Tower Crane Dismantling Method Statement -
Tower Crane Dismantling Method Statement
Introduction
The following method statement outlines the procedures for the safe dismantling of a tower crane. The crane in question is a [insert crane model, e.g., Liebherr 630 EC], with a height of [insert height, e.g., 80 meters] and a lifting capacity of [insert lifting capacity, e.g., 10 tons]. The crane is located at [insert location, e.g., a construction site in downtown city]. The dismantling work will be carried out by a team of experienced personnel from [insert company name, e.g., Crane Solutions Ltd.].
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes the complete dismantling of the tower crane, including the tower, slewing unit, jib, and counter jib. The work will be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, relevant industry standards, and applicable regulations.
Pre-Dismantling Checks
Before commencing dismantling work, the following checks will be carried out:
- Weather Conditions: The weather conditions will be checked to ensure that the dismantling work can be carried out safely. No work will be carried out in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, thunderstorms, or heavy rain.
- Crane Condition: The crane will be inspected to ensure that it is in a safe condition for dismantling. This includes checking for any damage, wear, or corrosion on the crane's structural components, as well as ensuring that all electrical and hydraulic systems are functioning properly.
- Site Conditions: The site will be inspected to ensure that it is safe for dismantling work. This includes checking for any obstacles, overhead power lines, or other hazards that could interfere with the dismantling work.
Dismantling Sequence
The dismantling work will be carried out in the following sequence:
Step 1: Preparation (Duration: 1 day)
- The crane will be secured to prevent any movement during dismantling.
- The jib and counter jib will be lowered to the ground and secured.
- The slewing unit will be locked in place to prevent any rotation.
Step 2: Removal of Jib and Counter Jib (Duration: 2 days)
- The jib and counter jib will be disconnected from the slewing unit.
- The jib and counter jib will be lowered to the ground using a mobile crane or a hydraulic crane.
- The jib and counter jib will be removed from the site.
Step 3: Dismantling of Slewing Unit (Duration: 2 days)
- The slewing unit will be disconnected from the tower.
- The slewing unit will be lowered to the ground using a mobile crane or a hydraulic crane.
- The slewing unit will be removed from the site.
Step 4: Dismantling of Tower (Duration: 3 days)
- The tower will be divided into sections using a hydraulic cutter or a bandsaw.
- Each section will be lowered to the ground using a mobile crane or a hydraulic crane.
- The tower sections will be removed from the site.
Step 5: Removal of Foundation Equipment (Duration: 1 day)
- The foundation equipment, including the foundation bolts and anchorages, will be removed.
- The foundation will be made good to its original condition.
Safety Measures
The following safety measures will be implemented during the dismantling work:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All personnel involved in the dismantling work will wear the required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
- Fall Protection: Fall protection equipment, including harnesses and lanyards, will be used to prevent falls from heights.
- Load Control: Load control measures will be implemented to prevent loads from swinging or falling during lifting operations.
- Fire Safety: Fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, will be on site.
Environmental Considerations
The following environmental considerations will be taken into account during the dismantling work:
- Noise Control: Noise control measures will be implemented to minimize noise disturbance to nearby residents and wildlife.
- Dust Control: Dust control measures will be implemented to minimize dust generation during dismantling work.
- Waste Management: All waste generated during dismantling work will be disposed of in accordance with relevant regulations.
Quality Control
The following quality control measures will be implemented during the dismantling work:
- Inspection and Testing: All equipment and tools used during dismantling work will be inspected and tested regularly.
- Supervision: The dismantling work will be supervised by experienced personnel.
- Documentation: All dismantling work will be documented, including photographs and written records.
Emergency Procedures
The following emergency procedures will be in place during the dismantling work: tower crane dismantling method statement
- First Aid: A first aid kit will be on site, and a first aid trained person will be available.
- Fire Emergency: A fire emergency plan will be in place, including evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher locations.
- Accident Reporting: All accidents will be reported and investigated in accordance with relevant regulations.
Conclusion
The tower crane dismantling work will be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, relevant industry standards, and applicable regulations. The work will be carried out by a team of experienced personnel, and all necessary safety measures will be implemented to ensure a safe and successful dismantling operation.
8. Post-Dismantling Close Out
- Inspect all components for damage before transport.
- Update site drawings (crane removed).
- Debrief team: what went well, what to improve.
- Dispose of oils/greases per environmental regulations.
9. Lifting plan and sequence summary (typical)
Assumption: dismantling a luffing or hammerhead tower crane using a mobile crane with fly/jib removal. Follow manufacturer’s sequence if different.
- Pre-check: inspect crane condition, bolts, ladder access; tag out as required. Fit required lifting points and temporary braces.
- Lower jib to horizontal and secure; fit spreader beam to main hook if removing jib as single lift.
- Remove hoist/auxiliary equipment (counterweights, hoist drum, trolley) and lower to ground.
- Detach jib sections / counter-jib in controlled lifts using mobile crane(s); use taglines.
- Remove tower top section and top tie-ins (if tied to a building, disconnect per engineer).
- Sequentially dismantle tower mast sections from top down: rig mast section to mobile crane using spreader beam; lower to ground; ensure controlled rotation and stability.
- Remove cabin and slewing unit if required.
- Dismantle base section and remove foundation bolts or concrete plinth as specified.
- Load components onto transport vehicles; secure as per transport regulations.
- Conduct final site inspection; reinstate area.
Note: Provide a detailed engineered lift plan with load calculations for each lift, crane charts and rigging arrangement for every critical lift — attach as appendices.
4. Equipment and Tools Required
The method statement must list all equipment to be used, including certification details.
- Mobile crane (capacity typically 50–200 tons, depending on tower crane size) – for final jib and mast removal.
- Suitable rigging gear (spreader bars, shackles, slings of correct SWL – Safe Working Load).
- Hand tools (torque wrenches, sledgehammers, pin punches, hydraulic jacks).
- Climbing frame or auxiliary crane (in some internal climbing dismantles).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Full body harness with double lanyard, hard hat, steel-toe boots, high-vis vest, gloves, and eye protection.
- Communication system: Two-way radios with backup batteries.
7. Emergency Procedures
Include a clear emergency response plan:
- Personnel fall: Stop all lifting. Lower nearest basket or use rescue rope system. Call emergency services. Provide first aid.
- Mobile crane tipping: Evacuate zone immediately. Do not attempt to right crane. Isolate fuel and hydraulic lines.
- Medical emergency: Designate a marshaling point. One person assigned to call 911/local emergency number.
- Severe weather: Stop work. Partially dismantled crane must be slewed to safe position, jib allowed to weathervane, all personnel descend.
12. Environmental controls
- Spill kit and waste management for hydraulic fluids or oily residues.
- Dust suppression when breaking out foundations or concrete.
- Dispose of materials per waste management plan.
Step 2: Reduce the Counter-Jib
- Do not remove all counterweights at once.
- Remove counterweights in the reverse order of installation, using the mobile crane.
- Critical: Maintain stability to prevent the crane from tipping backward.
5. Step-by-Step Dismantling Procedure (The Core Method)
The exact sequence varies by crane type (topless, flat-top, or hammerhead) and dismantling method (mobile crane assisted, self-lowering, or helicopter). Below is the most common mobile crane assisted dismantling method for a freestanding tower crane. Weather Conditions : The weather conditions will be