The new GPG for Precast Concrete talks about exclusion zones. But what are they and how do they affect crane operations?

An exclusion zone is a defined area where people are not allowed to go when particular work is being done.
You should:

• Carry out a risk assessment when setting up an exclusion zone.
• Use appropriate signage and/or barriers (eg perimeter fencing) to establish an exclusion zone.
• Consider ease of access and the likely presence of workers or others.

It is good practice to have procedures in place to reinforce the exclusion zone:

These could be:

• Introducing workers to exclusion zones during inductions
• Preventing entry to the Crane Exclusion Zone unless people are signed onto the lift plan. 
• Stopping all operations if the Crane Exclusion Zone is breached.

Inductions are a great place to teach workers on how you operate. Consider teaching workers what to do for a crane exclusion zone. The key message should be:

• No entry unless you are signed onto the lift plan or equivalent
• Stop all operations if the Exclusion Zone is breached

The new GPG for Precast Concrete has now been released. It is called:

Safe work with precast concrete good practice guidelines

These guidelines are for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) including designers, manufacturers, suppliers, installers and importers, as well as workers and any other people who handle, transport or erect precast concrete elements.  

1. Has enough space to accomodate the crane
2. Does not have power lines crossing over the location
3. Does not have underground services beneath the location
   1. Septic Tanks
   2. Water
   3. Storm water
   4. Waste Water
   5. Fibre optic cables or other cables (power)
   6. Pipes
   7. Manholes
   8. Soak-holes
   9. Tunnels
4. Is not on on soft ground or recent fill (backfill or un-compacted ground)
5. Is not near banks or trenches
6. Is not suspended (over basements or car-parking)
7. Is not near underground basements / rooms or car-parking
8. Is flat and able to be driven over (not slippery or without traction)
9. Does not have a high water table
10. Has appropriate access to and from
11. Ideally has appropriate compaction. 

An adequately prepared site is normally the responsibility of the PCBU in control of the Workplace.
Ideally work with the Crane Owner to establish requirements for the crane.

Most crane companies take responsibility for there setup from the ground up. But often have very little ability to take responsibility for the ground down other than by looking for signs of use.

Crane terms of hire often state:

Site Conditions and Access:
The Customer will ensure:

1. that the ground at the site is adequate to support the Crane under its wheels, tracks and or outriggers;
   
2. that the ground giving access to the site is stable and firm and of a gradient no steeper than 1 in 10; and
   
3. that clearance of 4 metres is afforded in respect of all overhead wires and that footpaths, kerbs and channels are suitably planked;

Should the Crane need to be towed into or out of the site, the cost shall be additional to the rate quoted and will be to the Customer’s account;

Damage to Services and Property:
The Customer shall be solely responsible for all damage which may be caused to underground and overhead services, footpaths, driveways, grounds, lawns, fences, structures, vehicles or any other property whatsoever caused by the Customer during the period of hire;

Stoppages:
XXXX shall not be responsible for any loss or damage arising out of any stoppage or delay occasioned by a cause beyond XXXX ’s control including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ground conditions, strikes and industrial disputes;

These focus the thinking into two categories the task to Eliminate or Minimise risk. The minimisation side has been scaled from the most effective to the least effective:

1. Substitute
2. Isolate
3. Engineering
4. Administration
5. PPE

For work with a Crane the most interesting with significant potential to increase safety on construction and industrial sites is engineering controls.

The load has the greatest potential to benefit from this thinking. Manufacturers and designers have the greatest opportunity to apply engineering controls when thinking of the full life cycle of a item to be lifted. 

The following page lists some of the common hazards found when working around Cranes. This list is by no means exhaustive. 

The following PPE should be worn when working with cranes.

Always look up. Power is a major hazard for Cranes. Cranes must stay 4 metres away from any line. You should also use a spotter when working near power lines. Use non-conductive tag lines and if possible earth the crane.

​If you intend to operate equipment near our transmission lines, please contact us at any of the numbers below to arrange a safety observer
•Transpower - 0508 LANDOWNER
•Service providers
•North Auckland/Northland: Ox Wightman 029 771 1825
•South Auckland/Waikato: Les McKenzie 021 945 284
•Bay of Plenty: Jessie Phillips 027 600 5377
•Taranaki and Central North Island: Andy Ward 021 357 935
•Lower North Island/Hawke’s Bay: Stephen Howard 027 490 9464
•Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast: Isaac Hurst 027 535 5255
•North Canterbury: Ron Mackenzie 027 435 6240
•South/Mid Canterbury: Myles Stichman 027 477 9693
•Otago/Southland: Jimmy Cormack 021 357 996

Crane operators MUST be informed of any underground hazards. Underground hazards include:

• Suspended slabs
• Pipes
• Waste Water
• Storm Water
• Septic Tanks
• Water Mains
• Recent Earth Works / Soft Ground
• Manhole Covers
• Fibre Optic / Telecommunication Services
• Underground Car Parking / Basements

​The service does not need to be under the crane to present a hazard. It might only be near the crane.

Crane operations must take into account people and plant moving on site. The risk include plant striking other plant, equipment, personnel, materials etc - (personnel / static object)

• Establish Exclusion Zones
• Take into account exits from buildings into lift area
• Reduce, control or eliminate simultanious activities
• Establish Traffic Control

Crane Operations MUST not expose the public to any hazard. Isolate activities from the public.

NEVER walk beneath a suspended load.

Always:
1. Wear your hard hat
2. Create exclusion zones
3. Check rigging is appropriate for the task
4. Check the load is free from objects that could fall
5. Keep the load low to the ground when possible
6. Use a tag line where possible
7. Use horn to warn personnel

ALL Lifting MUST STOP if an exclusion zone is breached. 
New Zealand Law has serious fines associated to raised and falling objects. See here.

Always make sure the operator of the crane can see you. If approaching the crane the crane operator MUST make eye contact with you before you enter the crane's exclusion zones or outrigger zone.

Be aware of:

• Items being lifted, lowered and slewed.
• Pinch points (between static objects and moving objects).
• Slewing crane / counterweight moving.
• Counterweight raising and lowering.
• Outriggers extending and retracting.
• Dunnage handling / tool boxes opening and closing.

Environmental Conditions (personnel / environmental)

• Sunlight (sun strike / sun burn)
• Heat (Exhaustion, dehydration)
• Poor Lighting (falls, mistakes etc.)
• Wet (Slippery)
• Mud (bogged)
• Windy (swinging loads)
• Lightning (Electric Shock)

Wind speed is critical for safe crane operations. The following information is guidance only on safety precautions that should be considered for wind.

1. The Load
   Every load has its own characteristics. Consider:
   - Wind Resistance
   - Weight of the load,
2. Crane Manufacturers Limit
   The manufacturer sets safe limits. See crane rating chart.
3. Crane Operator's Limit
   The crane operator is responsible for the safety of the plant and the lift.
4. Crane Companies Limit
   The owner of the crane may impose a limit on operations.
5. The Site Limit
   ​Every site is different. Consider site conditions for the lift.

During thunderstorms, a crane boom can become a lightning rod. When thunderstorms threaten, don’t start anything you can’t quickly stop.

During thunderstorms, no place outside is safe. But you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat and taking the appropriate actions. Count the number of seconds from when you see the lightning flash until you hear the thunder. If you hear thunder, lightning may be close enough to strike you. Stop what you’re doing and seek safety in a substantial building. If a substantial building is not available, a metal-topped vehicle with the windows up is your next best choice.
​
AS A GENERAL PRECAUTION
YOU SHOULD NOT RESUME CRANE WORK ACTIVITIES UNTIL 30 MINUTES AFTER THE LAST AUDIBLE THUNDER OR VISIBLE FLASH OF LIGHTNING.

Cranes bring Oil, Hydraulic Oil and Diesel to the Workplace. A spill kit and spill response plan should be developed.

Cranes and other plant moving on site present a clear hazard. You should always establish a spotter for movements and reversing operations.

Cranes are rated to lift different loads based on a number of conditions, rigging is also rated to lift loads based on its configuration and WLL. These factors are critical for the lift to be safe. It's therefore critical that you work with a reputable company with experienced and competent operators, dogman / riggers who use tools like like Lift and Rigging Plans to ensure every lift is a safe lift.