ICSA Guidance on Leaving Mobile Cranes Unattended
Leaving a mobile crane unattended — even for short periods — introduces risks related to stability, wind exposure, mechanical systems and site security. Cranes for You includes the ICSA guidance on unattended cranes because consistent procedures and safe-parking measures are essential steps toward Goal Zero in lifting, hoisting and specialised transport operations.
Summary of the Unattended Crane Guidance
- Securing the crane before leaving — proper shutdown sequence, parking configuration, securing booms, hooks, winches and hydraulic circuits.
- Wind and weather considerations — maximum wind limits, storm protocols, parking radius and precautions for high-risk sites.
- Ground and stability checks — verifying outrigger support, soil conditions, mats, and ensuring no risk of settlement while unattended.
- Site access and security — preventing unauthorised access, establishing exclusion zones and ensuring safe fencing or barriers around the crane.
- Documentation and communication — logging the unattended status, notifying supervisors and ensuring responsibilities are clearly assigned.
Practical Relevance for Heavy-Lift Projects
This guidance helps lifting teams:
- prevent tip-overs or structural damage caused by wind or improper parking;
- reduce risk during shift changes, breaks or overnight crane standby;
- ensure consistent procedures across contractors and crane rental providers;
- integrate unattended-crane checks into lift plans and method statements;
- improve site safety by defining responsibility when cranes remain on site without operators.
Official Source
This information originates from the International Crane & Specialized Transport Association (ICSA) and is supported by ESTA Europe, the leading European association for abnormal transport and mobile crane safety.
Learn more at:
ICSA: https://icsa-crane.org
ESTA: https://estaeurope.eu/
Related Knowledge Articles
- Crane Stability & Ground Pressure – CICA & CANZ
- Appointed Person’s Role
- ICSA Multi-Crane Lifting Guidance
Ready to Improve Crane Securing Procedures?
You can download the full ICSA guidance from this page and use it to strengthen your crane-parking, shutdown and safety protocols.
If needed, Cranes for You can assist with procedure writing, training, or reviewing your internal unattended-crane rules.
