High Risk Work Licence - Portal Boom Crane (CP) key terms

A crane whose slewing upper structure, including the boom, is mounted on a portal frame with legs that straddle a roadway, rail line, or stockpile so loads can pass beneath the structure.

The leg-and-girder structure that carries the crane's slewing assembly and travels on rails or wheels, transferring load and overturning forces into the ground or track.

The large bearing that connects the crane's upper structure to the portal frame and allows it to rotate, transmitting vertical, horizontal, and tilting forces between the two.

The maximum load a crane may lift at a stated radius and configuration, as shown on the load chart and reduced by any applicable deductions such as hook block or attachments.

The manufacturer's table or graph giving safe working loads for each boom length, radius, and configuration, including any capacity reductions for outriggers, track condition, or special setups.

The horizontal distance from the crane's slewing centre to the vertical line through the load's centre of gravity, measured with the boom in the position used for the lift.

The turning effect of a load about the crane's tipping line, calculated as load multiplied by radius; it determines how much of the crane's capacity is used and whether tipping is a risk.

The distance from the boom foot pin to the boom head, which changes with telescoping or lattice sections and affects the radius and capacity available for a lift.

The angle between the boom's centreline and the horizontal, used with boom length to find working radius and to judge how capacity changes as the boom is raised or lowered.

A weight subtracted from the gross load or chart capacity, such as the hook block, slings, spreader beam, or any lifting gear attached below the boom head.

The total weight being lifted, including the load itself plus all slings, shackles, spreaders, and other rigging attached to the hook, which must not exceed the rated capacity.

The weight of the actual object being lifted, excluding slings and rigging; it is used with rigging weights to calculate gross load before checking the load chart.

The process of determining a load's weight and centre of gravity from markings, drawings, calculations, or weighing, rather than guessing, before selecting lifting gear and checking capacity.

The point at which a load's weight is considered to act; if it is not directly below the hook, the load will tilt and the effective radius and sling tensions will change.

The angle between a sling leg and the horizontal, which determines the tension in each leg; flatter angles increase tension and reduce the safe working load of the sling assembly.

A flexible lifting component such as chain, wire rope, or synthetic webbing used to connect the load to the hook, chosen and rated for the load, angle, and environment.

A U-shaped connector with a pin or bolt used to join slings, hooks, and lifting points, rated for a stated working load limit and marked accordingly.

The arrangement of slings, shackles, spreaders, and fittings used to attach a load to the crane hook, planned so the load stays stable and within rated capacities.

A rope attached to a load and controlled by a person on the ground to prevent rotation or swinging during a lift, keeping that person clear of the load's path.

A licensed person who selects and attaches lifting gear, calculates sling loads, and directs the crane operator, often acting as the spotter or signal person during a lift.

A person qualified to prepare and attach loads and lifting gear, inspect rigging, and ensure the load is balanced and secure before the operator takes the weight.

The designated person who relays hand, whistle, or radio signals between the load and the operator, and whose signals must be obeyed except for a stop signal from anyone.

A signal, commonly an arm raised with palm out or a shouted stop, that any person may give and that the operator must obey immediately regardless of who gave it.

Two-way voice contact between the operator and the signal person, using agreed channels and phrases, with a backup method agreed before the lift begins.

A lift where the operator cannot see the load or its landing area and must rely on a signal person or spotter, requiring agreed signals and clear communication throughout.

The checks made before each shift, covering structures, ropes, brakes, hooks, limit switches, alarms, and safety devices, with defects recorded and the crane taken out of service if unsafe.

The routine visual and functional checks completed at the start of a shift or after a change of conditions, confirming the crane is fit for use before any lift is attempted.

A written or electronic log of inspections, tests, and maintenance, including dates, findings, and actions taken, kept as evidence that the crane has been maintained and checked.

The process of recording and notifying the responsible person of any fault, damage, or worn component found on the crane or lifting gear, and tagging out equipment until repaired.

A tag attached to a defective crane or item of lifting gear to warn others that it must not be used until the fault is repaired and the tag is removed by an authorised person.

The manufacturer's or owner's plan of periodic servicing, lubrication, and component replacement, used to keep the crane within its design limits and support inspection records.

The crane's resistance to tipping or overturning, affected by load moment, ground bearing capacity, track condition, wind, and the position of the slew and boom.

The pressure a crane's feet, wheels, or outriggers apply to the ground, which must be within the ground's capacity, using pads or spreader mats where needed.

A device that grips the rail to hold the portal crane in position, especially in wind, and must be released before travel and applied when the crane is parked.

The state of the rails or runway, including alignment, gauge, level, and obstructions, which affects travel safety and the crane's stability during lifting and moving.

Rotating the crane's upper structure about its vertical axis; it must be done smoothly, with the load controlled by tag lines, to limit swing and dynamic forces.

The brake that holds or slows the slewing motion, used to stop rotation smoothly and to hold the upper structure in position when the crane is parked.

Managing a load's movement by smooth acceleration, braking, and slewing so it does not swing, rotate, or contact people and structures, using tag lines and planned signals.

Moving the portal crane along its runway, which is normally done without a suspended load unless the manufacturer permits it and the route and load are controlled.

The force wind exerts on the boom, load, and portal frame, which increases with sail area and can reduce capacity or require the lift to stop at set wind speeds.

The procedure of isolating energy sources and fitting locks and tags before maintenance or repair, preventing accidental start-up or movement of the crane.

A controlled procedure for landing a suspended load when power or controls fail, using backup systems and following the manufacturer's instructions while keeping people clear.

The actions taken after a near miss, contact, dropped load, or injury: stop work, secure the area, render first aid, notify supervisors, and preserve evidence for investigation.

The sequence for parking and securing the crane at the end of a shift, including landing the load, applying brakes and rail clamps, and isolating power as required.

The final confirmation before lifting that the load is rigged correctly, the area is clear, the load chart is satisfied, and communication and escape routes are in place.

The legal obligation of employers, supervisors, and workers to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of themselves and others affected by their work.

A structured process of identifying hazards, judging the likelihood and severity of harm, and deciding controls before work begins, reviewed when conditions change.

The order of preference for managing risk: eliminate the hazard, then substitute, engineer, administrate, and finally use personal protective equipment as the last line.

A written document describing how high-risk work will be done, the hazards and controls, and the sequence of steps, kept available and followed on site.

The ongoing process of spotting anything with potential to cause harm, such as powerlines, unstable ground, defective gear, poor lighting, or people in the lifting area.

A marked area beneath and around the lift where only essential personnel may enter, keeping people clear of suspended loads and swing paths.

The assembly of hook, sheaves, and frame that hangs from the boom ropes, carries the load, and is included in the gross load when checking capacity.

A device that stops a crane motion, such as hoisting up or lowering, at a set point to prevent damage or rope slack, and must be tested during inspection.

Checking a crane rope for broken wires, corrosion, kinks, birdcaging, and wear against rejection criteria, with results recorded and the rope replaced when condemned.