Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for selecting, installing, operating and maintaining anti-collision systems for cranes on Australian worksites. It helps businesses control the significant risks associated with crane-to-crane, crane-to-structure and crane-to-person collisions, while supporting compliance with WHS duties and plant safety requirements.

Cranes often operate in congested, high-risk environments where a single collision can lead to serious injury, fatalities, structural damage and major project delays. This Anti-Collision Systems for Cranes Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, practical framework for ensuring that electronic and mechanical anti-collision devices are correctly specified, installed, tested and used as part of everyday lifting operations. It clarifies how anti-collision technology integrates with existing lifting plans, exclusion zones and communication protocols so that operators, doggers and supervisors are working to the same safe system of work.

Developed for Australian conditions, this SOP helps businesses demonstrate that they have taken reasonably practicable steps to manage the risks associated with crane operations, particularly on multi-crane sites or in close proximity to buildings, services and public areas. It addresses the full lifecycle of anti-collision systems—from pre-start checks, calibration and operational settings through to fault response, isolation, maintenance and record-keeping. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce reliance on informal controls, improve consistency across crews and contractors, and provide clear evidence of compliance during audits, incident investigations and regulator inspections.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crane collisions with other plant, structures and people through consistent use of engineered anti-collision controls.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and plant safety requirements by documenting a defensible, repeatable process.
• Improve coordination between crane operators, doggers, riggers and site supervisors via clear communication and escalation protocols.
• Standardise pre-start inspections, calibration and fault management for anti-collision systems across all projects and sites.
• Minimise costly downtime, asset damage and project delays resulting from preventable crane incidents and near misses.

Who is this for?

• Crane Operators
• Doggers and Riggers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Plant and Fleet Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Principal Contractors
• Civil and Infrastructure Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Crane-to-crane collisions on multi-crane sites
• Crane collisions with buildings, scaffolds, services and temporary works
• Contact with overhead powerlines and other electrical infrastructure
• Load swings and uncontrolled movements due to sudden collision avoidance actions
• Struck-by incidents involving workers in the crane operating envelope
• Structural damage to cranes and lifting gear from impact or overload
• Loss of load integrity and dropped objects following collision events
• Reduced operator situational awareness in poor visibility or complex lifts

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (including types of anti-collision systems)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, crane operator, dogger, supervisor, maintenance personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 System Selection and Design Considerations (site layout, crane type, lifting operations)
• 6.0 Installation, Commissioning and Integration with Crane Controls
• 7.0 Pre-Start Checks and Daily Inspection of Anti-Collision Systems
• 8.0 Operating Procedures for Cranes with Anti-Collision Systems
• 9.0 Multi-Crane Operation and Zoning Requirements
• 10.0 Communication Protocols and Permit-to-Lift Requirements
• 11.0 Faults, Alarms and System Override Controls (including escalation and isolation)
• 12.0 Working Near Overhead and Underground Services with Anti-Collision Support
• 13.0 Maintenance, Calibration and Periodic Testing Requirements
• 14.0 Emergency Response and Incident Management (including collision or near-miss events)
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Familiarisation Requirements
• 16.0 Record-Keeping, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 Review and Revision of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 – Plant and Structures (including crane-specific provisions)
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Cranes
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 2550 series – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (e.g. AS 2550.1 and relevant crane type-specific parts)
• AS 1418 series – Cranes, hoists and winches – Design, construction and testing
• AS/NZS 4801 or ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety management systems (for integration of this SOP into WHS systems)
• Electrical safety regulations and relevant state-based guidelines for working near overhead and underground assets