Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to operate a mobile crane of greater than 3 tonnes capacity that incorporates a boom or jib which includes articulated type mobile cranes and locomotive cranes, but does not include vehicle tow trucks, for licensing purposes.

Application of the Unit 

This unit requires the operator to plan the work, conduct routine checks, set up crane, transfer loads, mobile 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.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency .

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element . Where bold italicised text is used , further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and /or the range statement . Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide .

1. Plan work

1.1 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 The weight of the load is identified and estimated in consultation with associated personnel 

1.4 Crane  is appropriate  to the load/s and workplace conditions

1.5 The appropriate path for the movement of loads in the work area is inspected and determined

1.6 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 Crane  is accessed in a safe manner

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 are 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 Pos-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 is taken

3. Set up crane

3.1 Ground suitability  is checked

3.2 Crane  is driven to the work area according to procedures 

3.3 Crane  is positioned for work application and stability  according to procedures 

3.4 Appropriate crane configuration  for work task is determined according to procedures  (where applicable)

3.5 Boom/jib and counterweight configuration data is input into the crane computer (where applicable)

3.6 Appropriate hazard prevention /control measures  are applied to the work area according to procedures 

3.7 All communications equipment  is tested for functionality

4. Transfer load

4.1 Lifts are determined within the capacity of the crane

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

4.3 Test lift  is carried out according to procedures 

4.4 Loads are transferred using all relevant crane movements  according to procedures  and the appropriate standard 

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

4.6 Crane  is operated according to procedures 

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

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

5. Mobile load

5.1 Suitability of planned route  is checked for the crane according to procedures 

5.2 Crane  is configured to mobile load according to procedures

5.3 Load is moved using best mobile practice  according to the appropriate standard

6 Shut down and secure crane

6.1 Crane  boom/jib and equipment is stowed and secured, where appropriate, according to procedures  and the appropriate standard 

6.2 Relevant motion locks and brakes are applied (where applicable)

6.3 Outriggers/stabilisers are stowed and secured according to procedures  (where applicable)

6.4 Crane is shut down  according to procedures

6.5 Routine post-operational crane checks are carried out according to procedures 

6.6 Plates or packing are stowed and secured (where applicable)

6.7 All damage and defects are recorded and reported according to procedures , and appropriate action is taken

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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 use of two-way radios
• Use communication skills at a level sufficient to communicate with other site personnel
• Assessment of ground conditions to confirm that the site is suitable (e.g. firm, level and safe) to operate crane
• Operate 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
• Mobile loads using best mobile practice
• 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, ground conditions, crane tipping and demolition sites)
• 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 and measurement 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
• Ability to read and comprehend manufacturer's instructions, procedures and safety signs
• Understanding of crane characteristics and capabilities (including use of load charts) to allow the configuration of the crane to suit the range of loads
• Understanding of the hierarchy of hazard identification and control
• Organisational and workplace standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting operations for the crane class
• Procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information
• Typical routine problems encountered in the operation of the crane and equipment and adjustments required for correction

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria , required skills and knowledge , 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.
• 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, ground conditions, crane tipping, other vehicles and personnel).
• Operation of a non-slewing mobile crane including all functions to their maximum extension in the lifting and moving of loads to the safe working rated capacity of non-slewing mobile cranes (over 3t 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 non-slewing crane (greater than 3 tonnes) and associated equipment in safe condition
• suitable loads as specified by 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 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 OH&S 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 .

Hazards 

May include but not limited to:

• ground stability (e.g. ground condition, recently filled trenches, slopes)
• overhead hazards (e.g. powerlines, service pipes)
• insufficient lighting
• traffic (e.g. pedestrians, vehicles, other 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:

1 elimination

2 substitution

3 isolation

4 engineering control measures

5 using safe work practices

6 personal protective equipment

Appropriate standards 

May include but not limited to:

• codes of practice
• legislation
• Australian standards
• manufacturer's specifications
• industry standards (where applicable)

Associated personnel 

May include but not limited to:

• doggers
• riggers

Appropriate 

May include but not limited to:

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

Crane 

May include:

• a crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity) which meets the requirements of AS1418
• articulated type mobile cranes
• locomotive cranes

Does not include vehicle tow truck operations

Communication method 

May include but 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, operators manual 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
• boom extension levers (where fitted)

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:

• horns/sirens
• audible and visual reversing devices
• operator restraint devices
• lights

Communication equipment 

May include but 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

Ground suitability 

May include but not limited to:

• rough uneven ground
• backfilled ground
• soft soils
• hard compacted soil
• rock
• bitumen
• concrete

Stability 

May include but not limited to:

• deploying outriggers
• establishing correct size plates or packing
• correctly positioning plates or packing

Crane configuration 

May include but not be limited to:

• boom/jib
• fly-jib
• counterweights

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:

• telescope in and out
• boom/jib up and down
• articulating (as applicable)
• raise and lower hoist (as applicable)

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
• 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

Unplanned and /or unsafe situations 

May include but not limited to:

• failure/loss of control (e.g. brakes and steering)
• failure of equipment (e.g. hydraulic system)
• environmental conditions (e.g. wind, lightning, storms, etc.)

Planned route 

May include but not limited to:

• unusual or difficult terrains
• obstacles or obstruction

Best mobile practice 

May include but not limited to:

• minimum speed
• gentle acceleration and braking (to minimise load swing)
• minimum boom/jib length
• carrying the load near to the ground surface
• use of handheld taglines

Shut down 

May include but not limited to:

• retracting boom/jib/fly (where applicable)
• retracting hoist rope and hook block
• idling engine to stabilise temperature
• retracting outriggers/stabilisers (where applicable)
• turning off engine