Tower crane slew brakes

Key Issues:
Preventing catastrophic failure of tower cranes essential slew brake release
mechanism maintenance
Introduction:
HSE investigations into the collapse of two tower crane jibs has identified that
there were problems with adequate maintenance of the slew brake release
mechanisms.

The purpose of this safety alert is to advise owners and users of steps to be taken
to ensure that tower crane slew brake release mechanisms are maintained in an
efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. The emerging
findings from the HSE investigations indicate that the operational efficiency was
compromised by lack of maintenance, in particular, insufficient lubrication of the
slew brake release mechanism. This alert provides supplementary information to
HSE Health and safety bulletin FOD 2-2014 Preventing catastrophic failure of
luffing jib tower cranes in high winds.
Background:
Tower crane jibs are designed to free slew when out of service to avoid high
loadings being placed on the crane structure and foundations with risk of failure
or collapse. In order that a tower crane can be placed in the out of service
condition it is essential that the slew brake release mechanism is maintained in
an efficient state.

Failure to maintain the release mechanism can result in the operator being
unable to fully release the slew brake when placing the crane in the out of service
condition or the operator thinking that the slew brake is fully released when it is
still partially engaged. If the brake is not fully released the upper slewing
structure will not be able to slew freely in response to changing wind directions.
This could result in the jib or whole crane collapsing in strong winds.

Action required:
Owners and users of tower cranes should ensure that tower crane slew brake
release mechanisms are inspected and maintained in line with instructions issued
by the manufacturer. Where crane manuals do not stipulate release mechanism
maintenance instructions the manufacturers should be asked to provide details.

Instruction should be provided to operators and maintenance personnel as to how

slew brake release mechanisms should be checked, inspected and maintained.

This should include information, where necessary, as to the type of lubrication

and the frequency and method of applying lubrication to the release mechanism.

Supervisory checks should confirm that personnel are correctly carrying out their
instructions and the crane is being placed in free slew when left out of service.
Persons carrying out Thorough Examinations should also confirm the correct
function of the slew brake release mechanism.