13. Erecting and dismantling mobile cranes
13.1 Responsibilities for persons erecting and dismantling mobile cranes
13.2 Minimising risk of injury during erecting and dismantling processes
Failure to erect or dismantle mobile cranes in accordance with the crane designer’s or crane manufacturer’s instructions may result in injury to persons from crane collapse or falling objects.
13.1 Responsibilities for persons erecting and dismantling mobile cranes
The process of erecting or dismantling a mobile crane must minimise the risks to health and safety.
A relevant person should ensure there is a documented work procedure that follows the crane manufacturer’s specifications for the erecting and dismantling process. Following the information outlined in the work procedure should ensure that:
- the crane is erected or dismantled in accordance with the crane designer’s or manufacturer’s instructions;
- access to and egress from the crane complies with relevant technical standards;
- the crane is stable during erecting and dismantling;
- the proposed method for erecting or dismantling the crane will not adversely affect other plant and structures;
- approved special tools, jigs and appliances necessary to minimise any risk of injury during erecting and dismantling are used;
- the interaction of the crane with other plant is considered;
- environmental factors, such as wet or windy conditions, are considered;
- all relevant electrical installations associated with the crane comply with AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (non-Queensland Government link); and
- workers are provided with suitable fall protection when working at a height.
13.2 Minimising risk of injury during erecting and dismantling processes
13.2.1 Crane collapse
13.2.2 Falling objects
13.2.1 Crane collapse
Written instructions for erecting and dismantling a mobile crane should be available with the crane. All erecting and dismantling activities should be supervised by a competent person. Only parts and components that meet the specifications of either the crane manufacturer or a competent person should be used when erecting a mobile crane. The crane components should be assembled in the correct sequence, using appropriate tools and equipment according to the prescribed assembly procedures.
When changing boom sections on lattice boom cranes (see figure 6), the crane operator should take special care to prevent the collapse of the boom. Adequate support should be provided under each section before removing the joint pins or bolts. When joint pins or bolts are replaced, they should be provided with properly fitted split pins or a locking device.
Figure 6 – Lattice boom crawler crane
Where required, the crane manufacturer’s required counterweight is to be attached to the crane at the appropriate location before the boom or jib is fitted or removed. Crane manufacturers may require sequential installation or removal of the fly jib, counterweights and boom components.
13.2.2 Falling objects
Erecting and dismantling activities are likely to produce falling objects. To minimise the risk of persons being hit by falling objects during these activities, control measures based on a risk assessment should be implemented. For example:
- erect and maintain effective barricades at an appropriate distance around the mobile crane. Only persons who are directly involved in erecting and dismantling activities are to be allowed inside this area; or
- schedule the erecting and dismantling of the crane to occur when the movement of other persons and mobile plant at the workplace is at a minimum.
Last updated 21 August 2008