Cranes and Lifting CS-OHS-79
Cranes and Lifting CS-OHS-79
Cranes and Lifting CS-OHS-79
CS ENERGY PROCEDURE
DOCUMENT HISTORY
CONTENTS
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to define the minimum performance requirements for tasks involving
crane and lifting activities.
2 SCOPE
This document is applicable to all sites and all crane activities including vehicle loading cranes, overhead
cranes, mobile cranes, equipment used as cranes, hoists and lifting equipment such as forklift job,
hoists, excavator quick hitch, other mechanical devices, side loaders.
The OIC must ensure safe assessment, control implementation and overall safe lifting practices in
accordance with this procedure. They must ensure:
Appropriate lift plans are completed, and controls are in place prior to complex lifts; and
Appropriate SWMS/JSEA and/or risk assessments are completed and controls in place prior
to all lifts
The PICW must ensure compliance with the safe assessment, control implementation and overall safe
lifting practices in accordance with legislation and the JSEA/SWMS or lift plan for the job.
Ensure working at height requirements are followed when work is being performed where
there is the potential to fall causing injury;
Ensure that all lifting devices used are not defective by completing pre-start checks;
Report and tag as “out of service” any faulty or defective equipment;
Ensure personnel using lifting devices are licensed in the relevant equipment/plant and have
been approved to use a device; and
Notifying their manager / supervisor in the event defects are identified and equipment/plant is
tagged ‘out of service’ until cleared safe for use
Personnel who are to conduct lifting operations must be trained in the task they are performing. A record
of training and details of the competency assessment must be maintained for each worker. A summary
of requirements are listed below;
Type Licence Competency
Tower Crane CT CPCCLTC4001
Self-erecting Tower Crane CS CPCCLTC4002
Derrick Crane CD TLILIC3004
Bridge and Gantry Crane Cabin or more than 3 CB TLILIC3003 and a VOC for that Gantry
powered controls Crane
Bridge and Gantry Crane with 3 or less functions Nil HRW dogging licence (DG); or
HRW bridge or gantry licence (CB); or
RIIHAN203D Conduct lifting operations; and
a VOC for that Gantry Crane.
Vehicle Loading Cranes with a capacity of 10 metre CV TLILIC0012
tonnes or more
Vehicle Loading Cranes (less than 10 metres tonnes) Nil OHSCER211
RIIHAN307D
Non-Slewing Mobile Crane with a capacity exceeding 3 CN TLILIC3006
tonnes
Slewing Mobile Crane with a capacity up to 20T C2 TLILIC3008
This licence also encompasses:
Non- Slewing Crane (CN)
Vehicle Loading Crane (CV)
Slewing Mobile Crane with a capacity up to 60T C6 TLILIC4009
This licence also encompasses:
20 tonnes or less (C2)
Non-Slewing Mobile Crane (CN)
Vehicle Loading Crane (CV)
Slewing Mobile Crane with a capacity up to 100T C1 TLILIC4010
This licence also encompasses:
60 tonnes or less – C6
20 tonnes or less – C2
Non-slewing mobile crane – CN
Vehicle loading crane – CV
5 PLANNING
The most common hazards associated with the use of lifting equipment are;
Failure of the equipment under load;
Failure of the fixed plant caused by the application of excessive forces from lifting appliances;
Falling objects;
Overloading or incorrect usage; and
Structural damage or instability.
An initial lift assessment and planning must be completed prior to all lifting operations. Initial lift planning
includes a visual assessment of the operational area of the lift, ground and environmental conditions of
the planned area of operations, potential hazards to lift crew or other personnel, and assessment of the
lift type. Risk management tools should be used before lifting operations. The use of one of or a
combination of the below tools could be used;
Job Safety Environment Analysis (JSEA)
Standard Work instruction (SWI)
Pre Lift Assessment Form (booklet)
Complex Lift Plan
If a lift is being performed either onto or off a vehicle, please refer to the Loading/Unloading Checklist.
Lifting operations are categorised into two lift types ordinary lifts and complex lifts as described below.
Any lift that meets the complex lift criteria requires a Complex Lift Plan to be completed. Complex lifts
may require engineering approval. The engineer may be required to assess when the lift is outside
basic rigging principles;
the lift assembly that incorporates a pre-engineered lifting configuration or non-ordinary lift
gear.
analyse possible shifts to the components centre of gravity (i.e. rollers and counter weight
spreaders) or
analyse where the centre of gravity of the lift is situated above the lift points.
analyse if any component where the actual component cannot be readily determined
assess lifts where the load is set down onto, or crane outriggers are placed over buried
utilities, adjacent to overhead transmission lines or where outrigger pads exceed 70% of the
allowable bearing capacity of the supporting soil.
assess any situation deemed critical by the officer in charge, rigging supervisor, project
engineer or manager.
A ‘complex lift’ can be determined by the type of lift, the equipment used and the inherent risk of the lift.
The below matrix supports the determination of a complex lift:
Condition/Factor Ordinary Lift Complex Lift
Type of Lift Single crane lift Tilt-up panel lifting tasks
Gantry lift Multiple crane lifts, where more than
Mobile crane lift one crane is used to lift a load at any
one time
Hoist lift
Operating cranes <20 metres under live
overhead powerlines
Note: additional factors may constitute a
complex lift under a risk assessment not
listed here. It is suggested a work meeting
is held discuss and identify a complex lift if
there is doubt.
Heavy Lifting and Contains step by step detailed set of Lift is:
Rigging procedures and controls to determine a) 85% or more (mobile crane); or
dimensions, weight, C of G. b) 90% or more (fixed crane) of the
Controlled methods, designed for the rated capacity (excluding proof tests
load, task and hazard of 100 to 125% rated capacity); or
Use of special lifting fixtures is limited c) gross weight is greater than 20
Forklift, or crane work with trained tonnes
personnel
Plant Risk Lifting or lifting over, live plant/system
Not lifting over live plant/system required for operation
required for operation
Injury to People Probability low for lost time injury Significant risk that lift could result in
serious bodily injury
Impact to Low or moderate risk Work has an environmental aspect that
Environment meets a significant criteria for major on-site
or off-site releases not contained.
NOTE: The lift classification may be determined using the above chart. Any one condition will place the lift within
the classification.
A Complex Lift Plan must be completed for all complex lifts, completed by a trained, competent and
authorised person and must be supervised by a CS Energy person responsible for the task. to S2078
Complex Lift Plan. Crane drivers and rigging crews involved in the complex lifts must have input into the
lift plan and be consulted prior to the finalisation of the plan.
The CS Energy Contractor Management procedures must be followed for contractors completing lifting
activities on a CS Energy site. Contractors can be used for lifting tasks because of their expertise,
experience and qualifications. Contractors are permitted to use their own Pre- Lift Assessment Forms
and/or Lift Plans but will be supervised by a CS Energy person responsible for the task.
Ground conditions must be assessed for suitability for the lifting operation by the crane operator,
including consideration of the following items:
Surface conditions – consideration of weight of crane, placement and stability of outriggers
and bearing support or shoring requirements (as applicable).
Surface slope – uneven, unstable or sloping of ground, including that affected by crane
slewing or movement.
Underground/overhead services – placement of underground services, overhead powerlines,
cavities or excavations that could affect stability.
Weather conditions – wind speed, visibility, rain etc. (The manufacturer’s instructions must be
complied with in regard to wind velocities during erection, operation and dismantling activities.
Cranes should not be operated in wind speeds exceeding 15 m/s (54 km/h. or 33 mph) unless
the crane has been specifically designed for such use. For wind speeds above this, the boom
must be retracted or lowered.)
Other operations – location of any adjacent operations or excavations in the vicinity of the
planned lifting operation and possible disruptions.
Different ground types will have different ground bearing capacities. Where the ground consists of a
combination of ground types, the poorer ground type should be used for determining maximum ground
pressure that can be applied when the crane is set up on outriggers. Table 1 identifies the maximum
permissible ground pressure according to the ground type.
Ground Type Maximum permissible ground pressure Pmax (Tonnes per m2)
Hard rock 200
Shale rock and sandstone 80
Compacted gravel (with up to 20% sand) 40
Asphalt 20
Compacted sand 20
Stiff clay (dry) 20
Soft clay (dry) 10
Loose sand 10
Wet clay Less than 10
Table 1 – Maximum permissible ground pressures
If applicable, the suitability of ground conditions, including sub-surface works, must be confirmed prior to
lifting operations commencing. If required, additional support or advice should be requested including:
a) Soil test data reports;
b) Geotechnical reports or assessment; and
c) Other relevant site information such as facility plans or maps.
NOTE: The outrigger ground pressure is to be calculated for complex lifts in the Complex Lift
Plan.
5.5 Communications
For all lifting operations communications are required between the operator and other personnel, and
only recognised signals can be used. The most appropriate method of communication for the lifting
operation must be determined by the operator which may include: hand signals, whistle, signals, or radio
communications. Back up communication capability may be necessary as determined by a risk
assessment.
Environmental conditions must be assessed, prior to and during the lift operation, and should include the
following considerations, relevant to the work area:
Dust and wind – possible reduction or changes in visibility, load control and load swing.
Approved tag lines must be used for load control.
Rain or moisture – including possible changes to surface conditions.
Lighting - for the duration of the lifting operation to ensure appropriate lighting is maintained,
consider the duration and account for potential delays
Thunderstorm activity – if lightning is observed or thunder heard in the vicinity, retract and
lower boom and cease the lifting operation.
Waste management – disposal requirements of equipment to be lifted, if applicable.
Where lifting operations are in the vicinity of overhead powerlines, all personnel associated with that
operation must understand the safety observer zone/s and the exclusion zone/s where the crane is to
operate.
A minimum distance is to be calculated between the tip of the extended crane jib and the nearest
overhead powerline as per Schedule 2 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
Nominal voltage of overhead Untrained person Operating plant operated by
uninsulated electric line untrained person
above 33kV up to 132kV 3m 3m
above 132kV up to 220kV 4.5m 6m
above 220kV up to 275kV 5m 6m
above 275kV up to 330kV 6m 6m
above 330kV up to 500kV 6m 8m
Electrical Code of Practice Working near overhead and underground electric lines Qld 2010
Note: Three roles are nominated by the Electrical Safety Regulation – Untrained Person, Instructed Person and
Authorised Person. Refer to the regulation for specific exclusion distances as per those roles.
The crane frame should be connected to the mass of earth when working within 20 metres of 275Kv
powerlines.
Entry into an exclusion zone is strictly forbidden. If entry into the exclusion zone is required, the
powerlines must be isolated and earthed before the lift can proceed.
The lift operational area is the entire area affected by the lifting operation. This includes areas such as
mobile crane access paths, mobile crane turning areas, slew crane swing area and drop zones – refer to
Appendix 1. The area also includes external obstacles such as swing or exclusion zones from overhead
power lines, buildings and any other objects.
During initial lift planning, management of the operational area must be considered to identify possible
risks and to identify appropriate control measures. This should include restricting access to the
operational area and prohibiting access to the drop zone during a lifting operation. Controls may include
the use of spotters, barricades or other suitable measures appropriate to the lifting operation. If ‘No
Entry’ barricading is erected, personnel are not to enter the drop zone.
6 LIFTING OPERATIONS
NOTE: No person can be under a suspended load or in a position where they could be struck by a falling
load. Where there is a risk of a load falling and striking a person, barricading or similar controls to prevent
access must be in place.
Operators must undertake a pre- operational safety check for each shift the crane or lifting
equipment is used. Verify the equipment is in good condition (free from obvious signs of wear,
damage /contamination);
Check all lifting equipment and accessories are marked with a rated capacity - Work Load
Limit (WLL) or Safe Work Limit (SWL). Lifting equipment must be inspected prior to use and
any defective equipment removed from service;
Check lifting equipment is labelled or tagged indicating currency of certification and inspection;
All load bearing hooks must have a safety catch fitted unless a specific working instruction
indicates otherwise, and the weight being lifting must not exceed the capacity of the lifting
equipment;
Where not practical to establish a lift operational area whilst transporting a load (pick and
carry) or during gantry crane operations with a suspended load, the operator or dogger or
rigger must control / manage interactions with adjacent work groups when there is potential for
interactions (people/equipment/area);
A dogman or spotter is required to sweep areas at levels dependant on the load and the
barricading required;
Ensure the crane is not left unattended with the engine running or with a suspended load;
A person operating a mobile or slewing crane cannot undertake their own dogging / rigging
work or supervise a trainee dogger/rigger;
Only taglines (minimum 16 mm natural fibre/non-conductive) are to be used for the task to
prevent uncontrolled load movement, length of taglines must be relevant to the height of load
lifted;
NOTE: If the tag line presents a hazard during the lift the appropriate risk assessment process must be
followed to remove the use of taglines e.g. working around electricity.
Persons not involved in the lift must not disrupt anyone with the lift;
Outriggers and stabilisers where installed must be engaged during lifting operations; and
If the load is outside of the Operator’s view during the lifting operation, the operation must be
directed by a person with minimum qualification of Dogger;
When a crane is used for construction work, there may be a number of activities associated with this
work that is high risk construction work. These activities include:
tilt-up and precast construction work;
the movement of the mobile crane at the workplace;
work on a telecommunications tower;
work in, over or adjacent to water, where there is a risk of drowning; and
7 EQUIPMENT
All cranes and lifting equipment must have a preventative maintenance program. This program must be
based on the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and documentation, the working
environment, frequency and severity of use of the lifting equipment. Inspections must be documented for
each level, applicable to the type of equipment and as a minimum must include:
a) Pre-use or pre-start inspections;
b) Routine inspection and maintenance;
c) Annual inspections;
d) 10-year major inspection to assess a crane for continued safe operation; and
e) Crane Safe Certification.
Rigging and support equipment must be uniquely identified with a code or number, inspected at intervals
at a determined frequency by the CS Energy preferred supplier (Bullivants), colour coded and recorded
in a register. Lifting equipment subject to wear and frequent replacement e.g. shackles, eyebolts and
pad eyes, need only be colour coded to confirm compliance with inspection requirements.
Externally owned or managed lifting equipment used on CS Energy sites must also be tagged and
comply with inspection dates.
The intervals for inspection are as follows;
Item to be inspected Inspection Frequency
Synthetic Fibre Slings 3 months
Chains 3 months
Wire Rope Slings 3 months
Fibre Rope Slings 3 months
Winches 3 months
Shackles 3 months
Cranes Yearly (major 10 years)
7.2 Register
A register of cranes and lifting equipment must be established for each site and maintained by the
owner.
A prestart book for the crane must be kept in the crane and made readily available at all times. The
register must be maintained and contain the following information:
a) Equipment’s unique identification number.
b) Documentary evidence of all aspects.
c) Certifications.
d) Maintenance.
e) Modification and tests.
Any lifting device or equipment that is damaged, faulty, out-of-certification or compliance, must be
removed from use immediately and an Out-of-Service tag attached. Non-compliant equipment must be
segregated and tagged out of service from use until the status of the equipment is determined and
appropriate action is completed.
Cranes and lifting equipment must not be operated if defective or with an inoperable or defective safety
critical device e.g. emergency stops.
7.4 Modifications
Modifications to all lifting equipment must be managed in accordance with the CS Energy Plant
Modification Procedure.
General Requirements – Lifting Gear
The selected must have the correct Working Load Limit (WLL) for lifting task. A competent
person must assess the Safe Working Load (SWL) for rigging for the different application i.e.
when using reeving, shortening, doubling etc.
Lifting lugs, eye bolts and similar (if applicable) must be rated for use and in good condition. A
current inspection tag must be located on the equipment.
Where practicable or where the weight of a lift is uncertain, cranes must be fitted with a load
cell with the weight of the load displayed in the visual range of the operator.
Where practicable, cranes must be equipped with an anti two-block device or limit switch that
includes audible and visual alarms.
Lifting or rigging equipment shall not be used for towing.
Gantry cranes must be fitted with audible travel alarms or an equivalent warning device.
Methods must be developed and implemented that allow steadying and guiding of loads, so
that the load does not inadvertently fall or impact a person in the vicinity. Tag lines or similar
devices must be attached to loads that require steadying or guidance while suspended. The
load must be well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device.
For mobile cranes and slew cranes, the following additional requirements are applicable:
o Seat belt – ensure fastened at all times, when installed.
o Seat position – the operator is comfortable and can reach all required controls.
o Distractions – ensure cabin door is closed and there is no additional communication or
distractions for the crane operator (other than for the lifting operation).
Controls – ensure the crane is not left unattended with the engine running or with a suspended
load.
Mobile cranes must have a rating capacity chart (load chart) available in the crane cabin.
Crane markings:
o A mobile crane marking, and its lifting components must be clear and legible in English as
specified in AS1418.5
o All operator controls must be suitable marked to indicate their function and operation.
o The cranes computer must also be compatible with the above requirements
Rated capacity limiter
Motion limiting device
Anti-two block system
Load indicators (Xmas Tree)
Crane operator’s manual in the cab
Verification of Competency (VOC)
Slew pins must be secured in place in slewing mobile cranes while travelling.
The boom of a non-slew mobile crane must not be greater than 5 degrees while travelling
without a load.
Slewing to test the integrity of outriggers on mobile cranes must be conducted prior to
commencing lifts.
Operator control stations for vehicle loading cranes (VLC) must be located in an area
protected from swinging loads and from the crane jib.
An E stop button that is visible and operational must be adjacent to the controls at every
control station
The VLC must only be used with all stabilisers extended. Timber or other pads specified by
the manufacturer must be used under the stabiliser pads.
The crane must only be used so that it is level in accordance with the crane manufacturers
specifications.
The crane must be operated from a position that prevents the boom or load being passed or
lifted over the operator.
The VLC operator must not operate in an area where visibility of the load, hook or attachment
is obstructed by fixtures or loads without a dogger.
The crane must only be used with a load suspended vertically from the hook.
Reference must be made to the VLC operating instructions and rated capacity charts and
specifications to establish the restrictions, limitations or special conditions applicable to the
particular VLC.
Rated capacity limiter (overload protection) should be provided on all vehicle loading cranes
with:
o A maximum rated capacity of one tonne or greater; or
o A gross lifting moment of 40kNm (kilonewton metres) or greater.
All VLC`s manufactured after 2003 must be fitted with a rated capacity indicator (load warning
>90% of rated capacity)
During transit, the VLC should be stowed in the carry position or in accordance with
manufacturer’s operating instructions and local requirements. If the boom is not stowed in the
carry position, a travel height indicator must be installed.
During transit, stabilisers and footpads must be securely stowed and fastened.
7.4.4 Workboxes
When personnel are suspended from a crane, the following requirements apply:
The rated capacity of the workbox must not be exceeded.
The workbox, lifting attachments and records must be inspected by a trained, assessed and
authorised person prior to use.
Personnel and materials must be securely confined within the workbox.
The workbox must only be used to lift personnel and materials necessary to carry out the
work.
A safety sling/s should be installed between chains and hook block.
The crane must not be used to simultaneously raise, lower or suspend any other load.
An appropriate procedure must be developed and implemented to transfer any work materials
from the workbox.
The crane operator must remain at the controls of the crane at all times.
All movements of the crane must be carried out under power and free-fall lockout must be
applied.
At least one person in the workbox must hold a dogger’s licence class or equivalent to ensure
correct directions are communicated to and from the crane operator.
Communication between any person in the workbox and the operator must be by established
methods. Back up radios/communication should be used.
Mobile cranes must not travel while people are in the workbox.
Movements of the workbox must be at slow speeds with minimum acceleration and
deceleration.
Personnel suspended from a crane must wear a general-purpose fall arrest harness,
complying with AN/NZS 1891.1, with the lanyard or lanyard assembly attached to anchorage
points.
Personnel must not enter or leave the workbox when elevated, except in an emergency, or
with an approved risk assessment.
Earthmoving equipment should not be used as a crane unless specifically authorised by site
for each task or when approved purpose-built adapters are used.
Where an excavator and backhoe is used, and a load moment indicator and external rated
capacity lighting is not practical, an engineer must:
o Calculate the lifting lug position.
o Take into consideration the design strengths of the boom.
o Rate the load bearing capacity of the lifting lug as low as reasonably practicable to prevent
the risk of machine overload.
o Sign off the above load calculations.
o OEM guidance must also be sought for lifting operations with this equipment.
SWL must be clearly marked on the machine
Earth moving equipment to be used as lifting devices must have hydraulic burst protection
fitted
A dogger must be used when using earth moving equipment as a mobile crane
All lifting points on earthmoving equipment must form a closed eye to which a load rated
shackle may be attached
8 DEFINITIONS
Term Definition
Anchorage Point A device or thing by which a lanyard, static line or other line may be attached to a
building or other structure and includes the part of the building or structure to which
the device or thing is attached.
Anti two-block device The anti two-blocking device consists of a weighted ring around the hoist line; the
ring is suspended on a chain from a limit switch that is attached to the boom tip.
When the "headache ball" or hook assembly touches the suspended weighted ring,
the switch opens and an alarm in the cab warns the operator to stop hoisting.
Competent Person A person who has through a combination of training, education and experience,
acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform correctly a specified
task.
Complex Lift Complex Lift Criteria
• Requires two or more cranes
• Operating Cranes <20 metres live overhead powerlines
• Lift is 85% or more (mobile crane) of capacity at radius
• Lift is 90% or more (fixed crane) of the rated capacity
• Gross weight is greater than 20 tonnes
• Where significant risk is identified in relation to people, plant and environment.
Note: that some lifts are classified as complex lifts because of items they are lifted
over or attached to and assessed for each lifting task.
Crane An appliance intended for raising or lowering a load and moving it horizontally and
includes the supporting structure of the crane and its foundations, but does not
include an industrial lift truck, earthmoving machinery, a tractor, an industrial robot, a
conveyor, building maintenance equipment, a suspended scaffold or a lift or rigging
equipment
Dogger Means a person who:
uses techniques, including the selection or inspection of lifting gear, to
safely sling a load, or
directs a plant operator in the movement of a load when the load is out
of the operator’s view.
Note: Such a competent person must possess a National High Risk Work licence for
Dogging from one of the various statutory health and safety authorities.
Drop Zone An area below a suspended load where objects from the suspended load have the
potential to fall.
Hoist An appliance intended for raising and / or lowering a load vertically and without
slewing which includes basic chain hoists but does not include complex hoists such
as mast climbing work platforms, personnel and materials hoists, scaffolding hoists
or serial hoists, or lifts or building maintenance equipment
Elevating Work Powered mobile plant designed to lift personnel to a work location by means of a
Platforms telescoping device, scissor action or articulated device.
Fall Arrest Harness A safety harness specifically used for the arresting of falls from a height.
JSEA Job Safety Environment Analysis – a task based risk assessment
Lift Plan A standardised plan for a complex lift which includes all weights, calculations,
diagrams and approvals. A JSEA/SWMS is completed with a Lift Plan.
Lifting Gear or Lifting Equipment used for slinging and lifting loads. It includes, but not limited to, sheave
Equipment blocks, crane or other hooks, lifting beams, shackles, eye bolts, clamps, pulley
systems, swivels, chain slings, wire rope slings and synthetic slings.
Term Definition
Tag line A tagline is used to help orient a load for proper placement or connection upon
landing
9 REFERENCES
10 RECORDS MANAGEMENT
In order to maintain continual improvement, suitability, safety and effectiveness of the organisation, CS
Energy’s registered documents will be reviewed on a two-yearly basis or at intervals specified by
legislative or regulatory requirements. Review of controlled documents should occur where it has been
identified that there are changes in technology, legislation, standards, regulation or where experience
identifies the need for alteration to the content. Registered documents should also be reviewed following
an incident, change management process, modification or where directed as part of a risk assessment
process. A ‘review’ can simply mean that it has been identified, confirmed and appropriately recorded
that no changes are required and that the existing process remains the same.
CS Energy must ensure that records are retained according to accountability, legal, administrative,
financial, commercial and operational requirements and expectations. In compliance with records
retention and disposal, all documentation created in relation to CS Energy business must be retained in
line with minimum retention periods as detailed in legal retention and disposal schedules.
11 ATTACHMENTS
As a rule of thumb when the working height is less than 20m the Drop Zone radius should be
approximately one third (33%) of the working height. However, as a general rule, a minimum Drop Zone
radius of 4m should be established (where practicable).
Working Height (a) Drop Zone radius (b) Working Heights (a) Drop Zone Radius (b)
<12m 4m 25m 6m
14m 5m 30m 7.5m
16m 5.5m 40m 10m
18m 6m 50m 12.5m
20m 6m 75m 19m