This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more

Vehicle loading crane means a crane mounted on a vehicle for the purpose of loading and unloading the vehicle.

This unit applies to the activities of a person operating a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more, and includes applying load estimation and slinging techniques to move a load.

A person performing this work is required to hold a vehicle loading crane high risk work (HRW) licence.

This unit requires a person operating vehicle loading crane to plan the work, conduct routine checks, set up the crane, shift loads in a safe manner and safely shut down and secure the crane.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

This unit is based on the licensing requirements of Part 4.5 of the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, HRW and meets Commonwealth, state and territory HRW licensing requirements.

Any alteration to this unit would result in a unit that would not be acceptable to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulators for the purpose of licensing.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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 load is identified and estimated in consultation with associated personnel as required

1.4

Suitable lifting points on load are identified in consultation with associated personnel

1.5

Appropriate lifting equipment is obtained following consultation with associated personnel

1.6

Crane capabilities are appropriate to the load/s, working conditions and environmental conditions

1.7

Appropriate paths for moving loads in the work area are inspected and determined

1.8

Appropriate communication methods are identified with associated personnel

2

Conduct routine checks

2.1

Crane is visually checked for any damage or defects

2.2

All signage and labels are visible and legible in accordance with the appropriate standard.

2.3

Routine pre-operational crane checks are carried out in accordance with procedures

2.4

All controls are located and identified

2.5

Crane service logbook is checked for compliance

2.6

Crane is started in accordance with procedures and checked for any abnormal noises

2.7

All crane safety devices are tested in accordance with procedures

2.8

Post-start operational checks are carried out in accordance with procedures

2.9

All communication equipment is checked for serviceability

2.10

All damage and defects are reported and recorded in accordance with procedures, and appropriate action is taken

3

Set up crane

3.1

Ground suitability is checked

3.2

Crane is driven to work area in accordance with procedures

3.3

Crane is positioned for work application and stability in accordance with procedures

3.4

Outriggers/stabilisers are deployed and locked in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and required type and amount of padding material or plates is determined

3.5

Boom/jib and configuration data is input into the crane computer as required

3.6

Appropriate hazard prevention/control measures are applied to work area in accordance with procedures

3.7

All communications equipment is tested for functionality

3.8

Lifting equipment is prepared for load in accordance with procedures

3.9

Load destination is prepared

4

Transfer loads

4.1

Loads are determined within crane capacity

4.2

Boom/jib and hoist block is positioned over load following directions from associated personnel

4.3

Lifting equipment is attached and secured using defined techniques in accordance with procedures

4.4

Test lift is carried out in accordance with procedures to allow for checks to be safely made, in consultation with relevant personnel

4.5

Loads are transferred using all relevant crane movements in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard

4.6

All required communication signals are correctly interpreted in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard

4.7

Load is landed ensuring stability and security from movement

4.8

Lifting equipment is removed or disconnected from load and/or lifting hook in accordance with procedures

4.9

Crane is operated in accordance with procedures

4.10

Load movement is monitored constantly, ensuring safety of personnel and load, and crane stability

4.11

Unplanned and/or unsafe situations are responded to in accordance with procedures

5

Shut down and secure crane

5.1

Crane boom/jib and equipment are stowed and secured in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standard

5.2

Relevant motion locks and brakes are applied as required

5.3

Outriggers/stabilisers are stowed and secured in accordance with procedures

5.4

Plates or packing are stowed and secured

5.5

Crane is shut down in accordance with procedures

5.6

Routine post-operational crane checks are carried out in accordance with procedures

5.7

Lifting equipment is stored in accordance with procedures and the appropriate standards

5.8

All damage and defects are reported and recorded in accordance with procedures, and appropriate action is taken

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.

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.

Assessments must be conducted by an assessor accredited for this high risk work (HRW) licence class in the Commonwealth/state/territory where the licence will be obtained (i.e. an assessor authorised by a Commonwealth/state/territory WHS/OHS regulator).

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which may include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and all assessment must be conducted in the English language.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken in the workplace and/or under realistic workplace conditions which typically reflect:

performing tasks/activities within timelines that would be expected in a workplace

standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints

using full-scale equipment

Vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes) and above operation assessment must be conducted in a working zone in accordance with state/territory arrangements.

If the working zone is located at a ‘live’ site, assessment should continue in all weather conditions unless the safety of the candidate or others could be compromised.

Simulators must not be used in the assessment of this unit of competency.

Accredited assessors are responsible for ensuring candidates have access to:

appropriate vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes and above, and associated equipment in safe condition

as required, appropriate personnel to sling and direct the loads including:

doggers

riggers

communications equipment including:

bells

buzzers

two-way radios

whistles

controls including:

boom extension levers (where fitted)

hoisting and lowering levers

knuckling levers

luffing levers

slewing levers including brake

lifting equipment including:

chain slings

eyebolts

shackles

wire and synthetic slings

required personal protective equipment (PPE) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

safety devices including:

audible and visual warning devices

horns/sirens

lights

signage and labels including:

crane decals

control labels

crane data plates/labels

load charts

where appropriate, relevant workplace procedures and standards for operating a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes and above including:

approved codes of practice and guidance material

relevant Australian Standards especially AS2550.1 Cranes, hoists and winches—Safe use (2011)

checklists

history record system for service and maintenance history

industry operating procedures

industry standards (where applicable)

logbook

manufacturer guidelines (instructions, specifications or checklists) for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

safe work method statement (SWMS), as required

service logbook.

Skill

Performance feature

Employment skills to:

operate a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes and above in different types of workplaces, transferring key principles of safe operation to different contexts

improve own performance in safely and efficiently operating a vehicle loading crane by incorporating learnings from different workplaces and different conditions into current performance

Numeracy skills to:

interpret numerical information including:

selecting appropriate vehicle loading crane in accordance with load and workplace conditions

load weight assessment, to ensure compliance with vehicle loading crane data plate specifications

controlling and monitoring instrument readings

Language skills to:

use and interpret vocabulary specific to vehicle loading crane operations and workplace procedures to communicate with other workplace personnel

use non-verbal feedback to support effective communication

use relevant two-way radio conventions

Literacy (reading ) skills to:

interpret documentation that includes technical specificity including:

vehicle loading crane data plate

plant operation manuals and manufacturer specifications

workplace procedures, including emergency plan

workplace signage and labels

Literacy (writing) skills to:

accurately record and maintain information relating to operating a vehicle loading crane, including:

incident reports

vehicle checking and maintenance records

Self-management skills to:

implement risk control measures

initiate emergency management strategies