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Workplace health and safety

Home > Workplace health and safety > Law and penalties > Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006 > 10. Planning and coordinating mobile crane operations > 10.4 Communication

10.4 Communication

A reliable method of signalling between the crane operator and dogger is essential for safe crane operation. Failure to implement a reliable method of communication may lead to unsafe crane operations and contribute to injury to persons from:

  1. dropped loads; and
  2. collision with other plant and structures.

An effective means of communication is particularly important where:

  1. the crane operator cannot see the load;
  2. the crane operator cannot see the load’s landing area;
  3. the crane operator cannot see the path of travel of the load or the crane;
  4. the crane operator is not in a position to make an accurate judgement of distance; and
  5. it is possible for the crane to come into contact with overhead powerlines.

Persons using radio equipment should be familiar with the manufacturer’s operating instructions. A dedicated radio frequency14 should be selected for the duration of the crane operations to prevent interference to or from other radio equipment being used in the vicinity of the crane. All persons using the radios are to be aware of the risk of interference and signals from other radio equipment. Work must stop immediately if there is a loss of radio communication.

The safe use of radio communication usually involves:

  1. the crane operator and dogger performing an operating safety check to ensure the radios are performing satisfactorily, and a fully charged battery and spare are available;
  2. ensuring operators are familiar with the specific procedures for using radio communication for that workplace;
  3. adopting a constant talk method between radio users so that all involved persons are aware of the progress of the lifting operations at all times; and
  4. ensuring the crane operator normally takes radio instructions from one person only, unless special circumstances exist that require specific arrangements to be in place for the use of more than two radios.

Where radio communication is not or cannot be used, other forms of communication, such as hand signals and bell, buzzer and whistle signals should be used. These forms of communication should comply with AS 2550.1 : Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use - General requirements (non-Queensland Government link).

Mobile phones should not be used for directing mobile crane operations.

14. See appendix 1 for definitions.

Last updated 21 August 2008