DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR LIFECYCLE DELIVERY – MAINTENANCE DELIVERY
Element of Competence:
Cranes and Lifting Equipment
Context
Cranes are often installed at Water Pumping Stations, or mounted on the back of trucks, to lift heavy equipment. Unsafe use of crane equipment presents significant risk potential for people and property. Crane collapse or falling loads can cause serious injuries, fatalities as well as damage to property on and off site. The controller of the crane is responsible for the safe testing, operation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of that crane.
Outcome
Cranes are operated within their loading limits and are maintained in a safe condition with a current certificate of inspection.
To do this, Drinking Water Distribution Operators need to be able to: ▪ Understand and comply with the written instructions relating to the safe operation of the crane. ▪ Calculate the load to be lifted and confirm that this is within the safe loading limit of the crane. ▪ Use, and understand, hand signals for the operation of the crane. ▪ Exercise the required level of care when operating the crane, including wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). ▪ Notify the controller of any unsafe equipment or process as soon as practicable. ▪ Readily locate all documentation and information related to the crane. ▪ Engage an Inspector to certify that the crane is safe. To do this, Drinking Water Distribution Operators need to know:: ▪ That they cannot operate the crane until they have been trained in its safe use. ▪ That the crane cannot be used unless it has a certification of inspection. ▪ The design loading limits of the crane. ▪ That the Approved Code of Practice for Cranes [6] covers the operation, maintenance and inspection requirements of any crane. ▪ That a general guide to the health and safety in employment (pressure equipment, cranes and passenger ropeways) Regulations 1999 provides guidance on regulations around the duties of equipment controllers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, as well as workers.
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