Page 174 - Urban Construction Project Management

Logistics 129
4. Crane installations must be inspected by either a professional engineer or a building
department inspector.
5. All “jumping” of cranes must be observed by a building department inspector and/or
a licensed master rigger and independent crane consultant.

In 2008, 220 cranes were operating in New York City. Even with New York City’s
oversight, several accidents still occurred with cranes. After the May 30, 2008,
incident, the New York City Department of Buildings closed down all construction
sites that were using jumping cranes. These sites were not to continue work until
a thorough inspection was made of every section and connection of each crane. This
inspection caused major delays to the projects. Safety is the key to successful
projects.

OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) has jurisdiction for cranes on con-
struction sites (Regulation Standards-29CFR Standard Number 1926.550). The ANSI
B30 standards cover various types of cranes. These standards are not law but they are
often treated as such by municipal building departments and they have high standings
in the courts. A contractor has many incentives to keep safety of the cranes a primary
objective and to heed these standards:
1. Problems with the crane can seriously affect the schedule.
2. The governing authorities can mandate heavy fines.
3. Insurance companies will increase premiums.
4. Bond sureties will increase bonding premiums or may decide not to bond the
contractor.
5. Reputation can be tarnished.
6. The authorities may impose additional oversight.
7. The CM/GC could have a problem in obtaining “good” bids by subcontractors on
future work.
8. With any injury or death, productivity of the workers on the job site decreases.

HOISTS

A construction hoist is a temporary elevator that transports workers and material to
the various floors in a building. A hoist car that transports people is classified as an
elevator and must conform to a more stringent set of standards then a mere material
hoist. The hoist cars typically ride on rails that are tied to the structure every two to
three floors. One or two cars ride on one mast. On a dual hoist, one car can be for
workers and the other car can be for workers or material. Types of hoists and their car
dimensions are indicated in Exhibit 6-11. Photographs of a hoist, hoist supports, and
hoist protection are shown in Exhibits 6-12, 6-13, and 6-14. A hoist platform runway
is shown in Exhibit 6-15. Hoist runways are required when the hoist is located out-
board from the building structure. This would be necessary when there are set backs