CMEIG has been made aware of new operator licensing requirements in Western Australia where earthmoving machines (e.g. excavators, wheeled loaders and backhoe loaders) are used for lifting freely suspended loads.
Western Australia’s implementation this year of the Australian Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws includes a requirement for operators of earthmoving machines to carry a slewing mobile crane high risk work license.
Effectively, this means that operators of earthmoving machines will need to conduct additional training delivered to crane operators, prior to being able/authorised to lift freely suspended loads with earthmoving machines.
CMEIG notes that this approach may cause industry confusion as earthmoving machinery should only be used for lifting in limited use cases, and the position appears to vary from that adopted by other Australian states and territories.
Such use-cases are also already well defined in industry guidance such as:
- AS 1418.8 – Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Special Purpose appliances
- ISO 20474 (series) – Earth-moving machinery – Safety
- ISO 10567 – Hydraulic Excavators – Lift Capacity
- Safe Work Australia – Using other powered mobile plant as a crane
CMEIG understands the WA Civil Contractors Federation, Constriction Contractors Association of Western Australia, Hire and Rental Industry Association, WA Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association, National Electrical and Communications Association and the Urban Development Institute of Australia have engaged directly with the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
CMEIG is also engaging with the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, and looks forward to collaborating from an equipment manufacturer perspective.