oSIST prEN 14439:2021

Cranes - Tower cranes

This document specifies safety requirements:
-   for tower cranes;
-   for climbing systems for tower cranes erected from parts.
This document applies to tower cranes for construction works, which are either erected by parts or self-erecting cranes, including mobile self-erecting tower cranes. Tower cranes for construction works are exclusively equipped with a hook as load-handling device.
Applications when the crane is equipped with a grab or when there is a sudden release of the load, are not covered by this document. This document is not applicable to mobile cranes, mobile harbour cranes, crawler cranes, slewing jib cranes, bridge and gantry cranes, offshore cranes, floating cranes, loader cranes, hand operated cranes or railway cranes.
This document deals with tower cranes to be operated at ambient temperature above -20° C.
This document deals with significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to tower cranes, it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer. This document specifies the appropriate technical measures to eliminate or reduce risks arising from the significant hazards (see Annex A).
The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Annex A.
This document covers hazards related to the lifting of persons using a climbing system for tower cranes as defined in clause 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8. The lifting of persons by the tower crane itself is not included.
The requirements related to Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), the specific hazards due to external influence on electrical equipment, potentially explosive atmospheres and ionising radiation are not covered by this document.
To improve readability, additional requirements for climbing systems are given in Annex E of this document. Additional and specific requirements for mobile self-erecting tower cranes are given in Annex G of this document.
This document is not applicable to tower cranes and climbing systems which are manufactured before the date of publication by CEN of this document.

Krane - Turmdrehkrane

Diese Europäische Norm legt die Sicherheitsanforderungen fest:
-   für Turmdrehkrane und
-   für Klettereinrichtungen für Turmdrehkrane, die aus Teilen zusammengesetzt werden.
Dieses Dokument gilt für Turmdrehkrane für den Baubetrieb, die entweder aus Komponenten zusammengesetzt werden oder Schnellmontagekrane sind, einschließlich mobile Schnellmontage-Turmdrehkrane. Turmdrehkrane für den Baubetrieb sind ausschließlich mit einem Haken als Lastaufnahmemittel ausgestattet.
Anwendungen, bei denen der Kran mit einem Greifer ausgestattet ist oder bei denen ein plötzliches Freigeben der Last erfolgt, werden von diesem Dokument nicht abgedeckt. Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für Fahrzeugkrane, Hafenmobilkrane, Raupenkrane, Ausleger-Drehkrane, Brücken- und Portalkrane, Offshore-Krane, Schwimmkrane, Ladekrane, handbetriebene Krane oder Eisenbahnkrane.
Dieses Dokument behandelt Turmdrehkrane für den Betrieb bei Umgebungstemperaturen über -20 °C.
Dieses Dokument behandelt signifikante Gefährdungen, Gefährdungssituationen und Ereignisse, die im Zusammenhang mit Turmdrehkranen auftreten, wenn diese bestimmungsgemäß und unter den vom Hersteller vernünftigerweise vorhersehbaren Fehlanwendungen verwendet werden. Dieses Dokument legt die angemessenen technischen Maßnahmen fest, mit denen die sich aus den signifikanten Gefährdungen ergebenden Risiken ausgeschaltet oder verringert werden können (siehe Anhang A).
Die in diesem Dokument behandelten signifikanten Gefährdungen sind in Anhang A angegeben.
Dieses Dokument behandelt Gefährdungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Anheben von Personen mit einer Klettereinrichtung für Turmdrehkrane, wie in 3.6, 3.7 und 3.8 definiert. Das Anheben von Personen durch den Turmdrehkran selbst ist nicht enthalten.
Die Anforderungen im Zusammenhang mit der elektromagnetischen Verträglichkeit (EMV), den spezifischen Gefährdungen durch den äußeren Einfluss auf die elektrische Ausrüstung, den explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen und der ionisierenden Strahlung werden von diesem Dokument nicht abgedeckt.
Zur besseren Lesbarkeit sind zusätzliche Anforderungen an Klettereinrichtungen in Anhang E dieses Dokuments aufgeführt. Zusätzliche und spezifische Anforderungen für mobile Schnellmontage-Turmdrehkrane sind in Anhang G dieses Dokuments aufgeführt.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht auf Turmdrehkrane und Klettereinrichtungen anzuwenden, die vor dem Datum der Veröffentlichung dieses Dokument durch CEN gefertigt worden sind.

Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Grues à tour

Le présent document spécifie les prescriptions de sécurité pour :
-   les grues à tour ;
-   les systèmes de télescopage pour grues à tour à montage par éléments.
Le présent document s'applique aux grues à tour de chantier, à montage par éléments ou à montage automatisé, y compris les grues à tour automotrices. Les grues à tour de chantier sont exclusivement équipées d'un crochet comme accessoire de levage.
Le présent document ne couvre pas les applications dans lesquelles la grue est équipée d'une benne preneuse, ou dans lesquelles il y a un relâchement soudain de la charge. Le présent document ne s'applique pas aux grues mobiles, aux grues de port mobiles, aux grues sur chenilles, aux grues à flèche orientable, aux portiques et ponts roulants, aux grues off-shores, aux grues flottantes, aux grues de chargement, aux appareils de levage manuels ou aux grues ferroviaires.
Le présent document traite des grues à tour fonctionnant à des températures ambiantes au-dessus de -20 °C.
Le présent document traite de phénomènes dangereux, situations et évènements dangereux significatifs relatifs aux grues à tour, lorsque celles-ci sont utilisées pour l'usage prévu et dans les conditions de mauvais usage raisonnablement prévues par le fabricant. Le présent document spécifie les mesures techniques appropriées destinées à réduire ou éliminer les risques émanant des phénomènes dangereux significatifs (voit l’Annexe A).
Les phénomènes dangereux significatifs couverts par le présent document sont identifiés à l’Annexe A.
Le présent document couvre les phénomènes dangereux relatifs au levage de personnes utilisant un système de télescopage pour les grues à tour, tel que défini aux 3.6, 3.7 et 3.8. Le levage de personnes par la grue à tour elle-même n'est pas inclus.
Les prescriptions relatives à la compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM), les phénomènes dangereux spécifiques dus aux influences extérieures sur l'équipement électrique, aux atmosphères explosibles et aux radiations ionisantes ne sont pas couverts par le présent document.
Afin d’améliorer la lisibilité, des prescriptions complémentaires pour les systèmes de télescopage sont indiquées à l’Annexe E du présent document. Des prescriptions supplémentaires et spécifiques relatives aux grues à tour automotrices sont indiquées à l'Annexe G du présent document.
Le présent document ne s'applique pas aux grues à tour ni aux systèmes de télescopage fabriqués avant la date de publication du présent document par le CEN.

Žerjavi - Stolpna dvigala

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 03-Nov-2021
• ICS: 53.020.20 - Cranes
• Technical Committee: DTN - Lift and transport appliances
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 20-Aug-2021
• Due Date: 07-Jan-2022
• Completion Date: 09-Nov-2021
• Directive: 2006/42/EC - Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)
• Mandate: M/396 - Mandate to CEN and Cenelec for standardisation in the field of machinery
• Ref Project: prEN 14439 - Cranes - Tower cranes

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN 14439:2007+A2:2009 - Cranes - Safety - Tower cranes
• Effective Date: 26-Feb-2020

Overview

The oSIST prEN 14439:2021:2021 standard, developed by CEN’s Technical Committee CEN/TC 147, defines the safety requirements for tower cranes used in construction works. It specifically addresses safety aspects for both tower cranes erected from parts and mobile self-erecting tower cranes. This document is a revision and supersedes the earlier EN 14439:2006+A2:2009 standard, updating important design, mechanical, and operational safety provisions. Its primary goal is to mitigate risks related to the inherent hazards encountered during tower crane usage, supporting compliance with EU directives and improving workplace safety.

This standard covers significant hazards related to tower crane operation under ambient temperatures above -20°C and excludes other crane types such as mobile cranes, harbour cranes, crawler cranes, and offshore cranes. It focuses exclusively on cranes equipped with a hook for lifting loads, without including cranes fitted with grabs or those used for lifting persons directly by the crane.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application

  • Applicable to tower cranes erected by parts and mobile self-erecting tower cranes used in construction.
  • Excludes mobile cranes, loader cranes, floating cranes, and other non-tower crane types.
  • Covers hazards relevant to the use and reasonable misuse envisaged by manufacturers.

• Design Requirements

  • Load-bearing structures: classification, load combinations, limit states, and proof of competence.
  • Mechanical equipment: mechanisms, ropes, rail wheels, slewing rings, hooks, hydraulic systems.
  • Electrical equipment and control systems: control stations, limiters, indicators, lighting.
  • Access and guarding: safe access provisions and prevention of falls or injuries.
  • Noise reduction: design measures to minimize noise emissions.

• Safety Verification and Testing

  • Methods for verifying safety requirements including functional tests without load, static and dynamic load tests, and stability verification.
  • Noise emission measurement standards at control stations.

• Additional Requirements

  • Climbing systems: specific safety, design, and operational requirements (Annex E).
  • Mobile self-erecting tower cranes: additional tailored requirements and safety measures (Annex B).
  • Information for use: comprehensive guidelines for instruction manuals, maintenance, transportation, marking, and warnings.

Applications

• Construction Projects: Offers essential safety benchmarks for tower cranes operating on construction sites, ensuring safe load handling through hooks.
• Manufacturing and Design: Provides manufacturers clear guidelines on structural and mechanical design, safety features, and testing procedures to comply with regulatory standards.
• Safety Compliance: Assists safety inspectors and engineers in assessing crane installations against prescribed risk reduction measures.
• Training and Operation: Aids crane operators and maintenance personnel with safety instructions and operational safeguards to reduce hazards.

By adhering to oSIST prEN 14439:2021:2021, stakeholders promote safer crane environments, diminish accident risks related to structural failure, mechanical faults, or human error, and align with legal and industry requirements in Europe.

Related Standards

• EN 13001 Series: Provides criteria for the design of cranes and crane components, integrated within oSIST prEN 14439:2021 for load-bearing structure rules.
• EN ISO 13849-1: Addresses safety-related control system design and performance, referenced for electrical and control equipment safety.
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: oSIST prEN 14439:2021 supports compliance with essential health and safety requirements under this EU directive.
• Noise Measurement Standards: Annex D specifies sound power and pressure level testing methods congruent with European noise standards.

Keywords

tower cranes safety, oSIST prEN 14439:2021, tower crane design standards, mobile self-erecting tower cranes, crane load handling, construction crane safety, climbing systems for cranes, crane hazard mitigation, crane noise reduction, European crane standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2021
Dvigala (žerjavi) - Stolpna dvigala
Cranes - Tower cranes
Krane - Turmdrehkrane
Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Grues à tour
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 14439
ICS:
53.020.20 Dvigala Cranes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2021
ICS 53.020.20 Will supersede EN 14439:2006+A2:2009
English Version
Cranes - Tower cranes
Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Grues à tour Krane - Turmdrehkrane
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 147.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 14439:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures . 12
4.1 General. 12
4.2 Design requirements on the load bearing structure . 12
4.2.1 General. 12
4.2.2 Crane parts classification . 12
4.2.3 Loads . 13
4.2.4 Load combinations . 21
4.2.5 Limit states and proof of competence of structural members and connections . 32
4.2.6 Loads on crane support structure . 33
4.3 Design requirements on mechanical equipment . 34
4.3.1 General. 34
4.3.2 Mechanisms . 34
4.3.3 Ropes . 34
4.3.4 Rail wheels . 35
4.3.5 Slewing ring bearing . 35
4.3.6 Hooks . 35
4.3.7 Hydraulic system . 35
4.4 Design requirements on electrical equipment and control system . 35
4.4.1 General. 35
4.4.2 Controls and control stations . 35
4.4.3 Limiters and indicators . 36
4.4.4 Lighting . 44
4.5 Design requirements on access and guarding . 45
4.5.1 Guarding . 45
4.5.2 Access . 45
4.6 Other design requirements . 59
4.6.1 Trolley stop device . 59
4.6.2 Prevention of crane components from falling . 59
4.6.3 Slewing device during erection and dismantling . 59
4.6.4 Noise reduction at source at the design stage . 59
5 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures . 60
5.1 General. 60
5.2 Method of verification . 60
5.3 Fitness for purpose. 61
5.4 Noise measurement . 61
5.4.1 Emission sound power level . 61
5.4.2 Emission sound pressure level at control station . 61
6 Information for use . 62
6.1 General. 62
6.2 Instruction manual . 62
6.2.1 General . 62
6.2.2 Specification – General . 62
6.2.3 Instructions for erection and dismantling . 62
6.2.4 Information on noise emission . 63
6.2.5 Instructions for the users . 64
6.2.6 Instructions for maintenance . 66
6.2.7 Instructions for transportation and storage . 66
6.2.8 Instructions for the installation of an anti-collision device or a working space
limiter . 67
6.3 Marking . 67
6.3.1 Identification . 67
6.3.2 Warnings and information . 67
Annex A (informative) List of significant hazards . 69
Annex B (informative) Additional and specific requirements for mobile self-erecting tower
cranes . 76
B.1 General . 76
B.2 Additional and specific requirements and/or protective measures for mobile self-
erecting tower cranes . 77
B.2.1 Classification . 77
B.2.2 Design requirements on the load bearing structure . 77
B.2.3 Design requirements on mechanical equipment . 77
B.2.4 Design requirements on electrical equipment and control system . 78
B.2.5 Design requirements on access and guarding . 78
B.2.6 Other design requirements . 78
B.3 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures . 79
B.4 Information for use . 79
Annex C (normative) Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures . 80
C.1 General . 80
C.2 Function test without load . 80
C.3 Load tests . 80
C.3.1 General . 80
C.3.2 Static test . 80
C.3.3 Dynamic test . 81
C.4 Verification of the rigid body stability . 81
Annex D (normative) Noise test code . 82
D.1 General . 82
D.2 A-weighted sound power level . 82
D.2.1 Mounting of the equipment . 82
D.2.2 Test method . 83
D.3 A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the control station. 86
D.3.1 General. 86
D.3.2 Test method, mounting and operating conditions during test . 87
D.3.3 Calculation of emission sound pressure level . 87
D.4 Information on noise emission . 87
Annex E (normative) Additional requirements for climbing systems . 88
E.1 General. 88
E.2 Safety requirements and/or protective measures . 88
E.2.1 General. 88
E.2.2 Design requirements on the load bearing structure . 88
E.2.3 Additional design requirements on mechanical equipment - Hydraulic cylinder . 90
E.2.4 Additional design requirements on electrical equipment and control system . 90
E.2.5 Additional design requirements on access and guarding . 91
E.3 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures . 91
E.3.1 Method of verification . 91
E.3.2 Tests for fitness for purpose . 92
E.4 Information for use . 93
E.4.1 Instruction manual . 93
E.4.2 Marking . 94
Annex F (informative) Marking – Examples of layout . 95
Annex G (informative) Selection of a suitable set of crane standards for a given
application . 99
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered . 101
Bibliography . 106

European foreword
This document (prEN 14439:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 147 “Cranes -
Safety”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 14439:2006+A2:2009.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
CEN/TC 147/WG 12 “Tower Cranes” has developed a revision of this document, which differs from
EN 14439:2006+A2:2009 as follows:
— integration and rules for application of EN 13001 series of standards;
— revision of 4.2 Design requirements on the load bearing structure;
— revision of 4.4.4 Access;
— integration and rules for application of EN ISO 13849-1;
— integration of mobile self-erecting tower cranes, including introduction of a new dedicated Annex B;
— revision of Annex E Additional requirements for climbing systems.
To select a suitable set of crane standards for a given application see Annex G.

Introduction
This is a harmonized European Standard to provide one means for tower cranes to conform with the
relevant Essential Health and Safety Requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC modified.
This European Standard is a type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100:2010.
This document is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the market
players with regard to machinery safety:
— machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.).
Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the document by the
above-mentioned stakeholder groups:
— machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— machine users/employees (e.g. trade unions, organizations for people with special needs);
— service providers, e.g. for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
— consumers (in case of machinery intended for use by consumers).
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events
are covered are indicated in the scope of this document.
When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B
standards, the provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the other
standards, for cranes that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this type C
standard.
1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements:
— for tower cranes;
— for climbing systems for tower cranes erected from parts.
This document applies to tower cranes for construction works, which are either erected by parts or self-
erecting cranes, including mobile self-erecting tower cranes. Tower cranes for construction works are
exclusively equipped with a hook as load-handling device.
Applications when the crane is equipped with a grab or when there is a sudden release of the load, are
not covered by this document. This document is not applicable to mobile cranes, mobile harbour cranes,
crawler cranes, slewing jib cranes, bridge and gantry cranes, offshore cranes, floating cranes, loader
cranes, hand operated cranes or railway cranes.
This document deals with tower cranes to be operated at ambient temperature above –20 °C.
This document deals with significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to tower cranes,
it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the
manufacturer. This document specifies the appropriate technical measures to eliminate or reduce risks
arising from the significant hazards (see Annex A).
The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Annex A.
This document covers hazards related to the lifting of persons using a climbing system for tower cranes
as defined in Clause 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8. The lifting of persons by the tower crane itself is not included.
The requirements related to Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), the specific hazards due to external
influence on electrical equipment, potentially explosive atmospheres and ionising radiation are not
covered by this document.
To improve readability, additional requirements for climbing systems are given in Annex E of this
document. Additional and specific requirements for mobile self-erecting tower cranes are given in
Annex G of this document.
This document is not applicable to tower cranes and climbing systems which are manufactured before
the date of publication by CEN of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 795:2012, Personal fall protection equipment — Anchor devices
EN 12077-2:1998+A1:2008, Cranes safety — Requirements for health and safety — Part 2: Limiting and
indicating devices
EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008, Cranes — Information for use and testing — Part 1: Instructions
prEN 13000:2020, Cranes — Mobile cranes
EN 13001-1:2015, Cranes — General design — Part 1: General principles and requirements
EN 13001-2:2014, Crane safety — General design — Part 2: Load actions
EN 13001-3-1:2012+A2:2018, Cranes — General Design — Part 3-1: Limit States and proof of competence
of steel structures
EN 13001-3-3:2014, Cranes — General design — Part 3-3: Limit states and proof of competence of
wheel/rail contacts
EN 13001-3-4:2018, Cranes — General design — Part 3–4: Limit states and proof of competence of
machinery — Bearings
EN 13001-3-5:2014, Cranes — General design — Part 3-5: Limit states and proof of competence of forged
hooks
EN 13001-3-6:2018, Cranes — General design — Part 3–6: Limit states and proof of competence of
machinery — Hydraulic cylinders
EN 13135:2013+A1:2018, Cranes — Safety — Design — Requirements for equipment
EN 13557:2003+A2:2008, Cranes — Controls and control stations
EN 13586:2004+A1:2008, Cranes — Access
EN 14502-2:2005+A1:2008, Cranes — Equipment for the lifting of persons — Part 2: Elevating control
stations
EN 17076:2020, Tower cranes — Anti-collision systems — Safety requirements
EN 60204-32:2008, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 32: Requirements for
hoisting machines (IEC 60204-32)
EN 61496 (all parts), Safety of machinery — Electro-sensitive protective equipment
EN 62745:2017, Safety of machinery — Requirements for cableless control systems of machinery
(IEC 62745)
EN ISO 3744:2010, Acoustics — Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise
sources using sound pressure — Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
(ISO 3744:2010)
EN ISO 4413:2010, Hydraulic fluid power — General rules and safety requirements for systems and their
components (ISO 4413:2010)
EN ISO 4871:2009, Acoustics — Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery and
equipment (ISO 4871:1996)
EN ISO 7010:2020, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs
(ISO 7010:2019, Corrected version 2020-06)
EN ISO 11201:2010, Acoustics — Noise emitted by machinery and equipment — Determination of emission
sound pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions in an essentially free field over a
reflecting plane with negligible environmental corrections (ISO 11201:2010)
EN ISO 11203:2009, Acoustics — Noise emitted by machinery and equipment — Determination of emission
sound pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions from the sound power level
(ISO 11203:1995)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk
reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 13849-1:2015, Safety of machinery — Safety-related parts of control systems — Part 1: General
principles for design (ISO 13849-1:2015)
EN ISO 13856 (all parts), Safety of machinery — Pressure-sensitive protective devices
EN ISO 13857:2019, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by
upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019)
EN ISO 14119:2013, Safety of machinery — Interlocking devices associated with guards — Principles for
design and selection (ISO 14119:2013)
EN ISO 14120:2015, Safety of machinery — Guards — General requirements for the design and construction
of fixed and movable guards (ISO 14120:2015)
ISO 3864 (all parts), Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs
ISO 4301-1:2016, Cranes — Classification — Part 1: General
ISO 4301-3:2021, Cranes — Classification — Part 3: Tower cranes
ISO 4306-1:2007, Cranes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General
ISO 4306-3:2016, Cranes — Vocabulary — Part 3: Tower cranes
ISO 7296-3:2006, Cranes — Graphical symbols — Part 3: Tower cranes
ISO 7752-3:2013, Cranes — Control layout and characteristics — Part 3: Tower cranes
ISO 8566-3:2010, Cranes — Cabins and control stations — Part 3: Tower cranes
ISO 12488-1:2012, Cranes — Tolerances for wheels and travel and traversing tracks — Part 1: General
ISO 16625:2013, Cranes and hoists — Selection of wire ropes, drums and sheaves
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in in EN ISO 12100, ISO 4306-1 and
ISO 4306-3 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
rated capacity
maximum net load that the crane is designed to lift for a given crane configuration, radius and operating
conditions
Note 1 to entry: The rated capacity is composed of the pay load plus the mass of the non-fixed load-lifting
attachment(s).
3.1.1
standard load chart
rated capacity for a given crane configuration under normal operating conditions, allowing all
mechanisms to operate with their maximum performance and maximum wind loading, to determine the
maximum dynamic load effect
3.1.2
special load chart
increased rated capacity for a given crane configuration under special operating conditions, considering
reduced performance of the mechanisms and reduced wind loading, but reaching the same dynamic load
effect than with the standard load chart at the same crane configuration
3.2
tower crane
power-driven slewing jib type crane intended for the lifting of loads, with the jib located at the top of a
tower which stays approximately vertical in the working position
Note 1 to entry: A tower crane is equipped with means for raising and lowering suspended loads and for the
movement of such loads by changing the load-lifting radius, travelling of the load, slewing or travelling of the
complete appliance. Some tower cranes perform several, but not necessarily all of these movements.
3.2.1
tower crane erected from parts
tower crane assembled from component parts where the design of the crane allows the crane to remain
in the erected position in out-of-service conditions and to be dismantled for movement to another site
3.2.2
self-erecting tower crane
tower crane which is transported to site and mostly assembled without use of a separate lifting appliance,
where the design of the crane allows the crane to remain in the erected position in out-of-service
conditions and to be lowered for transportation to another site
3.2.3
mobile self-erecting tower crane
self-erecting tower crane mounted on a self-propelled chassis and designed for a significantly lower load
spectrum compared to tower cranes according to 3.2.1 and 3.2.2
3.3
crane reference bottom level
interface of an erected tower crane with the supporting structure or rail track (see Figure 1)
Note 1 to entry: The top level of a concrete foundation is considered the crane reference bottom level.
Key
1 crane reference bottom level
Figure 1 — Crane reference bottom level
3.4
working range limiting device
set of components installed on the same crane whose combined actions enable management of prohibited
zones only
[EN 17076:2020, 3.7]
3.5
anti-collision system
network of anti-collision devices that enable management of interference zones and/or prohibited zones,
in which each anti-collision device is an input device for the other anti-collision devices within this
network
[EN 17076:2020, 3.5]
3.6
climbing system
specific equipment optionally installed on a tower crane erected from parts to increase or to decrease the
height under hook of the crane
3.6.1
external climbing system
climbing system where the tower of a crane is extended or reduced by the use of a climbing frame jacking
system to add or to remove tower sections
3.6.2
internal climbing system
climbing system where the height of a tower crane is raised or lowered by the use of a jacking system
acting directly onto the structure on which the crane is supported
3.7
balancing moment
moment at which the balance of the lifted components of the crane is achieved before start of the climbing
operation
3.8
deviation moment
amount by which the balancing moment may deviate during a climbing sequence
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
4.1 General
Tower cranes and climbing systems shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective
measures of this clause. In addition, tower cranes and climbing systems shall be designed according to
the principles of EN ISO 12100:2010 for hazards relevant but not significant, which are not dealt with by
this document.
The classification as given in ISO 4301-3:2021 shall be used as a minimum design requirement for the
proof of fatigue strength of tower cranes, its mechanisms and components.
4.2 Design requirements on the load bearing structure
4.2.1 General
The proof calculation (proof of strength and proof of stability) shall be done using the standards
EN 13001-1:2015, EN 13001-2:2014 and EN 13001-3-1:2012+A2:2018 with requirements and
recommendation of 4.2.1 to 4.2.6 of this document and corresponding to the recognized state of the art
in tower crane design.
General principles of calculation shall be done according to EN 13001-1:2015. Calculations shall be based
on the assumption of a deformed system in a state of equilibrium (second order theory).
4.2.2 Crane parts classification
Structural crane parts classification and the computational proof of fatigue strength shall be done in
accordance with EN 13001-1:2015 and EN 13001-3-1:2012+A2:2018. Stress history parameters and
consequently the S-classes for different structural details shall be calculated based on the specified U-
and Q-classes together with the average displacements of relevant crane movements (trolley travelling,
slewing).
For tower cranes, the S-class for structural details shall not be taken lower than those given in
ISO 4301-3:2021.
Alternatively, in case of better knowledge of the loading conditions of the design detail under
consideration, a specific stress history parameter s may be calculated.
m
4.2.3 Loads
4.2.3.1 General
For each jib length and configuration of the tower crane, a standard load chart is determined by the crane
manufacturer. Thereby all loads that are acting during the crane's life shall be considered and shall reflect
unfavourable but realistic operating conditions and sequences of actions by the crane driver (see Table 1
and Table 4).
With the use of a programmable logic control, it is possible that for the same jib length and configuration
of the tower crane an additional special load chart is provided by the crane manufacturer. Thereby all
loads shall be considered as stated above, however it is admissible to disable a crane motion, e.g. crane
travelling, which provides a significant load effect, or to modify control parameter of a crane mechanism
to reduce inertia loads. Further, at a special load chart it is allowed to reduce the minimum in-service
wind level according to the requirements given in Table 1.
All loads shall be defined and classified as regular loads (for load combinations A), occasional loads (for
load combinations B) and exceptional loads (for load combinations C) according to EN 13001-2:2014,
4.2.
4.2.3.2 Loads and values for dynamic factors ϕ
i
Table 1 indicates loads that are generally relevant for tower cranes, and gives guidance on values for
appropriate dynamic factors. All dynamic factors ϕ shall be considered according to EN 13001-2:2014.
i
Alternatively other values for dynamic factors may be used when determined by recognized theoretical
analysis or a practical test.
In case of a tower crane designed for a special use and/or with dedicated requirements additional loads
and relevant values of dynamic factors shall be considered and defined according to EN 13001-2:2014,
4.2 and 4.3
Table 1 — Loads and guidance on values for dynamic factors ϕ for tower cranes
i
Definitions and guidance on values for
dynamic factors ϕ and load
Load
i
determination
1 Hoisting and gravity effects acting ϕ The value δ defined for tower cranes is:
on the mass of the crane
δ = 0,05
2 Inertial and gravity effects by ϕ Hoisting class HC1 is typical for tower cranes
hoisting an unrestrained grounded and shall be used, except in cases of
load unusually rigid structure.
For load combinations A1 and B1:
ϕ = 1,3
2,max
For load combination C1: ϕ without
limitation
Due to the nature of tower cranes, only the
hoist drive classes HD1 or HD4 shall be used.
The classes HD2, HD3 and HD5 are not
allowed to be used unless all requirements of
EN 13001-2 are met.
Line
number i
Dyn.
factor ϕ
i
Definitions and guidance on values for
dynamic factors ϕ and load
Load
i
determination
3 Inertial and gravity effects by ϕ Not applicable for tower cranes
sudden release of a part of the
hoist load
4 Loads caused by travelling on ϕ The railway tolerances for a tower crane
uneven surface shall be in accordance with ISO 12488-
1:2012 – Class 2. With this condition, this
load action doesn’t need to be considered.
NOTE Refer also to 6.2.5.
5 Loads caused by acceleration of ϕ Usual values of the dynamic coefficient ϕ
5 5
drives
for tower cranes are:
ϕ = 1,0 for centrifugal forces;
ϕ = 1,5 for drive forces for all typical drives
of tower cranes (with no backlash or in case
where existing backlash does not affect the
dynamic forces and with smooth change of
forces);
6 Loads determined by - The erection tolerances for the supporting
displacements structure for a tower crane shall comply with
the requirements given in 4.2.4.6 i). With
this condition, this load action doesn’t need
to be considered.
In case of different condition, the load action
has to be considered according to EN 13001.
7 Loads due to in-service wind - The minimum in-service wind level that shall
be considered for a standard load chart is
state 2 (normal winds). The wind pressure to
consider is q = 250 N/m (Wind speed
(3)
v = 20 m/s).
(3)
The minimum in-service wind level that shall
be considered for a special load chart is state
1 (light winds). The wind pressure to
consider is q = 125 N/m (wind speed
(3)
v = 14,1 m/s).
(3)
8 Loads due to snow and ice - This load shall be considered only on special
request from a user or local regulation.
9 Loads due to temperature variation - Not applicable for tower cranes.
Line
number i
Dyn.
factor ϕ
i
Definitions and guidance on values for
dynamic factors ϕ and load
Load
i
determination
10 Loads caused by skewing - Skewing forces are insignificant and doesn’t
need to be considered when the guide ratio,
i.e. distance between the guide means
divided by the span of the undercarriage is 1
or higher.
In case of different condition, the load action
has to be considered according to EN 13001.
11 Loads caused by hoisting a ϕ Refer to line number 2 of this table.
grounded load at maximum
hoisting speed
12 Loads due to out-of-service wind - Refer to 4.2.3.3
13 Test loads ϕ According to EN 13001-2:2014 and Annex C
of this document.
The minimum wind pressure to consider for
test loads is q = 40 N/m (Wind speed
(3)
v = 8 m/s)
(3)
14 Loads due to buffer forces ϕ A verification of the energy absorption
capacity of the buffers and of the effect of the
buffer forces on the supporting structure
may be disregarded with, on condition that
limit switches are installed in addition to
buffer stops according to 4.4.3.2.4.
In case of different conditions, the load
action has to be considered according to
EN 13001.
15 Loads due to tilting forces - Not applicable for tower cranes.
16 Loads caused by emergency - This load can be determined by calculation
stop on a dynamic model analysis or by a
practical test.
17 Loads caused by anticipated failure - Not applicable for tower cranes.
of mechanism or components
18 Loads due to external excitation of - To be considered only on special request
the crane foundation from a user or local regulation.
19 Loads caused by erection, - Refer to 4.2.3.4.
dismantling and transport
20 Loads on means provided for - Refer to 4.2.3.5.
access
21 Loads due to dynamic cut-out by ϕ , Not applicable for tower cranes, as already
L
rated capacity limiter covered by emergency stop situation.
ϕ
ML
Line
number i
Dyn.
factor ϕ
i
Definitions and guidance on values for
dynamic factors ϕ and load
Load
i
determination
22 Loads due to unintentional loss of ϕ Refer to 4.2.3.6.
hoist load
4.2.3.3 Loads due to out-of-service wind
4.2.3.3.1 General
Tower cranes are typically designed to slew freely in the state out-of-service and to show a good
weathervaning behaviour thereby.
Nevertheless, in order to cover a delayed slewing of the cranes in the prevailing wind direction or
generally to take into account particularly turbulent construction sites, specific additional safety load
cases in the state crane out of service shall be considered. These additional empirical load cases relate
primarily to an extension of the proof of rigid body stability. However, not to create a gap in the proof
verification, at least the substructure and the crane tower have to be verified by a proof of strength
regarding these load actions.
Hence wind loads due to out of service wind for tower cranes are split-up in 3 different wind load
assumptions (see Figure 2), depending on the wind direction acting on the crane, with the requirement
of a free slewing upper works. These loads are converted into 3 load combinations: C2.1, C2.2 and C2.3
according to Table 4 and Table 5 of this document.
The proof of stability and the proof of strength shall be made with the following load combinations:
— C2.1: Crane at out-of-service conditions, considering out-of-service wind from rear,
— C2.2: Crane at out-of-service conditions, considering out-of-service wind from front and
— C2.3: Crane at out-of-service conditions, considering out-of-service wind from side.
Line
number i
Dyn.
factor ϕ
i
Key
(x0,y0) coordinate system defined in a horizontal plane at ground level, linked to the stationary crane part of
the crane, x0 is conventionally defined parallel to the most unfavourable tilting axis (index 0)
(x1,y1) coordinate system defined in a horizontal plane at the level of the slewing ring, linked to the slewing
part of the crane, x1 is conventionally defined parallel to the jib axis of the crane (index 1)
1 jib direction
W1 wind from rear
W2 wind from front
W3 wind from side
Figure 2 — Figure illustrating the wind directions “wind from rear”, “wind from front” and “wind
from side”
Load combinations C2.2 and C2.3 are not required for self-erecting tower cranes without counter jib at
the level of the jib.
If the tower crane is not slewing freely out of service, the wind load action 'wind from rear' according to
4.2.3.3.2 has to be applied from all sides. The additional wind loads given in 4.2.3.3.3 and 4.2.3.3.4 can be
ignored in that case.
4.2.3.3.2 Loads due to out-of-service wind from rear
The out-of-service wind loads from rear are assumed to act on a member of a tower crane or on the hoist
load remaining suspended at the crane and are calculated using the following Formula (1):
F = k × q(z) × c × A (1)
s
where
F is the wind load as defined in EN 13001-2:2014, 4.2.4.2;
k is the structural factor:
s
Due to the size and structure of tower cranes, the structural factor k takes into account the
s
effect on wind actions from the non
...