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Department of Justice and Community Safety

PLANT SAFETY

Safety is critical in the operation of plant and equipment such as cranes, forklifts, elevating work platforms, excavators, backhoes, etc.

You should never operate any piece of mobile plant and equipment unless it is part of your job and you have been fully trained and are competent to do so.

Safe Operation of Forklifts

  • operators must hold a Fork-lift Certificate of Competency (LF)
  • passengers must never be carried on forklift trucks
  • always wear the seatbelt (where fitted)
  • never elevate or lift people unless an approved lifting box is used
  • lower the load before travelling off and turning
  • when travelling, lower the forks as close to the ground as is practicable
  • forklifts should never be used over terrain for which they have not been designed
  • when leaving the forklift unattended, lower the tines, turn the gas bottles off and remove the ignition key.

Crane Safety

  • only persons with a Certificate of Competency of the right class can operate cranes
  • only persons with a Certificate of Competency in dogging or rigging can sling and direct loads. Dogging cannot be done by the crane operator, even if qualified
  • all cranes should be subject to a daily checklist/logbook completed by the operator
  • make sure that the set up area has been inspected for potential hazards and that inspection is documented
  • make sure that the counterweight slewing area is clear of obstacles and is barricaded
  • make sure that no load passes over workers, which may be a hazard.

Safe Operation of Earthmoving Equipment

  • operators must be suitably qualified
  • nevery carry passengers unless there is a passenger seat fitted
  • always wear the seatbelt (where fitted)
  • always take care to know your operating area – never back up until you are certain it is safe
  • always shut down the plant and remove the ignition key when you leave the machine unattended
  • ground your tines and booms before vacating the machine
  • know the machine’s rollover limits and stay well within them
  • stay a safe distance away from the edge of embankments and be sure that the boundaries of your operating area are clearly marked
  • when descending a grade, use the same gear you would use to climb it
  • always obey speed limit restrictions
  • always give way to loaded machines, when in doubt, yield.
  • always make sure spotters and others working nearby wear a helmet and a high visibility vest.

Lifting Gear

  • all lifting gear (shackles, slings, wire rope) should be inspected regularly by a qualified and competent person and details should be recorded and the item tagged
  • load hooks should be fitted with a safety catch, particularly where there is a chance of the slings being displaced.

National Standards for Plant

Plant is a major cause of workplace accidents in Australia. There are between 65,000 and 70,000 plant-related workers' compensation claims costing some $550 million in workers' compensation payments each year. In addition, there are over 200 plant-related fatalities every year Australia wide. Because of the risk of injury associated with the use of plant, State and Territory jurisdictions have enacted many measures over the years in order to reduce both the incidence and severity of accidents.

The ACT has formally adopted the National Standard for Plant. Please note that any changes made to the Code since being adopted do not apply in the ACT.

Guidance Material