Overview - ISO 11660-5:2001 (Bridge and gantry cranes)
ISO 11660-5:2001 is the part of the ISO 11660 series that sets out particular requirements for access, guards and restraints for bridge and gantry cranes (as defined in ISO 4306-1). The standard gives criteria for selecting appropriate access systems, guarding and emergency egress arrangements under the typical operating and maintenance conditions expected of bridge and gantry cranes. It complements the general rules in ISO 11660-1 and references electrical safety requirements in IEC 60204-32.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Access means by height: Recommended access methods depend on crane access height:
- 1 to 15 m: stairs, inclined ladders or vertical ladders
- 15 to 25 m: stairs
- > 25 m: powered access and stairs
- Access landings: access and crane landings must be at the same level within 10 mm, or have a step 180–250 mm high. Openings must have self-closing protection (inward doors, sliding gates, pivoted rails).
- Gangways and guarding: elevated walkways, platforms and gangways on bridges, trolleys and runways require handrails and toe boards per ISO 11660-1; specific clearances and handrail options are given for safe passage.
- Access control: access to cranes requires driver permission; where driver visibility or speed is limited, a “Permit to Board” or push-button/indicator or intercom system is recommended. Factors influencing control include speed, visibility and ambient conditions.
- Maintenance access: design must consider frequency of visits, time to access, and component sizes. Fixed platforms and stairs preferred; acceptable mobile access includes scaffold towers and powered elevating platforms. Portable ladders >2 m are considered unsafe.
- Partial platforms: recommended where targeted maintenance access suffices; must include handrails and safe access routes.
- Headroom: minimum headroom to driver station 2.0 m; maintenance routes 1.8 m (reducible to 1.4 m over ≤1.0 m with marking).
- Emergency egress: acceptable devices depend on height from ground:
- 1–5 m: rope ladder / knotted rope
- 1–10 m: telescopic or folding ladder
- 1–15 m: inertia reel and harness
- Permanent access required when handling hazardous materials or crowded floors.
- Guarding: electrical equipment per IEC 60204-32; mechanical guards for open gears, chain drives, rail sweepers for floor-mounted rails, and guarding of guide rollers to prevent falling if bearings fail.
Practical applications and intended users
ISO 11660-5 is used by:
- Crane manufacturers and designers - to specify safe access, platforms and guarding during design and manufacturing.
- Plant/facility engineers and constructors - for safe installation of bridge and gantry cranes in buildings and on runways.
- Maintenance teams and safety officers - to plan safe maintenance access, emergency egress and permit-to-board procedures.
- Compliance officers and procurement teams - to verify that access, restraint and guarding solutions meet international safety expectations.
Related standards
- ISO 11660-1 - Cranes: Access, guards and restraints - General
- ISO 4306-1 - Cranes: Vocabulary (definitions)
- IEC 60204-32 - Safety of machinery: Electrical equipment of hoisting machines
- ISO 9374-5 - Information to be provided for overhead travelling cranes
Keywords: ISO 11660-5, bridge and gantry cranes, crane safety, access guards restraints, maintenance access, emergency egress, headroom, guarding, IEC 60204-32.
