds were forecast to reach 30 miles an hour. This led to complaints from contractors and developers that cranes were shut down even when little wind was detected.

 

The report recommends the city drop this practice, except in extreme weather. Instead, contractors at large jobsites would be required to hire meteorologists to determine “pinpoint forecasts” that take into account the local topography of a building and its exposure to the wind.

 

 

The task force members, none of whom are directly involved in NYC high-rise construction, also urged the city to explore the use of new kinds of cranes, including self-erecting tower cranes, because of their small foot print and ability to operate in tight areas “while ensuring safe operation.” 

 




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