DG Exclusion Zones and Barricading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When determining the size of an exclusion zone, which factor is the MOST critical consideration?
- The colour of the slings being used
- The potential swing radius and fall zone of the load (Correct answer)
- The time available to complete the lift
- The cost of setting up barriers
Correct answer: The potential swing radius and fall zone of the load
The potential swing radius and fall zone define the area that could be struck if control of the load is lost, making them the primary factors in sizing an exclusion zone.
Question 2: When performing a lift near a live road or public area, what additional control measure is typically required beyond standard exclusion zones?
- Painting the load a bright, visible colour
- Notifying the local council the day after the lift
- Obtaining a permit and implementing traffic management measures (Correct answer)
- Reducing the load weight by 50 per cent
Correct answer: Obtaining a permit and implementing traffic management measures
Lifting over or near public areas typically requires a permit to work, a formal lift plan, and traffic management measures to protect members of the public.
Question 3: How must the exclusion zone be managed when a crane is slewing (rotating) with a suspended load?
- The exclusion zone only covers the area directly under the load's start position
- The exclusion zone must encompass the entire slewing arc of the crane and load (Correct answer)
- Workers may re-enter the zone during slewing to help guide the load
- No exclusion zone is required during slewing if the load is below 3 metres
Correct answer: The exclusion zone must encompass the entire slewing arc of the crane and load
During slewing, the load travels through an arc, so the exclusion zone must cover the entire path of the crane's rotation to protect all workers in the vicinity.
Question 4: What information about exclusion zones must be included in a formal lift plan?
- Only the colour of the barricades used
- Location, size, entry/exit points, and the responsible persons for the exclusion zone (Correct answer)
- The number of workers who helped set up the barriers
- The time taken to establish the exclusion zone
Correct answer: Location, size, entry/exit points, and the responsible persons for the exclusion zone
A formal lift plan must document the size and location of exclusion zones, designated entry and exit points, and who is responsible for establishing and maintaining them.
Question 5: During a long-duration lift where a load is held suspended while work is performed underneath, what must the dogman ensure?
- The exclusion zone can be removed once the load is stationary and stable
- The exclusion zone must be maintained for the entire duration the load remains suspended (Correct answer)
- Workers may freely enter the zone after 30 minutes if the load has not moved
- The exclusion zone only applies during the upward and downward travel of the load
Correct answer: The exclusion zone must be maintained for the entire duration the load remains suspended
The exclusion zone must remain in place for the entire duration that the load is suspended, as the falling load hazard exists at any time the load is off the ground.
Question 6: Which condition would require the dogman to INCREASE the size of an already established exclusion zone?
- The dogman takes a short scheduled break
- The load is lowered to within 1 metre of the ground
- Wind speed increases significantly, affecting load stability and swing (Correct answer)
- A second dogman joins the operation to assist
Correct answer: Wind speed increases significantly, affecting load stability and swing
Increased wind speed can cause the load to swing further than anticipated, requiring the exclusion zone to be extended to account for the greater potential swing radius.
Question 7: A dogging operation is taking place adjacent to an occupied office building. What is the MOST important consideration for the exclusion zone?
- The exclusion zone only needs to cover the construction site side of the lift
- The exclusion zone must protect both site workers and building occupants, potentially requiring additional controls (Correct answer)
- Office buildings are exempt from exclusion zone requirements under WHS law
- Workers inside the building do not need to be considered in the exclusion zone plan
Correct answer: The exclusion zone must protect both site workers and building occupants, potentially requiring additional controls
When lifting adjacent to occupied buildings, the exclusion zone must account for the risk to building occupants, and additional controls such as restricting access to affected areas of the building may be required.
DG Exclusion Zones and Barricading 2
When determining the size of an exclusion zone, which factor is the MOST critical consideration?