3 construction cranes in Seattle and Renton shut down

The state Department of Labor and Industries has shut down three construction tower cranes in Seattle and Renton this morning because of "potential safety problems."

The department cited possible electrical and structural issues with the cranes, which were all manufactured by the same Chinese company, Sun Cranes, and distributed by a Texas company.

The order was issued after an analysis from independent engineers showed the electrical system in all three cranes had not been "evaluated and approved for use," according to a department news release. A faulty system can lead to dropped loads or other problems.

An electrical-maintenance worker was badly burned on one of the cranes in January, according to the release.

An analysis is underway now to determine whether the cranes are safe, the release stated. The electrical systems "will be independently evaluated and certified before the cranes are returned to service," the department said.

The three cranes are the only such cranes erected in the state, the department said.

Sonia Krishnan: 206-515-5546 or skrishnan@seattletimes.com