The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, , the range statement and the assessment guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirement of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

State/territory OH&S regulators have mandated the use of Assessment Instruments and Instructions for Assessment for this unit which have been endorsed by the national body responsible for OH&S matters.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Compliance with OH&S licensing legislation.

Effectively communicate and work safely with others in the work area.

Risk assessment and management procedures (particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, access to cabin, other vehicles and clear access whilst travelling).

Operation of a portal crane including all functions to their maximum extension in the lifting and moving of loads to the safe working rated capacity in conjunction with other associated personnel.

Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation of loads.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of the safe and effective application of knowledge and skill to workplace tasks (performance) must be undertaken using the endorsed Assessment Instrument.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace setting.

Assessors must ensure that the assessment in the workplace is organised to ensure that all the required equipment and materials and a suitable working area is made available to suit the assessment and the workplace.

Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant appropriate standard requirements.

Applicants must have access to:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

appropriate portal boom crane and associated equipment in safe condition specified by the endorsed Assessment Instrument

suitable loads as specified by the endorsed Assessment Instrument

communication equipment (e. g. two way radios, whistles, etc.)

other associated personnel to sling and direct the loads.

Method of assessment

Assessment must be conducted using the endorsed Assessment Instruments. These Instruments provide advice on their application.

The use of 'simulators' in the assessment of this unit of competency is not acceptable.

Assessment may be in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Guidance information for assessment

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from state/territory OH&S regulators.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Required skills:

Accurately record and maintain information relating to crane operations

Use communication techniques in the workplace including whistles, hand signals and two-way radios

Use interpersonal communication skills at a level sufficient to communicate with other site personnel

Load data into crane computer (where fitted) and check operation to accurately reflect the crane configuration

Operate a portal boom crane including all functions to their maximum for the lifting and moving of loads to the safe working rated capacity in conjunction with other associated personnel

Apply risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to the positioning and safe operation of the crane (particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, access to cabin, other vehicles and clear access whilst travelling)

Use and interpret crane manufacturer's specifications and data, including load charts to enable the crane to be configured for the load

Verify problems and equipment faults and demonstrate appropriate response procedures

Required knowledge:

Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation of loads

Commonwealth, state or territory OH&S legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for the crane class

Understanding of the hierarchy of hazard identification and control

Level of literacy to be able to read and comprehend manufacturer's instructions, procedures and safety signs

Organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting operations for the crane class

Portal boom crane characteristics and capabilities to allow the configuration of the crane to suit the range of loads

Portal boom crane operating techniques

Procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

Rated capacity and working load limits (including use of crane load charts)

Typical routine problems encountered in the operation of the crane and equipment and adjustments required for correction

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Hazards

May include but not limited to:

ground stability (e.g. ground condition or slopes for load placement)

overhead hazards (e.g. powerlines, service pipes)

insufficient lighting

traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, plant)

environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms)

other specific hazards (e.g. dangerous materials)

Hazard control measures

Refers to the systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls

It includes the application of the hierarchy of control, the six-step preference of control measures to manage and control risk:

1 elimination

2 substitution

3 isolation

4 engineering control measures

5 using safe work practices

6 personal protective equipment

Appropriate standard

May include:

codes of practice

legislation

Australian Standards

manufacturer's specifications

industry standards (where applicable)

Associated personnel

May include but not limited to:

riggers

doggers

Crane

A boom crane or jib crane mounted on a portal frame, which is supported on runways along which the crane may travel

Appropriate

May include but not limited to:

crane capabilities

environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms etc.)

Communication method

May include but is not limited to:

verbal and non-verbal language

written instructions

signage

hand signals

listening

questioning to confirm understanding

appropriate worksite protocol

Signage and labels

May include but not limited to:

crane data plates/labels

load charts

crane decals

control labels

Procedures

May include but not limited to:

manufacturer's guidelines (instructions, specifications or checklists)

industry operating procedures

workplace procedures (work instructions, operating procedures, checklists)

Controls

May include but not limited to:

luffing levers

hoisting and lowering levers

slewing levers including brake

Service logbook

May include but not limited to:

any logbook

service book

history record system where the service and maintenance history is kept

Crane safety devices

May include but not limited to:

audible and visual warning devices

lights

function limits

Communication equipment

May include but is not limited to:

fixed channel two-way radios

whistles

bells

buzzers

NB: where radio communication equipment is used the transmitting frequencies of the equipment must be selected to prevent interference to or from other radio equipment being used in the vicinity of the crane

Hazard prevention/control measures

May include but not limited to:

safety tags on electrical switches/isolators

insulated powerlines

safety observer used inside exclusion zone

disconnected power

traffic barricades and control/s

pedestrian controls

trench covers

movement of obstructions

personal protective equipment

adequate illumination

Test lift

The load is lifted just clear of the lifting plane to allow for checks to be safely made in consultation with associated personnel to ensure that:

near capacity loads do not overload the crane

loads of unusual shape or weight distribution are correctly slung

load measuring equipment can be used to verify the calculated weight of the load

all crane equipment is functioning properly

adjustments to the slinging can be made in a safe manner

Relevant crane movements

May include but not limited to:

luffing

slewing

hoisting

mobiling

Communication signals

May include but is not limited to:

stop - hand

stop - whistle

hoist up - hand

hoist up - whistle

hoist down - hand

hoist down - whistle

luff boom down - hand

luff boom down - whistle

luff boom up - hand

luff boom up - whistle

slew left - hand

slew left - whistle

slew right - hand

slew right - whistle

mobile - hand

Best mobile practice

May include but not limited to:

minimum speed

gentle acceleration and braking (to minimise load swing)

minimum boom/jib radius

carrying the load near to the ground surface (where practical)

use of handheld taglines (where appropriate)

Unplanned and/or unsafe situations

May include but not limited to:

failure/loss of control (e.g. slew brakes, hoist drum)

failure of equipment (e.g. hydraulic system)

environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms, etc.)

Shut down

May include but not limited to:

raising boom/jib to clear buildings, structures and vessels (where applicable)

retracting hoist rope and hook block

idling engine to stabilise temperature

applying weather vain mode (where applicable)

applying motion locks and brakes are applied

turning off engine

removing key from ignition

locking and securing cabin (where applicable)