Tower Crane are widely used for lifting operations in the construction industry in Hong Kong. Statistics show that tower cranes contribute to quite a number of serious accidents. Property damage and bodily injuries can be avoided if they are properly used.

This Code of Practice (hereafter referred as this Code) is approved and issued by the Commissioner for Labour under section 7A of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap. 59) (hereafter referred as the FIUO). It provides practical guidance to the industry as to how to use tower cranes safely and properly with a view to assisting the duty holders in preventing accidents.

The provisions in this Code should not be regarded as exhausting those matters which need to be covered by the relevant safety legislation, nor is it intended to relieve persons undertaking the work of their statutory responsibilities. It is important to note that compliance with this Code does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

This Code has a special legal status. Although failure to observe any guidance contained in this Code is not in itself an offence, that failure may be taken by a court in criminal proceedings as a relevant factor in determining whether or not a person has breached any of the provisions of the regulations to which the guidance relates.

Throughout this Code, we have quoted relevant safety standards of the British Standards Institution. However, if there are other national/international standards or provisions which are equivalent, they would be acceptable as alternatives. In addition, statutory provisions referred to or cited in this Code are those in force as at 1 August 2011.