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Safety tips when using mobile plant to lift loads

Following the correct procedures when using mobile plant to lift loads on rural properties can eliminate or significantly minimise the risk of injury.

Tips for staying safe when lifting freely suspended loads on rural properties:

know the rated capacity of the machine for lifting loads
adopt acceptable lifting techniques and only use:
- lifting slings that are supplied with a tag that shows safe working loads for the ways the sling is to be used
- fibre rope that is load rated for lifting and has been obtained from a specialist supplier
- positive methods for securing the load (e.g. shackles, slings or lifting chains attached to the load so that it cannot slip)
- lifting slings that are in good condition
- synthetic or fibre slings that have not been contaminated by oil
deduct the weight of lifting attachments when calculating the rated capacity of the machine
ensure lifting attachments are designed and tested by a competent person to the relevant Australian Standard (e.g. jib attachments for forklifts, lifting eyes attached to plant)
ensure lifting eyes attached to booms form a closed eye, as this prevents the load bearing against the latch of a hook which may fail, causing the load to fall. The lifting sling or load lift point can be attached by a lifting shackle.
when other mobile plant is used in place of a mobile crane, the mobile plant should be at least as stable as a mobile crane (a mobile crane in pick-and-carry mode on firm level ground will overturn when the load exceeds 50 per cent of its maximum rated capacity – this is for mobile cranes designed to the Australian Standard AS 1418.5)
when other plant is used in place of a mobile crane, the hydraulic lift cylinders on the boom and/or dipper arms should be fitted with burst protection unless persons are always kept away from the suspended load.

What is the rated capacity of mobile plant?

The rated capacity of the mobile plant is the maximum mass that may be handled at maximum reach for each lift point on the machine without strength and stability requirements being exceeded. When determining the allowable load to be lifted, the mass of attachments such as a bucket or quick hitch usually have to be deducted from the rated capacity unless a rated capacity chart allows otherwise. Note that rated capacity will also vary for each lift point location, the further the radius of the load, the smaller the load that will cause the plant to overturn.

For more information:

Purchase a copy of A Guide for Doggers from any Department of Employment and Industrial Relations regional office for $6.20.

Last updated 22 July 2008