Exclusion Zones and Barricading Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of establishing an exclusion zone during a lifting operation?

Answer: To protect personnel from a falling or swinging load

Exclusion zones protect workers and the public from the primary hazard of a lifting operation — a falling, swinging, or uncontrolled load.

Under WHS regulations, who is responsible for ensuring an exclusion zone is established during a crane lift?

Answer: The dogman (dogger)

The dogman is responsible for establishing and maintaining the exclusion zone as part of their duties managing the lift at the load end.

As a general rule, what minimum radius should an exclusion zone extend from a suspended load?

Answer: A distance equal to the height of the load above the ground

The exclusion zone should extend at least a distance equal to the height of the load above the ground to account for the potential fall path.

What type of barrier is most appropriate for establishing a temporary exclusion zone during a lifting operation on a construction site?

Answer: Bunting, witches' hats, or barrier tape with signage

Physical barriers such as bunting, witches' hats, or barrier tape with appropriate signage are the standard means of clearly delineating and securing exclusion zones.

Under what condition may a person enter an exclusion zone during an active lifting operation?

Answer: Only when authorised by the dogman or person in charge of the lift

Only persons authorised by the dogman or person in charge of the lift may enter the exclusion zone, and only when it is safe to do so.

An unauthorised worker walks into the exclusion zone while a load is suspended. What is the FIRST action the dogman should take?

Answer: Signal the crane operator to immediately stop all crane movement

The dogman must immediately signal the crane operator to stop all movement to eliminate the risk to the unauthorised person before taking any other action.

Which Australian standard provides the primary guidance on the safe use of cranes and exclusion zone requirements during lifting operations?

Answer: AS 2550.1 — Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use

AS 2550.1 covers the safe use of cranes, hoists and winches and includes requirements for exclusion zones and safe working practices during lifting operations.