10.3 Crane siting
The siting of a mobile crane may present a risk of injury to persons, including workers and members of the public in the vicinity of the crane from:
- the crane overturning due to failure of the crane to withstand the forces likely to be imposed on it; and
- collision between the crane with other plant and structures at the workplace.
The siting of mobile cranes should occur after careful consideration of the above factors.
10.3.1 Collision between the crane and other plant or structures
The siting of a mobile crane must consider hazards such as:
- overhead powerlines and other services;
- nearby structures;
- other cranes or high obstructions, including those on adjacent workplaces (e.g. concrete placement booms);
- other mobile equipment moving within the crane working area; and
- the vicinity of aerodromes and aircraft flight paths for 'high' cranes.
Mobile cranes should be positioned so that the risk of injury from collision with other plant is minimised. This issue is particularly important where mobile cranes are set up on public roads. In this situation, the traffic control procedures of the road controlling authority must be complied with.
Another way to minimise the risk of injury from collision with other mobile plant and vehicles is to increase the visibility of mobile cranes. One way to increase the visibility of a crane is to permanently mark the crane's outriggers and stabilisers with high visibility hazard striping (i.e. 'zebra striping' – see figure 2). The outrigger beams or hydraulic cylinders should be marked with the hazard striping. The striping should:
- be at an angle 30-60 degrees to the horizontal;
- be 40-150 mm wide; and
- consist of two contrasting colours, one of which is red, yellow or white.
Note that if there is inadequate room on the stabilisers of vehicle-loading cranes, the dimensions of the hazard striping may be decreased.
Figure 2 – Hazard striping on a mobile crane
Where mobile cranes are set up in flight paths (e.g. near aerodromes), the local aerodrome operator must be contacted to ensure the requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) (non-Queensland Government link) are met. Where necessary, aircraft warning lights should be fitted to the highest part of the crane.
For further information on control measures to avoid the risk of injury from collision, refer to section 12 of this code.
Last updated September 7, 2006