High Risk Work Licence - Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) cheat sheet
High Risk Work Licence - Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Planning and Preparing for Vehicle Loading Crane Operations
Load chart capacity is the crane's rated capacity at a specific radius and boom configuration; never exceed it, and deduct the mass of all rigging, slings and attachments from the figure before lifting.
Radius is measured horizontally from the crane's sleeper/rotation centre to the centre of gravity of the load, not to the hook; a longer radius always reduces capacity.
Net capacity = gross chart capacity minus the mass of hook block, slings, spreader bars and any attachments between boom head and load.
Rated capacity is based on the crane being level; chart values apply only when the vehicle is within the manufacturer's specified level tolerance (commonly 1 degree).
Site planning must identify ground bearing capacity, overhead powerlines, underground services, exclusion zones for personnel and the load's travel path.
Wind limits are specified by the manufacturer; as a rule the load's sail area and wind speed combine to increase radius and side load, so operations stop when the manufacturer's limit is reached.
A lift plan is required when the lift is complex or near capacity; it documents load mass, radius, rigging, ground conditions, personnel roles and emergency controls.
Personnel must hold the relevant high risk work licence, and the dogger/rigger and crane operator must agree on communication methods and hand signals before the lift.
Pre-operational Checks, Set-up and Stabilising the Vehicle Loading Crane
Pre-start inspection covers tyres, suspension, outrigger pads and beams, hydraulic hoses and rams for leaks or damage, wire rope for broken wires, kinks or corrosion, hook latch operation and safety decals.
Outriggers must be fully extended and deployed per the manufacturer's instructions; part-extended outriggers can reduce capacity or invalidate the load chart.
Outrigger pads must be sized to spread the load so ground pressure stays below the ground's bearing capacity; soft or sloping ground requires larger pads or a different position.
The vehicle must be parked on firm, level ground with the park brake applied, transmission in neutral or park, and wheels chocked where required.
The crane must be levelled using the vehicle's level indicator or spirit level before any boom movement; recheck level after outriggers are loaded.
Check the load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter is functioning and calibrated, and that the boom angle/radius indicators read correctly.
Inspect the hook for deformation, cracks, worn throat opening and a functioning safety latch; discard hooks with cracks or excessive throat wear.
All personnel must be clear of the slew area and crush zones before the boom is raised, and the stabiliser area must be barricaded where pedestrians could be struck.
Operating the Vehicle Loading Crane to Load, Unload and Move Loads
Determine load mass and centre of gravity before lifting; an off-centre load increases effective radius and can overload the crane even when the mass is within chart capacity.
Use taglines or a dogger to control load rotation; personnel must never stand under a suspended load or between the load and a fixed structure.
Slew slowly and keep the load as close to the ground as practical; lowering the load reduces the drop height and pendulum effect if the load slips.
Avoid shock loading: take up slack rigging gradually, and never jerk the load or drag it sideways, as side loading can damage the boom and destabilise the vehicle.
When moving the vehicle with a load, the manufacturer's travel chart and instructions apply; travel with the boom lowered and retracted to the specified position.
The rated capacity limiter must not be overridden or bypassed; if it activates, reduce radius or load mass rather than forcing the movement.
Communication must be maintained with the dogger at all times; if signals are unclear or lost, stop the operation until communication is re-established.
On completion of each lift, land the load, release tension gradually, and confirm the load is stable before removing slings or releasing the hook.
Shutting Down, Securing and Post-operational Procedures
Retract the boom fully, lower it to the stowed position, and engage the boom lock or travel lock before moving the vehicle.
Fully retract outrigger beams and raise outrigger pads, then secure pins and locking devices in the travel position.
Shut down the crane per the manufacturer's sequence, apply the park brake, isolate power where required and remove the key to prevent unauthorised use.
Inspect wire rope, hooks, hydraulic hoses and outriggers after operation; report defects and tag out the crane if it is unsafe to use.
Record the operation in the crane logbook, including pre-start checks, defects found, load details and any incidents or near misses.
Stow rigging, slings and pads correctly; damaged slings must be tagged and removed from service, not returned to the storage rack.
Park the vehicle on firm level ground, chock wheels if on a slope, and ensure the crane and load do not obstruct traffic or access ways.
Conduct a post-operational housekeeping check: remove debris, secure the area, and confirm all personnel are clear before leaving the site.
Planning and Preparing for Vehicle Loading Crane Operations
Load chart capacity is the crane's rated capacity at a specific radius and boom configuration; never exceed it, and deduct the mass of all rigging, slings and attachments from the figure before lifting.
Radius is measured horizontally from the crane's sleeper/rotation centre to the centre of gravity of the load, not to the hook; a longer radius always reduces capacity.
Net capacity = gross chart capacity minus the mass of hook block, slings, spreader bars and any attachments between boom head and load.
Rated capacity is based on the crane being level; chart values apply only when the vehicle is within the manufacturer's specified level tolerance (commonly 1 degree).
Site planning must identify ground bearing capacity, overhead powerlines, underground services, exclusion zones for personnel and the load's travel path.
Wind limits are specified by the manufacturer; as a rule the load's sail area and wind speed combine to increase radius and side load, so operations stop when the manufacturer's limit is reached.
A lift plan is required when the lift is complex or near capacity; it documents load mass, radius, rigging, ground conditions, personnel roles and emergency controls.
Personnel must hold the relevant high risk work licence, and the dogger/rigger and crane operator must agree on communication methods and hand signals before the lift.
Pre-operational Checks, Set-up and Stabilising the Vehicle Loading Crane
Pre-start inspection covers tyres, suspension, outrigger pads and beams, hydraulic hoses and rams for leaks or damage, wire rope for broken wires, kinks or corrosion, hook latch operation and safety decals.
Outriggers must be fully extended and deployed per the manufacturer's instructions; part-extended outriggers can reduce capacity or invalidate the load chart.
Outrigger pads must be sized to spread the load so ground pressure stays below the ground's bearing capacity; soft or sloping ground requires larger pads or a different position.
The vehicle must be parked on firm, level ground with the park brake applied, transmission in neutral or park, and wheels chocked where required.
The crane must be levelled using the vehicle's level indicator or spirit level before any boom movement; recheck level after outriggers are loaded.
Check the load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter is functioning and calibrated, and that the boom angle/radius indicators read correctly.
Inspect the hook for deformation, cracks, worn throat opening and a functioning safety latch; discard hooks with cracks or excessive throat wear.
All personnel must be clear of the slew area and crush zones before the boom is raised, and the stabiliser area must be barricaded where pedestrians could be struck.
Operating the Vehicle Loading Crane to Load, Unload and Move Loads
Determine load mass and centre of gravity before lifting; an off-centre load increases effective radius and can overload the crane even when the mass is within chart capacity.
Use taglines or a dogger to control load rotation; personnel must never stand under a suspended load or between the load and a fixed structure.
Slew slowly and keep the load as close to the ground as practical; lowering the load reduces the drop height and pendulum effect if the load slips.
Avoid shock loading: take up slack rigging gradually, and never jerk the load or drag it sideways, as side loading can damage the boom and destabilise the vehicle.
When moving the vehicle with a load, the manufacturer's travel chart and instructions apply; travel with the boom lowered and retracted to the specified position.
The rated capacity limiter must not be overridden or bypassed; if it activates, reduce radius or load mass rather than forcing the movement.
Communication must be maintained with the dogger at all times; if signals are unclear or lost, stop the operation until communication is re-established.
On completion of each lift, land the load, release tension gradually, and confirm the load is stable before removing slings or releasing the hook.
Shutting Down, Securing and Post-operational Procedures
Retract the boom fully, lower it to the stowed position, and engage the boom lock or travel lock before moving the vehicle.
Fully retract outrigger beams and raise outrigger pads, then secure pins and locking devices in the travel position.
Shut down the crane per the manufacturer's sequence, apply the park brake, isolate power where required and remove the key to prevent unauthorised use.
Inspect wire rope, hooks, hydraulic hoses and outriggers after operation; report defects and tag out the crane if it is unsafe to use.
Record the operation in the crane logbook, including pre-start checks, defects found, load details and any incidents or near misses.
Stow rigging, slings and pads correctly; damaged slings must be tagged and removed from service, not returned to the storage rack.
Park the vehicle on firm level ground, chock wheels if on a slope, and ensure the crane and load do not obstruct traffic or access ways.
Conduct a post-operational housekeeping check: remove debris, secure the area, and confirm all personnel are clear before leaving the site.