Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Mobile Cranes (Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong Labour Department’s Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Mobile Cranes sets out the mandatory safety expectations for planning, operating, inspecting and maintaining mobile cranes. It applies to all mobile crane types — truck-mounted cranes, all-terrain cranes, rough-terrain cranes and other self-propelled lifting equipment.
Because mobile cranes often operate in dense urban environments with limited space, complex traffic flows and high public exposure, having a clear, government-issued code is essential. This is why Cranes for You includes this guidance in the Knowledge Centre: it provides a structured, authoritative framework to ensure safe, compliant crane operations.
Summary of the Code
The Code outlines the key requirements for safe crane use, including:
- Planning obligations: Every lifting operation must be planned, risk-assessed and executed under a safe system of work established by the crane owner or user.
- Competent personnel: Only properly trained and competent operators, riggers and signallers may be involved in lifting operations. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.
- Crane setup requirements: Cranes must be positioned on stable, level ground; outriggers/stabilisers must be fully deployed; and suitable pads or blocking must be used to ensure adequate bearing capacity.
- Safe lifting equipment: Hooks, slings, shackles, chains and other lifting accessories must be certified, in good condition, and compatible with the intended load.
- Capacity and load control: Load charts, safe working loads, safety devices and overload protection must be available and functional. Operators must strictly follow the rated capacities.
- Communication protocols: A single designated signaller must give directions to the operator. Clear hand signals, radio communication or other agreed systems must be used consistently.
- Inspection and maintenance: Regular inspection, testing and thorough examination must be conducted according to prescribed intervals, especially after installation or repositioning.
Practical Relevance for Crane Operations
Applying this Code in practice offers significant safety and operational benefits:
- Ensures structured, consistent lift planning aligned with government safety expectations
- Reduces risks of overturning, overloading, equipment failure or uncontrolled load movement
- Improves coordination, communication and role clarity between operators, riggers and signallers
- Enhances stability through correct crane positioning and ground-bearing assessment
- Provides documented assurance of competency, inspection and compliance — valuable for audits and incident-prevention
- Offers a high-quality benchmark for companies operating internationally or where local regulations are less specific
This Code is especially relevant for companies working in urban construction, civil engineering, industrial facilities and any environment where mobile cranes operate near the public or critical infrastructure.
Official Source
This guidance is based on the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes issued by the Labour Department of Hong Kong.
The full code is publicly available through the Labour Department’s website.
Related Knowledge Articles
- Safe Lifting: Why Every Lift Requires a Lift Plan
- Hoisting and Rigging Safety Manual
- CPA – ALLMI Best Practice Guide for Lorry Loaders
- Guidance on Lifting Operations Using Excavators
Ready to Improve Safety and Efficiency?
Mobile-crane operations require strict control, clear communication and proper planning.
Download the official Hong Kong Code from this page and integrate its requirements into your lifting procedures to improve safety, consistency and compliance.
