Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes (Hong Kong)

The Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes, issued by the Labour Department, Hong Kong, provides detailed guidance for the safe selection, erection, operation, maintenance, inspection and dismantling of tower cranes used in construction works in Hong Kong. Because tower-crane related accidents can have serious consequences — including structural collapse, collapse of loads, injury or death — this Code is a fundamental reference. Cranes for You includes it in the Knowledge Centre to support safe crane operations worldwide and to provide a benchmark for tower-crane safety practices.

Summary of the Code

The Code defines requirements and best practices across all phases of tower-crane use. Key elements include:

• Scope & Legal Basis: The Code is issued under the legal framework of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and related lifting-gear regulations in Hong Kong.
• Management of Lifting Operations: A “safe system of work” must be established and documented by the crane owner/user for every lift or crane operation. This includes planning, risk assessment, crane selection, suitability checks, maintenance and log-book documentation.
• Personnel Competence & Responsibilities: Only trained, competent, and authorised personnel (operator, slinger, signaller, supervising engineer) may be involved in crane operations, erection, dismantling or height-alteration procedures.
• Crane Selection & Documentation: Tower cranes must be selected according to task requirements, with correct capacity, configuration, and supported by documented load charts, identification of parts/components, manuals and log books.
• Safe Operation Features and Controls: The Code requires proper crane features — safe load indicators, functional brakes and limiting switches, operator cabins, protective structures, electrical safety, jibs/stops, and safety-relevant devices.
• Siting, Foundation & Environment: Crane standing conditions, ground/foundation stability, proximity hazards (adjacent buildings, power lines, other cranes), and correct support setup must be assured before operation.
• Erection / Dismantling / Height Alteration Procedures: For erection, dismantling or tower climbing, the Code outlines requirements for appointment of competent supervising engineers/contractors, safe method statements, control of operations, and safety supervision.
• Inspection, Maintenance & Thorough Examination: Regular inspection, testing and thorough examination are required, especially after erection/dismantling or any significant change; all results must be logged and recorded.

Since the Code was revised in 2011, additional technical specifications, updated international standards, refined crane-type classifications, improved risk-assessment guidance, and updated requirements for anti-collision and safety-device installations have been incorporated.

Practical Relevance for Construction Projects

Using this Code as a reference helps to:

• Standardise crane selection, erection and operation procedures to ensure safe use of tower cranes, especially on complex or crowded building sites
• Ensure that only competent, trained personnel operate tower cranes, reducing risk of human error or improper operations
• Provide documentation and traceability (load charts, log books, inspection records) — essential for audits, compliance and liability management
• Integrate safety measures from the start: correct foundation/ground checks, safe siting, and environmental hazard control — preventing structural failures or accidents
• Manage high-risk phases (erection, dismantling, height alteration) with formal procedures and supervision, reducing accident risk during those critical moments
• Adapt international best practices (for instance anti-collision device requirements) — valuable especially on dense or multi-crane sites

This guidance is particularly relevant for contractors, crane hirers, site management, safety officers, crane operators — especially on high-rise or complex urban construction sites, or when multiple cranes operate simultaneously.

Official Source / Reference

The Code is published by the Labour Department of Hong Kong under the title Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes. The 2011 revision incorporates updates to align with international standards and recent industry-good practices.

It is publicly available for free download via the Labour Department’s website.

Related Knowledge Articles

• Safe Use of Mobile Cranes (Hong Kong) — Code of Practice for Mobile Cranes
• CPA Best Practice in Climbing of Tower Cranes
• Maintenance, Inspection & Thorough Examination of Mobile Cranes (CPA)
• Hoisting and Rigging Safety Manual

Ready to Improve Safety and Compliance?

Implementing the Hong Kong Code of Practice ensures that tower-crane operations follow a structured, formally documented safety framework — from planning and erection through to operation and dismantling.
Download the official PDF via the link on this page and integrate its requirements into your own project safety management systems to ensure safe, compliant crane operations.