Legislators in Washington state want to require a permit before companies assemble or disassemble a tower crane.
In 2019, four people were killed when a crane fell from the top of a six-story building in Seattle. Investigators found that the collapse resulted from improper procedures. Connecting pins had been removed prematurely.
Read also: Pins Removed Early in Seattle Crane Collapse
The legislation would require a “qualified technical representative” from the distributor or manufacturer be present during the assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. Violation of the law would be a criminal misdemeanor.
The legislation also requires local governments to arrange for street closures during assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. Governments must also notify residents and building occupants within the work zone of the procedures.
The bill passed in the House 70-20 and in the state Senate 48-0.
About the Author
Rod Sutton
Sutton served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025.