Adequately prepared location

Are you the PCBU in control of the Workplace? If so you have some duties when it comes to crane safety on site.

What is an Adequately Prepared Location?

A location that:

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.

Terms of Hire

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;