COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Site Preparation Requirements for Rigging & Crane Work course. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills to ensure rigging and crane operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with legal and operational standards.

Proper site preparation is essential to the success of any lifting activity—whether it involves standard, complex, or critical lifts. Inadequate planning or unstable ground conditions can lead to delays, equipment damage, injury, or catastrophic failure. This program focuses on preparing the worksite to eliminate preventable risks and ensure a safe foundation for crane mobilisation and rigging execution.

The course begins by emphasising the importance of thorough preparation before any lifting operation. Participants will gain an understanding of the risks associated with poorly prepared or unstable sites, the consequences of failure, and the legal obligations placed on PCBUs, principal contractors, and workers under WHS legislation.

Effective site preparation starts with reviewing project documentation. This section covers how to interpret lift plans, rigging studies, and site layouts. Participants will learn to distinguish between lift types, assess load characteristics, and identify access and equipment requirements to ensure site readiness aligns with the scope of the lifting operation.

A pre-mobilisation site assessment is critical for safe crane and equipment delivery. Participants will evaluate site access, environmental factors such as wind exposure and slope, and any obstructions that may interfere with lift setup or execution. This assessment forms the basis for determining whether the site is suitable for crane placement.

Access and egress planning is another vital step. This section explains how to coordinate the movement of cranes, trailers, and gear while maintaining separation between vehicles and pedestrians. Participants will learn how to create clear, signed, and safe walkways that support both traffic control and site compliance.

Ground preparation is essential to the stability of lifting operations. This section guides participants through assessing ground bearing capacity, conducting geotechnical or visual inspections, and preparing stable bases such as hardstands, compacted pads, or load distribution mats to support outrigger and crane loads.

Exclusion zones help prevent unauthorised access and protect nearby workers and infrastructure. Participants will learn how to calculate clearance distances, install barriers and signage, and assign spotters to manage site boundaries throughout the duration of crane and rigging activities.

Underground service detection must be completed before equipment is mobilised. This section teaches how to identify and mark services such as water, electrical, or gas using Dial Before You Dig reports and non-destructive digging (NDD) methods to expose services safely and prevent utility strikes.

Overhead obstructions must be clearly identified and avoided. Participants will learn to survey the area for powerlines, structures, and temporary site fixtures, maintain safe approach distances, and plan crane placement to ensure safe slewing and boom operation without conflict.

Load staging areas require precise planning. This section outlines how to allocate space for pre-assembly, laydown, or load rigging, including levelling the area, placing dunnage, and aligning with delivery schedules to support efficient lift sequencing and minimise delay.

Environmental considerations must be addressed in advance. Participants will explore how to prepare for weather-related challenges such as wind or heat, implement stormwater controls, manage erosion, and plan for site shutdowns or equipment protection during adverse conditions.

Lighting requirements are particularly important during low-light or night operations. This section explains how to position lighting effectively, reduce glare or blind spots, and ensure visibility for all personnel—including those in crane cabins, on the ground, or operating rigging equipment.

Crane pad and outrigger setup must be conducted to specification. Participants will learn how to construct stable pads, position outriggers on compacted or reinforced surfaces, and verify load distribution across the setup to reduce the risk of tipping or settlement during lifting operations.

Rigging equipment must be staged and protected properly. This section explains how to plan equipment delivery, establish secure drop zones, and ensure slings, shackles, and spreaders are stored in accordance with manufacturer guidelines to avoid contamination, theft, or damage.

All site readiness activities must be supported by appropriate documentation. Participants will learn how to prepare Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), confirm permits for specific tasks, and ensure approved lift plans and supporting documents are available to relevant personnel on-site.

Coordination with other trades and contractors is essential to avoid conflict and site disruption. This section provides guidance on identifying overlapping work, staging setup activities around scaffold or excavation zones, and using pre-start briefings to ensure alignment across teams.

Before work can commence, pre-start checks and formal sign-offs are required. Participants will conduct inspections of ground conditions, equipment, and documentation alongside crane crews and supervisors. Final approval must be obtained from the principal contractor or safety officer prior to proceeding.

Emergency planning is a key component of preparation. This section outlines how to maintain emergency vehicle access, identify safe retreat zones, and establish response protocols for breakdowns, delays, or dangerous weather. Participants will learn how to communicate these plans effectively.

Finally, site conditions must be monitored continuously throughout the setup phase. This section provides strategies for identifying ground settlement, shifting of barriers, or new safety breaches. Participants will be trained to document changes, make real-time adjustments, and notify affected personnel.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, procedures, and skills required to carry out safe, structured, and legally compliant site preparation for rigging and crane operations—ensuring the stability, coordination, and risk control necessary for successful lifting outcomes.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Site Preparation for Rigging and Crane Operations

• Importance of thorough preparation for safe lifting operations
• Key risks associated with unprepared or unstable sites
• Legal responsibilities for PCBU, principal contractors, and workers

2. Reviewing Project Documentation and Lift Requirements

• Understanding lift plans, rigging studies, and site layouts
• Identifying lift types: standard, complex, or critical
• Clarifying load characteristics, equipment needs, and access points

3. Pre-Mobilisation Site Assessment

• Evaluating site access and delivery routes for plant and materials
• Reviewing environmental factors: wind zones, slope, drainage, obstructions
• Assessing suitability of site for rigging and crane placement

4. Establishing Safe Access and Egress Routes

• Planning access for cranes, trailers, and rigging gear
• Ensuring vehicle and pedestrian segregation
• Maintaining clear, signed, and stable walkways

5. Ground Condition Assessment and Preparation

• Identifying ground bearing capacity requirements for crane setup
• Conducting geotechnical or visual assessments
• Preparing hardstands, compacted pads, or timber/steel mats

6. Setting Up Exclusion Zones and Work Area Boundaries

• Determining minimum clearance distances for lifting activities
• Erecting fencing, barriers, signage, and flagging
• Controlling site access and designating spotters

7. Utilities and Underground Service Detection

• Locating and marking underground services: gas, electrical, water
• Dial Before You Dig procedures and service maps
• Using non-destructive digging (NDD) or potholing to expose services

8. Overhead Obstruction Identification and Clearance

• Surveying for powerlines, scaffolds, structures, or trees
• Maintaining minimum approach distances to energised lines
• Adjusting crane placement to avoid slewing into obstructions

9. Load Staging and Laydown Area Preparation

• Allocating space for load storage, assembly, or pre-rigging
• Leveling surfaces and providing dunnage or blocking
• Coordinating with delivery schedules and load sizes

10. Environmental and Weather Considerations

• Planning for prevailing wind, rain, or heat conditions
• Managing stormwater, erosion, and environmental controls
• Preparing for weather-induced delays or equipment risk

11. Site Lighting and Visibility Requirements

• Ensuring adequate lighting for night shifts or early morning lifts
• Positioning lighting to avoid glare or crane blind spots
• Providing backup lighting for emergency conditions

12. Crane Pad and Outrigger Setup Procedures

• Constructing stable crane pads to prevent settlement or tipping
• Positioning outriggers on level, compacted surfaces with mats or blocks
• Verifying pad dimensions and load distribution calculations

13. Delivery and Staging of Rigging Equipment

• Planning equipment drop zones close to the lift area
• Ensuring protection from contamination, damage, or theft
• Storing slings, shackles, and spreaders according to standards

14. SWMS and Permits for Site Readiness

• Preparing Safe Work Method Statements for setup activities
• Ensuring task-specific permits are in place
• Verifying that lift plans are approved and accessible

15. Coordination with Other Trades and Site Activities

• Identifying overlapping work that may conflict with crane or rigging setup
• Staging setup to avoid scaffold, excavation, or overhead clashes
• Conducting planning meetings and briefings with other contractors

16. Pre-Start Checks and Work Area Sign-Off

• Verifying ground conditions, access, equipment, and documentation
• Conducting inspections with crane crews and lift supervisors
• Obtaining final approval from principal contractor or safety officer

17. Emergency Access and Contingency Planning

• Ensuring emergency vehicle access during setup
• Identifying safe retreat zones for riggers and operators
• Establishing procedures for delays, breakdowns, or hazardous weather

18. Continuous Monitoring During Setup and Adjustment

• Observing for settlement, shifting, or safety breaches
• Adjusting crane positions or exclusion zones if conditions change
• Documenting changes and informing affected personnel

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.