CHRISTOPHER CONTRACTING

CCP&D
CCP&C

Standard Operating Procedure

Lifting Operations
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

Contents
1. Purpose ..............................................................................................................................................................3
2. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................................3
3. Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................................3
4. Procedure ...........................................................................................................................................................3
4.1. Safe systems of work requirements ............................................................................................................ 3
4.2. Work environment requirements ............................................................................................................... 5
4.3. Plant and equipment requirements ............................................................................................................ 5
4.4. Safe work practice requirements ................................................................................................................ 6
5. Training, Instruction and Supervision .................................................................................................................8
6. Monitoring and Review ......................................................................................................................................9
7. Record Keeping...................................................................................................................................................9
8. References ..........................................................................................................................................................9
9. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
10. Amendment History ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 2 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

1. Purpose
To outline the minimum mandatory requirements for conduct of lifting operations in all Christopher
Contracting workplaces. It covers lifting operations using cranes, hoists and winches.
2. Scope
This procedure applies throughout the company, all sites and all activities under the companys control. It
applies to all employees and contractors, including visitors to Christopher Contracting workplaces.
The procedure does not include operational and maintenance requirements for plant refer to Mobile Plant
Operation 2.026 or Manual Task Management 2.011.
This procedure applies to forklifts where they are used for operations that are outside of using just the
forklift tynes and require rigging to be performed. (i.e. using the jib attachment)
3. Roles and Responsibilities
Employer/QSE Manager will:
Develop work procedures and monitor their effectiveness
Project Manager/ supervisor is responsible for:
Classifying and planning of lifting operations
Provision of certified plant fit for purpose
Ensuring lifting operations are performed by trained personnel
Workers must:
Ensuring that lifting operations are undertaken in accordance with the lift plan
Only engage in elements of work activity that they are competent and/or qualified to perform.
4. Procedure
4.1. Safe systems of work requirements
Where practicable the requirement to perform lifting operations shall be eliminated. Where elimination is
not possible the need to perform lifting operations shall be minimised as far as practicable.
The following shall occur:
Lifting operations are classified and planned;
Plant and equipment is certified fit for purpose;
Lifting operations are performed only by trained and familiarised personnel; and
Lifting operations are assessed to identify potential hazards and make sure suitable risk control
measures are in place.
Lifting Management
Complex lifts will generally be performed on site by specialist crane subcontractors. They will work under
supervision of our site management. Before they can begin work on our behalf on any site under our
control they must be provided with a scope of works for the type of work or task required.
They should supply evidence of current licences, certificates of competency, training, insurance, risk
assessment etc based on the scope of works. If the lifting operation is classified as complex then a lift plan
is to be supplied to the Project Manager for explanation and review before the work activity is undertaken.

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 3 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

Lift Planning
Lifting operations shall be risk assessed and planned in accordance with the following classification:
Type Description Minimum Controls
Standard All lifting operations that are not classified Risk assessment (part of the
as complex SWMS)

Complex Lifting persons in a workbox Lift planning including:

Lifting within overhead powerline exclusion o SWMS
zones o Relevant safe
Lifting large tanks or items with a large sail system of work
area document
Heavy lifts where the load is more than 5 o Pre-lift briefing
tonnes
Loss of the load would have serious impact
on productive operations
Multiple crane/excavator lift
A lift >80% of the lifting plants rated
capacity (if mobile crane/plant)

For routine or repeated operations, such planning is only necessary once, provided that an operating
procedure or safe work method statement is in place or it has been documented in some other way.
Periodic reviews should be carried out to make sure that no risks have changed.
The planning of all lifting operations shall as a minimum ensure that:
All personnel involved in lifting operations are trained and familiarised;
The travel path is clarified and any obstacles are removed before lifting commences;
Barricading, signage and/or spotter/s are in place to prevent personnel from walking or standing
within the lift path or under the load;
The lifting operation can be executed safely in relation to simultaneous operations;
Lifting equipment is suitable and will be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions;
and
The laydown area can accommodate the load in terms of size and weight.
Formal Lift Plan
Planned lifting operation that is classified as Complex under this procedure will require the preparation of
a formalised lift plan. It is not the intent of this procedure to require a certain format but the following
criterion sets out the minimum level of information that should be considered in a lift plan.
Name and job title of person producing the lift plan
Site name and location of lift
Load weight and centre of gravity
Weight of lifting tackle and hook block
Number of personnel, roles and competence
Method of communication
Method statement or step by step procedure
Detailed safe operating limits of the lifting equipment (capacity charts or curves)
Crane capacity at selected (worse case) radius and crane utilisation percentage
Applicable approval, endorsement, review and authorisation names, dates and signatures.
Other proximity hazards e.g. lifting over other live plant, powerlines, buildings, roads, etc.

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 4 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

Consideration of placement of lifting equipment, plus potential consequences of catastrophic

failure or unintended movement of the load or equipment.
Assessment of whether to use tag lines, including their hazards and limitations
Tackle list or sketch for non pre slung loads.
Padeye / shackle interface details for non pre slung loads
Engineering calculation
Wind / weather
Exclusion zone details
Site assessment to determine soil load bearing capability of the site, including lift area and the
travel path if mobile craning
Maximum ground bearing pressure calculations and load spreading details
Acceptable proximity of outrigger or tracks to underground services and the route in case of mobile
cranes
Documented rescue plan including list of emergency equipment and required personnel.
4.2. Work environment requirements
Exclusion zone
Control measures shall be implemented to keep unauthorised people away from any area where lifting
operations are taking place, e.g. providing a secure barrier around work area and/or spotters to prevent
access.
Where personnel are required to enter a lifting area during lifting operations the operator shall be made
aware of their presence, for example, by establishing two way voice or visual contact.
Overhead electrical conductors
Workers shall observe safe approach distances/exclusion zones for overhead powerlines and implement
controls in accordance with SOP Working in the Vicinity of Overhead/ Underground Powerlines 2.028.
4.3. Plant and equipment requirements
All lifting equipment and accessories shall be used, maintained, stored and inspected in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions and the relevant Australian Standards. See SOP Lifting Equipment 2.033
for further guidance.
Register
Lifting plant/machinery shall be recorded in the plant and equipment register that contains maintenance
and inspection details. Lifting equipment/accessories shall be recorded in a register that contains
inspection and certification information.
Identification and Compliance
Lifting equipment shall be marked with:
A unique identifier that can be used to track the testing and inspection history of the item;
Identifier with correct inspection date; and
Working load limit.
Certification
Lifting equipment shall be certified for use by a competent person:
Before initial use; and
Following major repair or overhaul of load bearing components.
Lifting equipment shall meet all applicable legislative and Australian standard requirements.

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 5 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

Inspection and maintenance

Lifting equipment used on site shall be subjected to routine, documented inspections by a competent
person. All lifting equipment and accessories shall be inspected, tested and certified by a competent
person in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and relevant Australian standards.
The supplier/owner shall provide inspection records for all items of lifting equipment before it is used on
site.
Records of lifting equipment inspections shall be maintained in accordance with SOP Document Control
and Records Management 2.039.
Lifting equipment and accessories should be stored in a dedicated area (preferably off the ground) and
protected from damage at all times.
Removal from service
Lifting equipment shall be removed from service if it is:
Damaged;
Incorrectly tagged or untagged;
Outside the defined inspection tag
Equipment for lifting personnel
Workboxes shall only be used where it is not reasonably practicable to use scaffold or other specifically
designed temporary work platforms. Personnel shall only be lifted in workboxes designed according to
AS1418.17:1996 Cranes, hoists and winches Design and construction of workboxes and are used in
accordance with AS2550.1:2011 Cranes, hoists and winches Safe use and where applicable Queensland
Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006.
Workboxes are to be fitted with suitable anchorage capable of withstanding the fall forces specified in
AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices Selection, use and maintenance.
Personnel working in work boxes shall use a fully compliant fall arrest/restrain harness system unless the
workbox is fully enclosed.
A workbox shall only not be used unless the crane it is proposed to be suspended from is fitted with a
means to safely lower it in an emergency or a power supply failure.
The crane suspending the workbox shall:
Have and use drive up and drive down controls on both hoisting and luffing motions
Not to be declutched allowing free fall; and
Be fitted with an operational anti-two block (upper hoist limit)
4.4. Safe work practice requirements
The following shall be ensured:
No person enters the zone where a suspended load may fall;
All lifting operations are undertaken by a competent person;
Where applicable, a pre-lift briefing is undertaken with all crane crew members to review the
relevant risk assessment and where applicable the lift plan.
Tag lines are used to prevent the pendulum motion of the load unless their attachment presents
additional risk.
Loads are carried as near as possible to the support surface as practicable
Loads do not exceed the defined work load limits of plant and equipment
Lifting operations are ceased if operations become unsafe
Operators of lifting plant conduct a pre-start check of all plant and equipment prior to it being used;
and
A reliable and tested communication method is in place between all personnel involved in lifting
operations.

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 6 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

A crane or hoist is not to be left unattended unless the following actions, where applicable, have been
taken:
All loads have been removed from the hook;
The hook has been raised to a position where it is safely clear of other operations, hooked back or
otherwise secured;
All powered motions have been disabled; and
Access to the cabin/controls has been securely restricted.
Positioning
Lifting pant shall be correctly positioned and installed in a clearly defined and protected operational area.
Lifting plant shall be positioned to:
Minimise the risk of equipment or load striking a person
Minimise the risk of losing control of the load
Minimise the risk of adversely affecting other plant, structures or underground services; and
Ensure all personnel have an unrestricted escape route throughout the entire lifting operation.
Using other mobile plant for lifting operations
Other mobile plant shall be sued for lifting operations only if:
The equipment is designed and certified for use in lifting operations
Mobile plant with a lifting capacity exceeding one tonne is fitted with burst protection valves; and
Locking pins are used on quick hitches.
Lifting personnel
Lifting of personnel shall be avoided unless it is the least risk option.
The equipment used for lifting of personnel for work and for personnel transfer shall be specifically
designed, certified and clearly marked as suitable for personnel lifting and should not be used for any other
purposes. Using lifting equipment which has not been specifically designed for lifting people should only
occur in exceptional circumstances. E.g. rescue.
All personnel lifts shall be classed as complex lifts. Before the lift the Project Manager shall sign to confirm
that all personnel have been trained and understand the lift plan and the risks involved.
Pick up and set down areas shall be of adequate size and free from hazards affecting access and egress
form the carrier.
Environmental and other limits for personnel lifts shall be set out in the lift plan with clarity on where they
differ from limits imposed for other types of lifting. Examples are wind and light levels.
Equipment for lifting people shall be fitted with two distinct mechanisms for preventing the load from
falling. Any free fall possibility shall be eliminated.
Personnel lifts shall only be conducted where there is a line of sight (full visibility) between the equipment
operator and signaller or between the signaller and the person being lifted.
A rescue plan shall be prepared for all personnel lifts as part of the lift plan. All equipment needed to
implement the rescue plan shall be readily available on site prior to and during the lift. Rescue plans should
be practiced at regular intervals.
A test lift without personnel shall be carried out where there is confined access, potential for snagging or
other hazard.
Anti two blocking devices on cranes
Tow blocking is defined as the condition in which the lower load block (or hook assembly) comes in
contact with the upper load block (or boom point sheave assembly) seriously interfering with safe
operation of the crane. When two blocking occurs, life threatening forces can be applied to the hoist or
hook arrangement, either breaking the hoist line or disengaging the load straps from the hook. This may
cause the load hook to fall or lose the load, which may endanger the lives of those suspended or working
below.
Document Issued Amended Revision
Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 7 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

5. Training, Instruction and Supervision

Training and competency requirements
The following shall be ensured:
For lifting a load less than one tonne, where complex lifting techniques are not required, the
worker performing the lifting operation must be familiarised with and have acquired through
training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task to use specific
lifting equipment/plant.
For lifting a load less than one tonne, where complex lifting techniques are required, the worker
performing the lifting operations must hold a high risk work licence as a Dogger or Rigger and have
also completed the required familiarisation.
For lifting a load equal to or over one tonne the worker performing the lifting operation must hold a
high risk work licence as a Dogger or Rigger and have also completed the required familiarisation.

NOTE:
WorkSafe Qld allow for some circumstance where a person can sling a load without holding a HRW licence
for dogging (rigging) where there is no judgement required for slinging techniques or the suitability and
condition of the lifting gear, because the following factors have been predetermined by a licensed dogger,
rigger or appropriately qualified engineer.
The weight of the load or weight range to be lifted has been predetermined and communicated
(which may be marked on the load)
Selection of the sling and slinging techniques of the load has been made
The inspection of the lifting gear confirms it is in a safe and serviceable condition
The lifting points have been incorporated as part of the load (e.g. lifting lugs) are marked on the
load
The load to be lifted is in view of the operator at all times during the lift
Standard lifting procedures have been documented and signed off by the dogger, rigger or
engineer.
The person has been trained and deemed competent in the documented lifting procedures

If these factors cannot be predetermined by a licensed dogger, rigger or appropriately qualified engineer,
then a person with a high risk work licence must conduct the lift.
Western Australia Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996 allow for situations where a dogging
licence is not required. A dogging licence is not required to sling and direct a load when the load remains in
the direct view of the plant operator and there is no requirement to exercise judgement in relation to:
which sling to use;
how to sling the load; and
the condition of the sling or the load and its centre of gravity.

The following documented evidence must be made available to a WorkSafe inspector if requested:
predetermined instructions on how to attach the specified load, e.g. specific directions on how to
connect, and what slings to use;
a maintenance program to ensure the lifting gear provided for the lift is inspected regularly by a
competent person and is in suitable condition for use; and
the load and the lifting device are positioned so that the load remains within the sight of the
operator at all times during the lift.
Document Issued Amended Revision
Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 8 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

6. Monitoring and Review

Monitoring
Lifting operations will be monitored to ensure the procedure is working effectively and that appropriate
records are being kept.
Review
A review of internal incidents, near misses or hazards will be undertaken to identify recurrences of similar
incident types. This may highlight a requirement for a change in the existing procedure, require the
development of a new procedure or the implementation of another measure or process to address the
recurring issue.
The SOP Lifting Operations is to be reviewed every 3 years or more often if:
There is an identified risk to personnel or business
Audit results show that application of the SOP fails to deliver the required outcomes.
There are changes in legislation.
Auditing
An internal audit will be conducted on the implementation and adherence to this procedure by the QSE
Manager not less than annually. It may also be audited during scheduled surveillance audits conducted by
a third party as part of the maintenance of Certification to ISO 14001, AS 4801, ISO 9001 and inclusion on
the Federal Safety Commissioners list of accredited builders.
Audit outcomes are used to develop corrective actions which may result in changes to this procedure.
7. Record Keeping
Training records
The training records must contain the date the training was conducted, the topics dealt with; the name of
the person who conducted the training and the names of the employees who attended the training.
The Project Manager/ Supervisor make a record of training, including induction and the QSE Manager is to
ensure any records generated are kept for a minimum of 5 years.
High Risk Work
WHS Reg Qld s85(4) a record of the written evidence provided to the PCBU that a worker has the relevant
licence or training to do the work to be kept for at least 1 year after the high risk work is carried out, or for
at least 1 year after the last occasion that the worker performs the supervision work.
8. References
8.1 Legislation and other requirements
Description Location
Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation 2011(Qld) www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1984 (WA) www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1996 (WA) www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice 2013(Qld) www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Working near overhead and underground electric lines Electrical safety www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
code of practice 2010
A guide to working near the Energex network 2010 (Qld) www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Guidance Note: The general duty of care in Western Australian www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Workplaces
Guidelines for work in the vicinity of overhead powerlines www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Dial Before You Dig WA, Operational Guidelines www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Document Issued Amended Revision
Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 9 of 10
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
LIFTING OPERATIONS 2.034

Description Location
Cranes, hoists and winches Safe use General requirements AS2550.10- Server
2006
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use - Mobile Cranes AS2550.5-2002 Server
Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006 (Qld) www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Powered Mobile Plant Guidance Note (WA) www.commerce.wa.gov.au

8.2 Supporting procedures

Description
Lifting Equipment 2.033
Mobile Plant Operation 2.026

8.3 Supporting training and instruction

Title Description Location
Tool Box Talk Intranet/Server

8.4 Supporting documents, forms and templates

Description Location

9. Definitions
Term Definition
Lifting Component or equipment not attached to the lifting machinery, allowing the load
equipment(lifting to be held, which is placed between the machinery and the load or on the load
accessories) itself, or which is intended to constitute an integral part of the load. Accessories
can include amongst others chains, ropes, slings, shackles, eyebolts, lifting beams,
lifting frames, cages and vacuum lifting devices.
Padeye Term used to describe a specialised lug for attaching lifting or restraint shackles.

10.Amendment History
Revision # Date approved Approved by: Brief Description
0 6/12/16 K. Christopher

Document Issued Amended Revision

Lifting Operations 6/12/16 n/a 0 Page 10 of 10