Vehicle Loading Crane Operations (HIAB / Truck-Mounted Crane) — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for truck-mounted vehicle loading cranes (often called HIABs or crane trucks) used to deliver and place materials on construction sites, covering set-up on outriggers, remote-control operation, slinging, power line clearance and road travel.
Download this template
Vehicle loading cranes, the knuckle-boom cranes mounted on a truck and often called a HIAB, Fassi or crane truck after the brand, unload trusses, frames, bricks, steel, pallets and site sheds on almost every building site. Crane work is not itself one of the listed categories of high-risk construction work (HRCW), but a typical delivery hits several of them: powered mobile plant moving in an area with other workers, work on or next to a road in use by traffic, and lifting near overhead power lines. Placing loads onto a roof or upper floor can also expose workers to a fall of more than 2 metres. Where any of these apply, a SWMS is required.
Operators of a vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre-tonnes or more need the vehicle loading crane (CV) high-risk work licence. Smaller units don't need a licence, but the operator must still be trained and competent on that crane. If the slinging requires judgement about the load's weight, centre of gravity or sling selection, or the operator can't see the load, a licensed dogman is needed. Check your state or territory regulator for local requirements.
The serious incidents in this trade come from a small set of causes: the truck tipping because outriggers were not fully extended or were set on soft ground, kerbs or service pits; the boom touching overhead power lines (very common on residential streets); loads dropped from pallet forks or brick grabs onto people below; the operator standing under or beside the load while using the remote control; and the boom not being stowed before driving off, leading to bridge or power line strikes. Loads must also be properly restrained for road travel.
The crane should be inspected in line with the manufacturer's manual and AS 2550, with a current periodic inspection and a logbook kept in the cab.
Customise this template with the truck and crane model and rated capacity, the operator's licence class and number, the site address and set-up position (with a sketch showing outrigger positions, power lines and the exclusion zone), the heaviest load and its radius, ground conditions and outrigger pad size, traffic control or footpath arrangements, and the person receiving the load on site.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
- •Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway or other traffic corridor in use by traffic
- •Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-delivery planning and site check
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No safe set-up position: soft ground, slopes, service pits or overhead lines | High | Before dispatch, confirm the set-up position with the site contact, using photos or a site visit for difficult sites. Confirm ground conditions, slope, footpath and kerb, service pits, overhead lines and trees, and the radius to the landing point. Check the heaviest load against the crane's load chart at that radius, including attachments such as forks or grabs. If the lift is near the chart limit or no safe set-up exists, plan a different crane or position. | Low | Operator / Dispatcher |
2.Positioning the truck and setting up outriggers
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck tipping due to outriggers not fully extended or on poor ground | Catastrophic | Extend outriggers to the position required by the load chart for the lift (fully extended unless the crane has a certified short-jacking mode). Place outrigger pads or mats sized for the ground on firm surfaces, never on kerbs, pit lids, grates or fresh fill. Level the truck within the manufacturer's tolerance using the level indicator. Check that the stability and overload systems are working before lifting. | Low | Operator |
| Vehicles or pedestrians striking the truck or entering the lift area | High | Set up a barricaded exclusion zone covering the outriggers and the full slew path. Use cones and signs on the road side. Where the set-up or slew path affects traffic or the footpath, follow the traffic management plan with accredited traffic controllers as required in your state. | Low | Operator / Traffic Controller |
3.Checking power line clearance
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boom or load contacting overhead power lines | Catastrophic | Identify all overhead lines, including service lines to houses, before unfolding the boom. Keep the boom, load and slings outside the approach distance set by your state or territory electrical safety regulator. Use a dedicated safety observer whenever the crane works close to lines, and use slew or height limiters where fitted. If clearance cannot be maintained, do not lift. Arrange for the network operator to make the line safe, or change the set-up position. | Low | Operator / Safety Observer |
4.Slinging and attaching loads
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load falling from slings, forks or brick grab | Catastrophic | Inspect slings, hooks, forks and grabs before use, and check that tags and WLL are legible. Use pallet forks with a safety net or cage for loose or shrink-wrapped pallets, and a brick grab with a safety catch for packs. Confirm pallets are sound before lifting. Use a licensed dogman where slinging requires judgement. Take up the load and test-lift 100 to 200 mm before the full lift. | Low | Operator / Dogman |
| Hand or finger crush while attaching slings on the truck tray | Moderate | Keep hands off slings and load edges while the crane takes up tension. Only the person rigging the load controls when the operator takes up. Use packers to create sling clearance under loads. | Low | Operator / Dogman |
5.Lifting and placing loads
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operator or workers struck by the load or crushed against the truck | Catastrophic | Operate the remote from a position with a clear view of the load and outside the load path and slew area, never under the load. Keep all other people out of the exclusion zone until the load is landed. Use tag lines to control long loads such as trusses and steel. Do not lift loads over people, roads or footpaths in use. | Low | Operator |
| Fall from height when receiving a load on a roof, slab or scaffold | High | Workers receiving loads at height must be protected by edge protection or an approved loading platform. Never lean out to grab a load. Land loads onto the support points agreed with the builder so floors, trusses and scaffolds are not overloaded. | Low | Site Supervisor / Receiving Worker |
6.Stowing the crane and securing for travel
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving with the boom or outriggers not stowed, striking a bridge or power line | Catastrophic | Fully fold and stow the boom and retract and lock outriggers before moving the truck. Check that the boom-stowed indicator or alarm is clear. Walk around the truck for a final check before driving. | Low | Operator |
| Remaining load shifting or falling from the tray during travel | High | Restrain the remaining load with rated straps, chains and edge protectors, in line with the national Load Restraint Guide. Check and re-tension restraints after the first few kilometres. | Low | Operator / Driver |
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.