Pick and Carry Crane Operations — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for pick and carry crane operations including load attachment, travelling with suspended load, placement, and rigging, applicable to franna and all-terrain cranes used on construction and industrial sites.
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Pick and carry crane operations — most commonly performed using articulated franna cranes or all-terrain cranes in travel mode with a suspended load — are HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations and require a SWMS before work commences. Pick and carry operations are inherently more complex than static lifts because the crane travels with the load suspended, requiring continuous management of dynamic forces, ground conditions, and travel path.
The operator must hold a HRW licence in the relevant mobile crane class — C2 for cranes up to 60 tonnes or C6 for any capacity. For franna cranes specifically, the C2 or equivalent licence is required. The dogman directing load attachment and travel must hold a current Dogman (DG) HRW licence. The crane must be registered plant with current registration and comply with AS 2550.1 and the manufacturer's operating manual for travelling with load configurations.
Pick and carry operations have specific load chart limitations that differ from the crane's static rated capacity. Manufacturers publish separate dynamic or travel load charts that reduce permitted loads significantly to account for inertial forces during travel. These travel limits must be strictly observed and documented in the SWMS. Ground conditions along the entire travel path must be assessed — soft ground, slopes exceeding the manufacturer's limits, and surface irregularities can cause dynamic load amplification and tipping. A walking assessment of the travel path before the lift is a standard control measure.
Speed limits while travelling with a suspended load are specified by the crane manufacturer — typically 2–4 km/h maximum — and must be documented in the SWMS. The load must be kept as low as practicable during travel to minimise the pendulum effect. A dogman or spotter must walk with the crane during travel to direct the operator and manage the exclusion zone around the swinging load.
Customise this template with the crane model and travel load chart, the load weight and dimensions, the travel path assessment, and the names and licence numbers of all personnel involved. This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Crane or hoist work
- •Rigging work
- •Use of powered mobile plant
Risk Assessment
1.Lift planning and ground assessment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crane overturning due to soft or uneven ground | Catastrophic | Inspect the full travel path and lift area for ground conditions before commencing. Obtain geotechnical data or conduct a dynamic cone penetrometer test where ground conditions are uncertain. Lay crane mats (steel or engineered timber) to distribute wheel loads where ground bearing capacity is less than the rated crane pressure. Ensure the travel path gradient does not exceed the manufacturer's maximum travel-with-load gradient. Brief the operator and dogman on all known ground hazards along the travel route. Do not travel over excavations, voids, or suspect fill without engineering confirmation. | Moderate | Crane Supervisor / Crane Operator |
| Incorrect load radius resulting in overload during carry | Catastrophic | Calculate the lift radius for both the pick point and the carry destination to identify the critical (maximum) radius the crane will operate at. Verify load weight from a weigh certificate. Refer to the crane's load chart at the critical radius and boom angle — ensure the load (including rigging) does not exceed 90% of the chart capacity. Record these details in the written lift plan. A Specific Lift Plan must be prepared for loads exceeding 80% of rated capacity. Do not change boom angle or radius during carry without re-checking load chart. | Low | Crane Operator / Licensed Rigger |
2.Load rigging and hook-on
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigging equipment failure under load | Catastrophic | All rigging equipment must be inspected by the licensed rigger before each use. Select sling type and size based on load weight, angle, and contact conditions per AS 3569/3775/1380. All shackle pins to be moused with wire. Confirm WLL markings are legible on all components. Test lift to 200 mm: hold for 30 seconds, inspect all rigging components before proceeding with carry. If any component shows movement, distortion, or noise, lower and re-inspect before proceeding. | Low | Licensed Rigger / Dogman |
3.Travelling with suspended load
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load swinging during travel causing instability | High | Maintain the hook block height at minimum possible (load no more than 300 mm above ground or obstacles in travel path) during travel. Use a tag line held by a worker walking alongside to prevent load swing — worker must be on the opposite side of the load from the direction of potential swing. Travel at maximum 5 km/h with a suspended load. Stop immediately if load begins to swing more than 10° from vertical — lower to ground before continuing. The dogman must walk alongside the load and maintain constant radio contact with the operator during travel. | Moderate | Crane Operator / Dogman |
| Crane contacting overhead powerlines during travel | Catastrophic | Plot the travel path on a site plan and identify all overhead powerlines. Measure clearance from maximum boom height to powerlines — minimum safe approach distance for up to 66kV is 3 m (refer to relevant state electrical safety legislation for distances to HV lines). Install goal-post warning structures at each powerline crossing point, set to safe travel height. Obtain a safety observer from the electricity distributor for any travel within 3 m of overhead powerlines. Do not travel under powerlines in wet conditions. | Low | Crane Operator / Crane Supervisor |
4.Load placement and off-rigging
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load placed on unstable or inadequate support | High | Confirm landing zone is clear, level, and capable of bearing the load before placing. Use dunnage (timber packs of matching height) to ensure load is placed on a minimum of 3 stable points. Do not release crane tension until load is confirmed stable on dunnage. If the load is to be placed on a structure (e.g. concrete slab, floor), confirm structural capacity with the engineer prior to placing. Communicate all clear signal clearly before releasing crane load. Remove rigging from under the load before crane moves away. | Low | Dogman / Crane Operator |
5.End of shift and crane parking
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured crane or load creating hazard for night works or next shift | Moderate | At end of shift, lower hook block to ground or minimum safe height and release all rigging from hook. Park crane on firm, level ground with boom lowered to minimum height. Apply park brake, chock wheels if on any slope. Switch off engine and remove keys. Inspect crane for damage or fluid leaks and record any findings in logbook. If crane is parked in a traffic or pedestrian zone, install barrier tape and flashing lights around the machine. Remove any suspended or unsecured load before leaving site — do not leave loads suspended overnight. | Low | Crane Operator |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.