The state halted operation of a crane working on a construction project at Valley Medical Center in Renton, citing possible electrical problems, according to a press release from the state Department of Labor and Industries.
The state also shut down two construction cranes at construction projects in Seattle for electrical and structural problems.
The Valley Medical Center work is being done by Lydig Construction. The state was working with contractors to bring the Renton crane back into operation early this week.
Labor and Industries asked the general contractors to take the cranes out of service because of potential safety problems, according to the press release.
All the cranes in question were manufactured by the same company, Sun Cranes, and are the only such cranes erected in the state.
“The safety of workers and the public is of utmost importance, and that’s why we have shut down these cranes until they meet basic code requirements,” said Steve Cant, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
L&I said its action came after it received two reports from independent engineers that pointed out potential problems in the three cranes, according to the press release:
• In all three cranes, the electrical systems had not been evaluated and approved for use. A faulty electrical system can potentially lead to electrical fires, motor failures or electrical shocks – some of which, under certain circumstances, could cause an electrical failure that could result in loss of braking capacity.
• The two cranes in Seattle had modifications that did not meet structural integrity assurances.
A portion of their towers, or “masts,” are from one manufacturer, and other portions are from another manufacturer.