Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for operating cranes when lifting, moving and stacking timber in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control the significant risks associated with crane use, unstable timber loads and busy yard or site environments, while supporting compliance with WHS legislation and industry standards.

Crane operation for timber handling presents a unique set of risks: long and flexible loads, variable timber quality, changing weather, uneven ground, and high-traffic yards or construction sites. This SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and carrying out crane lifts involving timber packs, bundles, frames, trusses and other timber products, from pre-start checks and lift planning through to load placement and shutdown. It focuses on practical controls such as correct slinging techniques for timber, exclusion zones, communication protocols and verification of ground conditions, tailored specifically to Australian timber yards, manufacturing facilities and building sites.

By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws and align their crane operations with recognised Australian Standards. The SOP helps standardise how operators, doggers, riggers and supervisors work together, reducing the likelihood of dropped loads, crane instability, struck-by incidents and damage to valuable timber products. It also supports onboarding and refresher training, providing a documented method that can be easily integrated into existing safety management systems, toolbox talks and contractor management processes.

This document is particularly valuable for organisations handling high volumes of timber—such as frame and truss plants, sawmills, hardware and building supply yards, and commercial construction projects—where crane activity often occurs in close proximity to pedestrians, forklifts and delivery vehicles. With clear instructions, checklists and control measures, the SOP transforms crane-based timber handling from a high-risk activity into a managed, repeatable and auditable process.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crane-related incidents such as dropped timber loads, crush injuries and struck-by events.
• Ensure crane operations for timber handling align with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.
• Standardise communication, signalling and coordination between crane operators, doggers, riggers and ground staff.
• Improve efficiency in loading, unloading and stacking timber by defining clear, repeatable work methods.
• Support training, competency verification and contractor management with a documented, auditable procedure.

Who is this for?

• Crane Operators
• Doggers and Riggers
• Timber Yard Supervisors
• Warehouse and Dispatch Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers in Timber Mills
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
• Principal Contractors
• PCBU Representatives

Hazards Addressed

• Dropped or shifting timber loads due to incorrect slinging or load instability
• Crush injuries to workers in the vicinity of suspended timber loads
• Crane overturning or instability from uneven ground or overloading
• Collision between cranes, forklifts, trucks, structures or overhead services
• Struck-by incidents involving swinging or rotating timber packs
• Manual handling injuries when adjusting slings, chains or timber packs
• Pinch and entanglement injuries during attachment and detachment of lifting gear
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions affecting crane and load stability (wind, rain, poor visibility)
• Electrical shock or arc flash from contact or near miss with overhead powerlines
• Noise and communication failures leading to unsafe movements or misinterpreted signals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Crane Operation for Timber Handling
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Crane Operators, Doggers/Riggers, Spotters, Workers)
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Equipment Requirements (Cranes, Lifting Gear, Attachments and PPE)
• 6.0 Pre-Start Inspections and Site Assessment for Timber Handling
• 7.0 Planning the Lift (Load Assessment, Ground Conditions, Weather, Powerlines and Exclusion Zones)
• 8.0 Load Preparation and Slinging Methods for Timber Packs and Products
• 9.0 Communication Protocols and Signalling (Radios, Hand Signals, Spotters)
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Operating Procedure for Timber Lifting, Moving and Stacking
• 11.0 Managing Interactions with Other Plant and Vehicles (Forklifts, Trucks, Yard Equipment)
• 12.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures Specific to Timber Handling
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response (Dropped Loads, Equipment Failure, Powerline Contact)
• 14.0 Post-Operation Tasks, Shutdown and Securing of Crane and Timber Loads
• 15.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Tagging of Cranes and Lifting Gear
• 16.0 Housekeeping, Traffic Management and Pedestrian Control in Timber Yards
• 17.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Audit Requirements
• 18.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (particularly Part 4.5 – High Risk Work and Part 4.5 – Plant and Structures)
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Cranes
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS 2550.1 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – General requirements
• AS 2550.5 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile cranes
• AS 2550.11 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Vehicle-loading cranes
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (relevant parts)
• AS 4991 Lifting devices
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems (where adopted by the business)