Published: 1 Jul 2021
MINIMUM OHS REQUIREMENT
FOR MINICRANES
These types of plants are slewing cranes and the operators need to be fully competent in their use and the operators’ rates of pay should reflect this.
Due to a number of recent incidents and near misses involving mini, spider or portable slewing cranes (which are commonly used in window installations) the CFMEU believe that the interests of providing the highest levels of protection for all employees, employers and the general public, these types of plant should only be operated by personnel holding a high-risk license of no less than a C2 slewing mobile crane.
In addition, the operator of the mini, spider or portable slewing crane, also needs to be familiar with the particular make and model of the crane under their operation/control – including its maintenance program. To further eliminate the risk of operator error, and in the consistency of providing and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety and levels of protection, the operators’ primary role / function should be the operating of the crane.
The person responsible to sling, direct, receive and release the load must also have a high-risk license of no less than a dogging (DG) license.
The CFMEU believe the highest standard of health and safety levels of protection can be achieved by having the cranes owner or supplier to supply an experienced operator that has the appropriate high-risk license and is familiar with that make and model of plant.