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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan work
  2. Conduct routine checks
  3. Set up crane
  4. Transfer loads
  5. Shut down and secure crane

Performance Evidence

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must provide evidence of safely operating a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes and above, and satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills requirements of the unit on at least one occasion including:

applying appropriate mathematical procedures for estimating loads

applying hazard prevention/control measures including:

adequate illumination

disconnecting power

insulated electric lines

moving obstructions

pedestrian controls

personal protective equipment

safety tags on electrical switches/isolators

using safety observer inside exclusion zone

traffic barricades and controls

trench covers

applying risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to positioning and safely operating vehicle loading crane

assessing ground conditions to confirm site is suitable (e.g. firm, level and safe) to operate a vehicle loading crane

communicating with other workplace personnel through:

using appropriate worksite protocols

bells

buzzers

listening

making and interpreting hand signals

questioning to confirm understanding

signage

two-way radios

verbal and non-verbal language

written instructions

whistles

complying with work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) licensing legislation

demonstrating awareness of boom/jib movements and safe positioning of the operator for any lift

operating a vehicle loading crane including all functions to their maximum extension when loading and unloading loads to the safe working rated capacity

operating vehicle loading crane including all functions to their maximum extension when loading and unloading loads to the safe working rated capacity of the crane, in conjunction with other associated personnel, while applying relevant crane movements including:

knuckling

luffing

raising and lowering hoist

slewing

telescoping

receiving and interpreting workplace instructions, safety information, emergency procedures

recording and maintaining accurate information relating to crane operations

shutting down a vehicle loading crane in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures including:

folding boom/jib into the transport position

idling engine to stabilise temperature

locking and securing cabin as required

removing key from ignition as required

retracting boom/jib as required

retracting hoist rope and hook block

retracting outriggers/stabilisers

securing crane for travel

turning off engine as required

stabilising a vehicle loading crane by:

correctly positioning plates or packing

deploying outriggers

establishing correct size plates or packing

test-lifting the load just clear of the lifting plane to ensure:

adjustments to slinging can be made in a safe manner

all equipment is functioning properly

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

loads of unusual shape or weight distribution are correctly slung

near capacity loads do not overload crane

using and interpreting crane manufacturer specifications and data, including load charts to enable a vehicle loading crane to be configured for load

using communications signals including:

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

telescope out – hand

telescope out – whistle

telescope in – hand

telescope in – whistle

slew/articulate right – hand

slew/articulate right – whistle

slew/articulate left – hand

slew/articulate left – whistle

using lifting equipment and basic slinging techniques suitable for loads to be loaded/unloaded as defined by workplace procedures

verifying problems and equipment faults, and applying appropriate response procedures to unplanned and/or unsafe situations including:

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

failure/loss of control (e.g. brakes and steering)

failure of equipment (e.g. hydraulic system)

obstacles and obstructions

unusual or difficult terrains.


Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

appropriate mathematical procedures for estimating and measuring loads

assessment of ground conditions to confirm site is suitable (e.g. firm, level and safe) to operate crane

Australian and industry standards relevant to operating a vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes and above)

boom/jib movements and particularly the safe positioning of operator for any lift

Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for the crane class

defined techniques including fixed lifting points and basic reeved slings

ground stability including:

backfilled ground

bitumen

concrete

hard compacted soil

rock

rough uneven ground

soft soils

hazards including:

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

ground stability (e.g. ground condition, recently filled trenches, slopes)

insufficient lighting

other specific hazards (e.g. dangerous materials)

overhead hazards (e.g. electric lines, service pipes)

positioning of crane operator

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

hierarchy of control:

elimination

substitution

isolation

engineering controls

administrative controls

personal protective equipment (PPE)

organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for operating the crane class

procedures for recording, reporting and maintaining workplace records and information

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

risks associated with overhead electric lines/electrical cables, ground conditions, wind, pedestrians and tipping

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

typical routine problems encountered, and equipment and adjustments required for correction

use of lifting equipment and basic slinging techniques suitable for loads to be loaded/unloaded as defined by workplace procedures

vehicle loading crane characteristics and capabilities to allow crane configuration to suit the range of loads.