Emergency procedures, incident response and shutdown
When things go wrong
Know the emergency plan before the lift: emergency stop, lowering a suspended load, fire, powerline contact, load drop, crane collapse, injury and evacuation. If a load is dropped or a crane contacts powerlines, keep people clear, do not touch the crane, and call emergency services and the electricity supply authority. The operator should remain in the cabin if safe to do so, unless fire forces evacuation.
For a fire, isolate fuel and power if safe, use the correct extinguisher and evacuate. For injury, provide first aid, secure the area and notify. Report incidents under WHS law: notifiable incidents include death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous incidents such as a crane collapse or load drop. Preserve the scene until authorised to disturb it. After an incident, do not return the crane to service until inspected and cleared.
Traps in exam questions
- Touching a crane in contact with powerlines.
- Moving an injured person or disturbing the scene unnecessarily.
- Failing to notify the regulator of a notifiable incident.
- Returning a crane to service after an incident without inspection.
- Forgetting the emergency stop and evacuation roles.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: for powerline contact, the safe distance is the same as the approach distance - keep everyone clear and call for help; do not approach until the supply authority confirms isolation.
Exam tip
If an option says 'resume work after cleaning up', it is generally wrong until inspection and clearance occur.
Post-operational procedures and equipment securing
Shutting down safely
At the end of the shift, lower the load, land it and remove the rigging. Park the crane on firm, level ground, clear of traffic and hazards. Retract the boom and stow it in the manufacturer's travel position, engage the slew lock or park brake as required, lower outriggers fully or retract them per the manual, and secure the hook block. Switch off, remove the key, and secure the cabin. Complete the logbook and report any defects.
Inspect and store rigging correctly: chains hung up, slings out of sunlight and away from chemicals, and damaged gear tagged out. Refuel safely, avoiding spills, and check for leaks. Conduct a post-operational inspection and record it. Secure the site: barriers, signage, and any loads left in place. Hand over relevant information to the next shift or operator.
Traps in exam questions
- Leaving the boom raised or the hook unsecured.
- Failing to complete the logbook or report defects.
- Storing slings in sunlight or near chemicals.
- Leaving the crane on soft ground or blocking access.
- Forgetting to secure the site and hand over.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: a crane is 'secured' when the boom is stowed, the hook is secured, the park brake and slew lock are engaged, the key is removed, the logbook is complete and the site is barricaded.
Exam tip
If a question asks what to do with a defective sling at pack-up, the answer is tag out, remove from service and report.