What you will learn & how you will be assessed

To successfully complete this unit, you will need to demonstrate that you can safely and competently operate a slewing mobile crane with a rated capacity between 7 and 20 tonnes.

You will be required to demonstrate your skills on at least one occasion, including:

• Completing pre-start and operational checks

• Calculating load weights, crane radius and required lifting gear

• Configuring the crane for the task, including boom, counterweights, fly-jib, hooks and outriggers where applicable

• Setting up and stabilising the crane using appropriate plates or packing

• Checking ground and environmental conditions

• Identifying hazards and applying appropriate risk controls

• Following the lift plan and directions from the dogger or rigger

• Using the crane's controls safely, including hoisting, luffing, slewing and telescoping where permitted

• Safely lifting and moving four different loads, including:

  • A load exceeding 50% of the crane's rated capacity

  • A stillage or equivalent load of steel pipes requiring dogging

  • An asymmetric load requiring dogging

  • A round load at least 300 mm in diameter and 3 m long

• Moving loads through an obstacle course including a minimum 180° slew

• Keeping the load in full view while operating

• Carrying out test lifts to confirm load stability, correct slinging and crane operation

• Using the crane computer/load measuring system where fitted

• Setting up and maintaining exclusion zones

• Communicating effectively using radios, hand signals, whistles and other workplace methods

• Identifying, isolating and reporting defects or unsafe conditions

• Safely disconnecting loads and shutting down the crane

You must also demonstrate that you can:

• Follow relevant WHS legislation, standards, manufacturer requirements and workplace procedures

• Assess load stability, centre of gravity, WLL and sling deration

• Maintain safe clearances from people, vehicles, structures and overhead hazards

• Apply traffic management and workplace exclusion requirements

• Maintain accurate crane records and documentation

• Respond appropriately to changing weather, ground and environmental conditions

You will need knowledge of:

• Slewing mobile crane capabilities, configurations and load charts

• Crane stability, radius, load weight and centre of gravity

• Lift planning, crane setup and outrigger requirements

• Selection and safe use of lifting gear and attachments

• Load stability, swing and boom deflection

• Ground conditions and environmental factors affecting crane operation

• Common hazards, including overhead services, traffic, pedestrians and unstable ground

• Communication methods and crane operating signals

• Risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls

• Pre-start, operational, emergency and shutdown procedures

• Manufacturer requirements and workplace documentation

• Relevant WHS requirements and duty-holder responsibilities

Assessment will be conducted using a slewing mobile crane rated between 7 and 20 tonnes, appropriate lifting equipment and required safety equipment in a safe, realistic workplace environment. You must demonstrate safe and consistent crane operation, including setup, stabilisation, lifting, load movement, communication, hazard management and shutdown in accordance with the lift plan, manufacturer requirements and relevant WHS requirements.