CPCCLTC4002A
Licence to operate a self-erecting tower crane

This unit specifies the outcomes required to operate a self-erecting tower crane for licensing purposes, and covers the operation of a crane where the tower structure and boom/jib elements are not disassembled into component sections, which can be transported between sites as a complete unit, and where the erection and dismantling processes are an inherent part of the crane's function.

Application

This unit requires the operator to plan the work, conduct routine checks, transfer loads and shut down and secure the crane.

This unit is based on the requirements of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

This unit in its current form meets state and territory licensing requirements. Any alteration will result in a unit which is not acceptable to regulators for the purpose of licensing.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan work.

1.1. Potential workplace hazards are identified.

1.2. Hazard control measures are identified consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

1.3. Weight of the load is identified and estimated in consultation with appropriate personnel.

1.4. Crane is appropriate for the load/s and workplace conditions.

1.5. The appropriate paths for the movement of loads in the work area are inspected and determined.

1.6. Appropriate communication methods are identified with appropriate personnel.

2. Conduct routine checks.

2.1. Crane is visually checked for any damage or defects.

2.2. Crane is accessed in safe manner (where applicable).

2.3. All signage and labels are visible and legible according to the appropriate standard.

2.4. Routine pre-operational crane checks are carried out according to procedures.

2.5. All controls located and identified.

2.6. Crane service logbook is checked for compliance.

2.7. Crane is started according to procedures and checked for any abnormal noises.

2.8. All crane safety devices are tested according to procedures.

2.9. Post start operational checks are carried out according to procedures.

2.10. All communication equipment is checked for serviceability

2.11. All damage and defects are reported and recorded according to procedures and appropriate action taken.

3. Transfer loads.

3.1. Lifts are determined within the capacity of the crane.

3.2. Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures are applied to the work area according to procedures in consultation with appropriate personnel.

3.3. Boom/jib and hoist block is positioned over load following directions from appropriate personnel.

3.4. Test lift is carried out to procedures.

3.5. Loads are transferred using all relevant crane movements according to procedures and appropriate standards.

3.6. All required communication signals are interpreted correctly according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

3.7. Crane is operated according to procedures.

3.8. Load movement is monitored constantly to ensure safety of personnel, load and crane stability.

3.9. Unplanned and/or unsafe situations are responded to in line with procedures.

4. Shut down and secure crane.

4.1. Crane is placed in weather vain mode according to procedures (where applicable).

4.2. Relevant motion locks and brakes are applied (where applicable).

4.3. Crane and equipment is secured correctly, according to procedures and the appropriate standard.

4.4. Crane is shut down according to procedures

4.5. Routine post-operational checks on crane are carried out, according to procedures.

4.6. All damage and defects are reported and recorded according to procedures and appropriate action taken.

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

accurate recording and maintenance of information relating to crane operations

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

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

operation of a self-erecting tower crane for the lifting and moving of loads to the safe working rated capacity in conjunction with other appropriate personnel.

risk assessment and hazard control strategies, including hierarchy of control as applied to the positioning and safe operation of the crane including particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, wind, and crane stability

use and interpretation of crane manufacturer's specifications and data, including load charts and ballast, to enable the crane to be configured for the load

verify problems and equipment faults and demonstrate appropriate response procedures.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

ability to be able to read and comprehend manufacturer's instructions, procedures and safety signs

appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation of loads

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

organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting operations 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

self erecting tower crane operating techniques

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

self-erecting tower crane characteristics and capabilities to allow the operation of the crane to suit the range of loads

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.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, 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 OHS 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 OHS matters.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

comply with OHS licensing legislation

effectively communicate and work safely with others in the work area

assess risk and management procedures (particular awareness of the risks associated with overhead powerlines/electrical cables, wind and crane stability)

operate a self-erecting tower crane for the lifting and moving of loads to the safe working rated capacity in conjunction with other appropriate personnel

apply standard 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 self-erecting tower crane and associated equipment in safe condition

suitable loads as specified by the endorsed assessment instrument

communication equipment (eg. two-way radios, whistles, etc)

other appropriate 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 circumstances, 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 OHS regulators.


Range Statement

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Hazards may include but not limited to:

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

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

Insufficient lighting

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

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

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:

elimination

substitution

isolation

engineering control measures

using safe work practices

personal protective equipment.

Appropriate standards may include:

codes of practice

legislation

Australian Standards

manufacturer's specifications

industry standards (where applicable).

Appropriate personnel may include but not limited to:

riggers

doggers.

Crane

Self-erecting tower crane covers the operation of a crane where the tower structure and boom/jib elements are not disassembled into component sections, which can be transported between sites as a complete unit, and where the erection and dismantling processes are an inherent part of the crane's function.

Appropriate may include but is not limited to:

crane capabilities

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

Communicationmethods may include but are 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 are 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 (where applicable)

hoisting and lowering levers

slewing levers including brake

trolley levers (where applicable).

Service logbook may include but is 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

operator restraint devices (where applicable)

lights (where applicable).

Communication equipment may include but not limited to:

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 are not limited to:

safety tags on electrical switches/isolators

power lines are insulated

safety observer used inside exclusion zone

power disconnected

traffic barricades and control

pedestrian barricades

trench covers

movement of obstructions

personal protective equipment

adequate lighting

suitable site for the crane

counterweights (ballast).

Test lift

The load is lifted just clear of the lifting plane to allow for checks to be safely made in consultation with appropriate 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 (where applicable)

slewing

trolleying

hoisting and lowering loads.

Communication signals may include but not limited to:

stop - hand

stop - whistle

hoist up - hand

hoist up - whistle

hoist down - hand

hoist down - whistle

luff boom down - hand (where applicable)

luff boom down - whistle (where applicable)

luff boom up - hand (where applicable)

luff boom up - whistle (where applicable)

trolleying out - hand

trolleying out - whistle

trolleying in - hand

trolleying in - whistle

slew left - hand

slew left - whistle

slew right - hand

slew right - whistle.

Unplanned and/or unsafesituations may include but not limited to:

failure/lose of control e.g. slew brake 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:

boom/jib slewed to clear buildings and structures (where applicable)

trolleying hoist block to park position (where applicable)

weather vain mode

retracting hoist rope&hook block

idle engine to stabilise temperature

turning off engine

isolating power supply (where applicable)

remove key from ignition/control panel

lock and secure cabin (where applicable).


Sectors

Unit sector

Construction


Co-Requisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor