Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (116)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

201 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether an upgrade in health and safety inspection procedures and legislation is necessary with regard to high tower cranes following two recent near disasters in Dublin city in view of proposals for large scale high rise developments across the city, including in the northern fringe. [5010/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001, S.I. No. 481 of 2001, contain detailed provisions relating to the construction, maintenance, inspection, operation, testing and examination etc. of lifting appliances, including tower cranes. They also contain requirements regarding specific certified training of tower crane drivers.

In addition the Health and Safety Authority and the National Standards Authority of Ireland intend to publish a joint standard/code of practice, this year, on the safe operation of cranes in the construction industry. This has been prepared in consultation with all the key players in the construction industry.