Cranes - What are the OHS risks?
What is a crane?
A crane means an appliance by means of which a load may be raised, lowered or moved horizontally, including the supporting structure and foundations of an appliance of that kind, but does not include the following:
- an industrial lift truck
- earthmoving machinery
- an amusement structure
- a tractor
- an industrial robot
- a conveyor
- building maintenance equipment.
What are the risks?
If a crane is used unsafely or improperly the results can be devastating and may cause deaths and severe injuries to workers and the general public.
Crane operations may present a risk of injury from:
- structural failure
- crane overturning
- contact or collision with other plant and structures
- falling objects.
Structural failure includes the failure of any component, such as the boom, jib, hydraulic rams or wire rope. A crane may suffer structural failure if it is overloaded in the structural area of its load chart. Structural failure may occur without warning.
A mobile crane is likely to overturn if it has been overloaded in the stability area of its load chart. This may be influenced by factors such as:
- poor ground conditions such as unstable ground
- failure to use or fully extend outriggers or stabilisers
- failure to level the crane
- rapid slewing
- high wind conditions.
Contact or collision with other plant and structures may occur where there is insufficient clearance between the crane and other plant and structures, such as other cranes, buildings and overhead powerlines.
Falling objects may result from erecting and dismantling activities, and the way loads are secured during lifting operations. They present a risk of injury to workers and members of the public.