Putting you first at the centre of what we do. Keeping you healthy and safe at work. Supporting you when you are harmed at work. Ensuring your scheme works and is sustainable.
Crane operation
Following induction (including general, site induction and task specific training), every employer should ensure all employees on construction sites fully understand the written Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
The SWMS should identify for example:
- the work activity
- the risks
- the control measures
- the plant used, and
- the qualifications of all personnel doing the work.
Employers should ensure the SWMS is kept up to date and may use the same SWMS for similar operations.
Safe use of cranes should include for example:
- checking whether the crane is subject to appropriate checks, tests, inspections, and cleaning having regard to the appropriate Australian Standards, or recommended for the crane by its designer manufacturer or a competent person
- checking for the presence of lockout or tag out devices installed on the equipment before starting operation
- adequate training/supervision of the operators
- consideration of site conditions and the movement route (e.g. unstable ground, high wind, other plant, power lines and other structures)
- the crane is used solely for the purpose for which it was designed
- regarding all notices such as safe working load (SWL), so that the SWL of the crane is not exceeded and the crane maintains stability and structural integrity
- the load is correctly slung, taking into account all characteristics of the load
- stabilisers are set up as per manufacturer's specifications
- clear vision in the operator's cabin at all times with windows and windscreens cleaned regularly. Cracked glass and windscreens must be replaced
- establishing an effective system of communication which is understood by the persons involved in the actual lifting operation, including use of hand signals and two-way radios
- safe access and egress (including ladders, steps and grab rails). Access provisions provided by the crane manufacturer should not be removed or modified unless a qualified person such as an ergonomist specifies. Where there is a risk of slips, trips and falls, it may be necessary to modify the surfaces with an anti-slip product
- comfortable seating in mobile cranes to reflect the long periods of time the crane operator spends in the seat. The seating should have adequate back support and be height adjustable.
