Name: Excavator Use as Crane Risk Assessment
Brand: BlueSafe Online
SKU: prod_01KBY6MBV550Q69682FYVY78E1
Price: 79.50 AUD
Availability: InStock

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers the tasks and hazards involved in using an excavator as a crane. It supports lift planning, coordination and risk management before and during the work.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

Planning the lift and assessing site conditions
Confirming operator capability and lifting roles
Checking excavator suitability before the lift
Selecting lifting gear and attachments
Positioning the excavator for ground conditions and stability
Establishing exclusion zones around the lift
Coordinating communication during lifting work
Conducting the lift and moving the load
Managing overhead and underground services
Responding to weather, shutdown and emergency conditions

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses using an excavator as a crane.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Activity	Potential Hazards
Planning and lift assessment	Using an excavator for a lift better suited to a crane Unclear load weight, lift radius or ground conditions causing overload or instability Unplanned interaction with other work groups, services or public areas
Operator competency and lifting roles	Inexperienced operator misjudging lifting limits Incorrect slinging or signalling Confusion over who is directing the lift
Excavator suitability and pre-start inspection	Mechanical failure during lift Incorrect or incompatible quick-hitch or lifting point Missing or unreadable load chart or safety devices
Lifting gear and attachments	Sling or shackle failure Wrong gear selection for the load shape or edges Dropped load from damaged or untagged gear
Ground conditions, positioning and stability	Excavator overturning or sinking Loss of capacity due to slope, soft ground or poor set-up Collapse near trench edges or backfilled ground
Exclusion zones and nearby people	Workers or public struck by suspended load People entering crush zones or swing radius Objects falling into adjoining areas
Communication and lift coordination	Miscommunication causing dropped load or collision Loss of sight of load path or landing area Conflicting instructions from multiple workers
Conducting the lift and moving the load	Load swing, snagging or uncontrolled movement Overloading at radius or dynamic shock loading Collision with structures, plant or stored materials
Overhead and underground services	Contact with overhead electric lines Arcing through load, lifting gear or machine Service strike causing shock, fire or explosion
Weather, shutdown and emergency response	Wind or poor weather causing loss of load control Fatigue or reduced visibility Delayed response to dropped load, injury or plant failure

Need to tailor this risk assessment?

Use the BlueSafe Portal to add site-specific activities, hazards, controls, responsibilities and review details before the assessment is put into use.

Acceptance Guaranteed: If your client or principal requests changes during document review, BlueSafe will help revise the document at no extra cost and support resubmission until it is accepted.

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant used to lift or suspend persons or things; p. 17.
Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Excavation work — 2.3. Controlling the risks; p. 17.
Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work — 5. Controlling the risks; p. 29.
Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.

Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
Initial and residual risk ratings
Assigned responsible persons for each activity
Risk matrix and assessment classification
Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
Site-specific customisation before use

Excavator Use as Crane Risk Assessment

Activities covered include

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Acceptance guaranteed