Page 65 - Alex Ruscuklic - Complete Works

WorkSafe Victoria
Handbook / Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes 1
Introduction
Operating a bridge or gantry crane is skilled work. When the safe work principles in this guide are not followed, there is potential to cause fatalities, injury or property damage.
The guide covers the powered operation of bridge and gantry cranes in all configurations. Powered operations include traversing, travelling, hoisting (raise and lower are considered to be one operation) and rotation.
It is expected that employers, health and safety representatives (HSRs), health and safety committees, employees and WorkSafe inspectors will use this guide to form an opinion about suitable health and safety risk controls, under the test of ‘reasonably practicable’.
This guide is not a substitute for training. This guide does not cover the specifics that a bridge and gantry crane operator, dogging or rigging person would need to know to perform their job competently and safely.
A general overview of guidance material can be found in Appendix A.
Occupational health and safety legislation in all states requires employers to:
• ensure risks associated with plant and their operations are eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable
• ensure supervisors and employees, including independent contractors, are trained and provided with information on:
– the nature of hazards associated with the plant, and
– the safe operation of plant.
Operating cranes safely is a critical function. Costs associated with crane incidents have been significant due to a combination of reasons:
• fatalities
• seriousinjuries
• propertydamage
• fines
• increasedpremiums
• lost time, and
• training.