14.6 Workboxes and first aid boxes
14.6.1 Features of a crane when using workboxes and first aid boxes
14.6.2 Features of workboxes and first aid boxes
14.6.3 Safety of persons in crane-lifted workboxes
Crane-lifted workboxes are used in industry for workers to gain access to elevated work areas that are otherwise difficult to reach to perform minor work of short duration. Generally, crane-lifted workboxes do not provide a level of safety equivalent to properly erected scaffolding, elevating work platforms and other specifically designed access systems. However, the use of crane-lifted workboxes is considered to provide a higher level of safety than fall-arrest systems when used as the primary control measure.
Before workboxes are selected as a means of access, a risk assessment should be undertaken and recorded demonstrating that the use of other means of access, such as scaffolding or elevating work platforms, is impractical.
First aid boxes must only be used for the retrieval of injured persons.
14.6.1 Features of a crane when using workboxes and first aid boxes
When using a crane-lifted workbox or a first aid box, the crane must meet the following criteria:
- The crane is to have a minimum SWL of 1000 kg at the maximum radius for the task to be performed.
- The crane is to have a minimum SWL of at least twice the total load of the workbox and its contents, at the maximum radius for the task to be performed.
- The crane is to be fitted with an upper hoist limit (anti-two block) that stops operation of the hoist, luff and telescope functions of the crane, or be designed so that two-blocking20 cannot damage any part of the crane or lifting gear.
- The crane’s levers and foot pedals are to be fitted with a constant pressure system that stops the crane’s motions when the operator removes pressure from the controls.
- If the crane is fitted with a free fall facility, the free fall function is to be locked out with a keyed lock out.
14.6.2 Features of workboxes and first aid boxes
Crane-lifted workboxes and first aid boxes must meet the following criteria:
- Correctly tagged lifting slings are to be supplied with the workbox and first aid box and attached to the lifting points by means of hammerlocks or moused shackles.
- The factor of safety for each suspension sling must be at least eight for chains and 10 for wire rope.
- The SWL, tare mass and design registration number of the workbox or first aid box must be marked on the workbox or first aid box.
- If the workbox is provided with a door, this should be inward opening only, self-closing and provided with a latch to prevent accidental opening. However, first aid boxes may be provided with outward opening doors.
- The sides of the workbox or first aid box must be at least one metre high.
- First aid boxes must be clearly identified as first aid boxes.
14.6.3 Safety of persons in crane-lifted workboxes
The following must occur to ensure the safety of persons in a crane-lifted workbox:
- All persons in the workbox must wear full body fall-arrest harnesses at all times. Harnesses must be attached to fall-arrest anchorage points in the workbox or to the main sling ring above the workers’ heads. Energy absorbers must be provided on the lanyards (see AS 1891 : Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (non-Queensland Government link) for further information).
- At least one person in the workbox must hold a dogger’s certificate or equivalent to ensure correct directions are communicated to and from the crane operator.
Further guidance on the design and safe use of workboxes and cranes is provided in AS 1418.17 : Cranes (including hoists and winches) - Design and construction of workboxes (non-Queensland Government link) and AS 2550.1 : Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use - General requirements (non-Queensland Government link).
20. See appendix 1 for definitions.
Last updated 21 August 2008