The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has registered the Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice following extensive stakeholder consultation in a bid to assist industry with identifying potential hazards and reduce risk.
In partnership with The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), the NHVR has developed a practical guide aimed at assisting parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) to comply with their Primary Duty obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
NHVR Chief Safety and Productivity Officer David Hourigan said Codes of Practice are not designed to be exhaustive, but to alert operators in an industry to relevant hazards along with recommendations on how to manage those risks.
"Mobile cranes play a crucial role in the completion of construction and infrastructure projects across the country, but we also know there are unique hazards and risks associated with mobile cranes compared with other types of heavy vehicles," Mr Hourigan said.
"Often of substantial mass and dimensions, mobile cranes are regularly required in high-traffic urban areas, with operators and drivers also potentially faced with tight deadlines on high-pressure and dynamic construction sites.
"We are pleased to have worked closely with industry on the new Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice, including in partnership with CICA, and obtaining input from industry through public forums and feedback on a draft Code of Practice."
Under the HVNL parties in the CoR are required to ensure the safety of the heavy vehicle transport activities they control or influence under their Primary Duty obligation.
"That is why a Code such as this can be such a helpful and important tool - here you have relevant potential risks and hazards outlined, along with recommendations for how to eliminate or minimise them," Mr Hourigan said.
"This Code won't just be relevant for crane companies - construction companies, civil contractors, builders, suppliers and other businesses may be CoR parties within this industry."
