Standards Development

Scope

This sub-part of BS 7121-2 gives recommendations for the pre-use checks, in-service inspection, maintenance, thorough examination (in service and following exceptional circumstances) and supplementary testing of offshore cranes.

The following offshore crane types are covered in this part of BS 7121:

• General-purpose offshore cranes as specified in BS EN 13852-1

• Floating cranes as specified in BS EN 13852-2

• Light offshore cranes as specified in BS EN 13852-3

The following offshore crane types are not covered in this part of BS 7121:

• Blowout preventer (BOP) cranes,

• Gantry cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Hoists and davits

The following offshore crane types are not covered in this part of BS 7121:

• Blowout preventer (BOP) cranes,

• Gantry cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Hoists and davits

 

Purpose

Currently there is no standardized code of practice for offshore cranes. This is resulting in varying practices and concerns with respect to competency and safety. The industry is looking for a standardized benchmark approach to ensure a safe and common approach to the inspection, maintenance and thorough examination of these complex cranes.

The lifting equipment engineers association has received many requests from its within its membership to address this issue. LEEA believes, based on its involvement with other parts of the BS 7121 series that have a sub-part specific to offshore cranes will be the most beneficial approach to take.

A draft standard has already been developed and there are several industry experts wanting to contribute to the development of this very important sub-part of the BS 712-2 series.