Safety checklist — Tower crane
Operation of fixed and self-erecting tower cranes. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
12 items- ✓
Operator certified for tower crane (valid CCQ card)Critical
ℹ️ Operating without card = criminal offence (Act R-20)
- ✓
Daily inspection completed — cables, hooks, load limiters
- ✓
Anemometer checked — wind limit per manufacturer / Z248Critical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.15.7.4 points to ACNOR Z248-1975 and the manufacturer. No 65–70 km/h figure in the CSTC (default 45 km/h is PEMP 2.15.12 (11)).
- ✓
Installation and dismantling plans sent to CNESST before erectionCritical
ℹ️ CSTC 2.4.1 (3): always, signed and sealed by an engineer — not a “notice if required.”
- ✓
Boom sweep zone clear — interference with other cranes checked
- ✓
Signal person designated and on radio with operator
- ✓
Load chart readable by the operator, lighted (CSTC 2.15.5)
- ✓
No one under a load or a lifting-apparatus part (CSTC 3.10.4)Critical
ℹ️ CSTC 3.10.4 (4): no load over anyone’s head; no one under a load or a part that could fall.
- ✓
Loads rigged by competent rigger — knot and angle verified
- ✓
Wind monitored continuously — immediate stop if limit reached
- ✓
Weathervane per manufacturer / Z248 when the crane is idle
ℹ️ The 30-minute delay is not in the CSTC.
- ✓
Clear radio communication — repeat commands for confirmation
After work
3 items- ✓
Hook raised, boom in weathervane, power disconnected
- ✓
Annex 10 logbook kept up to date (CSTC 2.15.7.4)
ℹ️ A daily checklist does not replace this Z248 register.
- ✓
Anomalies reported to maintenance supervisor
15 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Equipment & Hoisting
More safety checklists
Related official rule
Risks and prevention — Tower crane
Tower cranes follow CSTC 2.4.1 (3), 2.15.5, 2.15.7.4 and ACNOR Z248-1975. The daily check in 2.15.1 e) applies to lifting apparatus. A “specific competency certificate” is R-20 / CCQ, not a free-standing CSTC sentence.
Weather (wind, lightning, ice) must be continuously monitored. The crane must be weathervaned when not in use to allow free jib rotation. Fly-over zones are prohibited above public roads without special authorization.
Document the daily tower-crane inspection (CSTC / CSA Z248) before service: controls, cables, load moment indicator, anemometer. Keep the signed report in the site file.
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