Data loggers for mobile cranes

Posted on August 15, 2015.

It is a requirement for all cranes to be fitted with data loggers. Data loggers record key operational parameters of a mobile crane, and could help stakeholders review and monitor their lifting operations.

Requirement to equip cranes with data loggers

All mobile cranes registered with MOM on or after 1 August 2015 will have to be equipped with data loggers.

All existing registered mobile cranes registered before 1 August 2015, will be required to be retrofitted with data loggers by 1 August 2018.

This is only applicable to mobile cranes with the following classification codes:

• 601- Mobile Crane - Truck Mounted Variable Boom Length Type
• 602- Mobile Crane - Truck Mounted Fixed Boom Length Type
• 611- Mobile Crane - Crawler Mounted Variable Boom Length Type
• 612- Mobile Crane - Crawler Mounted Fixed Boom Length Type
• 621- Mobile Crane - Wheel Mounted (w/o prime mover) Variable Boom Length Type
• 622- Mobile Crane - Wheel Mounted (w/o prime mover) Fixed Boom Length Type
• 651- Mobile Tower Crane (Horizontal Boom)
• 652- Mobile Tower Crane (Luffing Boom)

Lifting machines under the above classification codes that do not require the installation of a load radius indicator (LRI) will be exempted from data logger requirements.

Requirements of the data logger

The data logger must be able to perform the following functions:

• Detect and record any override key activation for the cranes safety devices, including derricking limiter, over-hoisting limiter and rated capacity limiter.
• Detect and record overloading occurrences (i.e. when load reaches and exceeds 100% of the cranes rated capacity).
• Detect and record status of limit switches, including derricking limiter and over-hoisting limiter.
• Be equipped with data security and anti-tampering feature.
• Download recorded data.
• Generate reports.

In addition, the data logger:

• Must be automatically switched on and be operational whenever the mobile crane is in operation.
• Must be synchronised with the mobile crane as an integrated system without safety implication, undue limitations and restrictions to the crane operation.
• Must have data that is downloadable by interested parties, such as crane owners or occupiers, on a regular basis. The report generated shall be in a readable format that is easily comprehensible

The data logger must be able to record the following operational parameters:

• Date and time.
• Crane configuration.
• Permitted load, actual load, percentage of usage of rated capacity (for main hook and auxiliary hook).
• Radius of load.
• Slew angle (applicable to cranes with safe working load that varies according to the slewing angle).
• Main boom angle, fly jib angle (if applicable).
• Boom length, fly jib length (if applicable).
• Sequence of extension (for telescopic cranes).
• Status of limit switches.
• Status of override key activation (for over-derricking limiter, over-hoisting limiter and rated capacity limiter).