Edition 58, July 2008

Bridge and gantry crane safety handbook released

WorkSafe Victoria has released a new handbook which provides an introduction to the safe and effective use of bridge and gantry cranes in workplaces.

Aimed at employers, health and safety representatives, health and safety committees, employees and WorkSafe inspectors, it is expected that they will use the handbook as a guide to form an opinion about suitable health and safety risk controls under the test of 'reasonably practicable'.

The handbook is not a substitute for training and 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.

It covers the selection, commissioning, inspection and repair of these cranes in manufacturing operations. 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.

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.

The handbook provides a range of information that can be used to decide the most effective solutions for providing safe bridge and gantry operation.

Many of the tasks outlined in the pages are presented in red and green columns. The red columns outline what is deemed to be unacceptable under occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation with the green column highlighting the common risk control solutions to prevent exposing employees or contractors to unacceptable work practices.

For more information on the Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes handbook visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/(Select 'Form & Publications' > 'Publications' > search for 'Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes'.)

This page was generated on 05 January, 2010

Tag cloud Tags: training resources,cranes. Click here to view the tag cloud.