GB/T 23723.3-2010 Standard for the Safe Use and Operation of Tower Cranes

GB/T 23723.3-2010 is Part 3 of the series of standards on the safe use of cranes, and it specifically sets forth requirements for the safe use and operational management of tower cranes. Due to their great working height, wide operational range, and complex erection and dismantling processes, tower cranes are subject to particularly stringent safety requirements. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the standard’s core provisions.

Standard Positioning and Safety Responsibility System

GB/T 23723.3-2010 is Part 3 of the GB/T 23723 series. The safe use of tower cranes involves the responsibilities of multiple parties: the tower crane owner—who must ensure the equipment complies with standard requirements, establish a maintenance system, and maintain records; the operating entity (construction company)—responsible for the installation and acceptance of the tower crane, day-to-day operational management, and periodic safety inspections; operators—must hold valid certifications and conduct safety checks before operation; signalers (lifting supervisors)—responsible for issuing lifting signals and monitoring the lifting process; and installation and dismantling personnel—must possess the appropriate qualifications and operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures.

Safety Requirements for Tower Crane Foundations

The standard sets forth clear requirements for the safety of tower crane foundations: Foundations must be constructed in accordance with the design drawings and load values provided by the manufacturer. The operating entity must not arbitrarily reduce the foundation dimensions, lower the concrete strength grade, or reduce the amount of reinforcement. Prior to foundation construction, the bearing capacity of the subgrade must be verified (the characteristic value of subgrade bearing capacity, f_ak, should not be less than the manufacturer’s required value, typically ≥200 kPa). Tower crane installation may only proceed once the concrete strength of the foundation reaches 80% or more of the design strength. Upon completion of the foundation, an acceptance inspection must be conducted. Records should include: foundation positioning coordinates and elevations, concrete test block strength reports, deviations in the positions of embedded parts, and measured ground resistance values. The foundation must be equipped with adequate drainage facilities to prevent water accumulation from saturating the subsoil and causing softening and settlement. The area surrounding the foundation must be protected by fencing, and unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from entering.

Installation and Removal Safety

The installation and dismantling of tower cranes are stages with a high incidence of accidents. The standards set forth strict safety requirements for installation and dismantling: the installation contractor must possess the appropriate qualifications (Special Equipment Installation, Modification, and Repair License), and installation personnel must be certified to perform their duties. A detailed installation plan must be prepared prior to installation and implemented only after approval by the technical supervisor. A restricted area must be established at the installation site (with a radius of no less than 1.2 times the tower crane’s maximum swing radius), and unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering. The following conditions must be met during installation: wind speed must not exceed Force 7 (≤15 m/s), visibility must be good (≥500 m), and the foundation must be firm and level. When jacking up and adding sections, the five-step procedure—”leveling—jacking—guiding—positioning—locking”—must be strictly followed, with each step confirmed before proceeding to the next.

Operational Safety Rules

The standard sets forth systematic requirements for the safe operation of tower cranes: Pre-shift inspections—the foundation must show no settlement or cracks; the rails (for rail-mounted tower cranes) must be free of deformation and obstructions; all limit switches must function properly; the brakes must be responsive and reliable; the wire ropes must show no abnormalities; the hook anti-disengagement device must be intact; and the voltage must be normal (within ±5%). Safety requirements during operation—strictly follow the lifting capacity curve chart; overloading is prohibited; lifting and slewing must be performed smoothly; pause when the load is 200 mm off the ground to confirm that the brakes are reliable before continuing to lift; when multiple cranes are operating in the same area, coordinate height differences and slewing ranges. When wind speeds exceed the permissible working limits, operations must be suspended; raise the hook to the upper limit position, turn the boom into the direction of the wind, and engage the slewing brake to allow the boom to rotate freely.

Maintenance and Periodic Inspections

A comprehensive maintenance system should be established for tower cranes: Daily Maintenance (per shift)—visual inspection, functional testing, lubrication; Level 1 Maintenance (monthly)—inspection of bolt preload, inspection of wire rope and pulley wear, electrical system insulation testing; Level 2 Maintenance (quarterly)—replacement of gearbox lubricant, adjustment of brake lining clearance, and re-measurement of slewing bearing bolt torque; Annual Inspection—commissioning a special equipment inspection agency to conduct periodic inspections (load testing, random UT testing of structural welds, and ground resistance measurement). Safety devices on tower cranes (torque limiters, limit switches) must be tested at least once a month, and test records should be archived for future reference. Krude Heavy Industry provides users with full-lifecycle safety technical support and periodic inspection services for tower cranes to ensure the equipment remains in a safe condition at all times.

Comparison Table of Safety Requirements for Tower Cranes

The following comparison table lists the key parameter configurations for the safety requirements for the safe use of tower cranes, for reference by those selecting and operating these cranes.

Frequently Asked Questions