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Guide to BS7121
BS 7121 is the British Standard Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes. It is recognized as best practice in the industry and has been drawn up by the industry in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE recommends the use of BS7121 to any person or organisation who have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and who use or hire cranes. Whilst compliance to the code does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations, failure to comply would be taken as prima facie evidence of failure to provide a safe place of work for employees and contractors. The code also gives guidance on how to comply with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Provision and Use of Working Equipment Regulations 1998.
Part 1 gives general guidance and recommendations on the use of cranes whilst Part 3 deals specifically with the use of mobile cranes.
The basic requirements of BS7121 are:
Safe System of Work: This should include:
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Planning of the operation
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Selection of the crane and suitable lifting equipment
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Preparation of the site
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Examination of the crane and equipment
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Provision of properly trained and competent operatives and supervision
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Examination of test and other documentation
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Prevention of unauthorized movement or use
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Safety of persons not involved in the lifting operations
The usual methodology for planning the operation and meeting many of the above requirements is through a Risk Assessment and Method Statement.