DG Exclusion Zones and Barricading 3

Question 1

When must a dogman establish the exclusion zone relative to the start of crane operations?

Accepted Answer

Before any crane movement begins, including during crane setup

Answer

Only once the load leaves the ground

Answer

After the crane is fully set up and ready to lift

Answer

The crane operator establishes the exclusion zone during setup

Question 2

What does the term 'fall zone' mean in the context of exclusion zones for lifting operations?

Accepted Answer

The area that could be struck by a falling load or failed lifting component

Answer

The area where rigging equipment is stored after a lift

Answer

The safe zone designated for workers during a lift

Answer

The zone directly below the crane's maximum hook height

Question 3

When a crane lifts materials near an elevated work platform, how must the exclusion zone account for workers at height?

Accepted Answer

The exclusion zone must encompass the elevated platform area when a load passes nearby

Answer

Elevated platforms are excluded from exclusion zone requirements

Answer

Workers on elevated platforms may remain as they are above the load path

Answer

Only the ground-level area below the lift needs to be included in the exclusion zone

Question 4

Under the Work Health and Safety Act, what is the potential consequence for a PCBU that fails to ensure exclusion zones are properly established during crane operations?

Accepted Answer

Significant financial penalties and potential imprisonment for gross negligence causing death or serious injury

Answer

A written warning only for a first offence

Answer

Loss of the crane operator's licence only

Answer

A maximum fine of $500 per incident

Question 5

During a lift, the dogman notices the load is swinging more than expected beyond the planned exclusion zone. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the lift, reassess the exclusion zone size, extend it if necessary, then resume

Answer

Reduce the exclusion zone to focus workers on controlling the load

Answer

Continue the lift and note the extra swing for future risk assessments

Answer

Ask the crane operator to speed up to minimise the time spent in the swing

Question 6

What is required when a planned lift must travel over an area that cannot be fully evacuated, such as an active traffic lane?

Accepted Answer

The lift must not proceed without specific controls, permits, and traffic management in place

Answer

Proceed with the lift and rely on existing exclusion zone barriers to warn people

Answer

Reduce the load weight by half and proceed quickly to minimise exposure time

Answer

Only the dogman needs to be present — all other areas are automatically cleared by the exclusion zone

Question 7

After a lifting operation is completed and the load is set down, what must be done with the exclusion zone?

Accepted Answer

Properly decommission and remove the exclusion zone to restore safe access to the area

Answer

Leave it in place permanently as a reminder for future lifts

Answer

The exclusion zone can remain until the end of the working day

Answer

Remove only the signage — physical barriers can remain in place