Powered mobile plant may be used to lift, lower and transport any load that is suspended by slings or chains from a purpose designed lifting point, jib attachment or quick-hitch.

Forklifts and earthmoving machinery such as backhoes, front-end loaders and excavators can be used as lifting devices.

Safework Australia – Using powered mobile plant as a crane information sheet

Any earthmoving equipment used as a lifting device must have:

• Burst valve
• Audible warning device
• Slope and level indicator
• Working load limit decals
• Load chart

Burst protection fitted to boom cylinders:

Worksafe QLD – Technical Guide. Earthmoving equipment –

Burst protection on earthmoving equipment used as cranes

Burst protection fitted to dipper arm cylinder:

Worksafe QLD – Technical Guide. Earthmoving equipment –

Burst protection on earthmoving equipment used as cranes

Equipment must only lift loads that are within its rated capacity.  The mass of any attachments, i.e. buckets, must be deducted from the allowable load to be lifted unless the rated capacity chart allows otherwise. The rated capacity of the plant must be as marked by the manufacturer or as placarded (if modified in accordance with the Australian Standard).

The rated capacity must not be greater than:

• 75% of tipping load in a stationary mode
• 66% of tipping load in the pick and carry mode
• 50% of tipping load for articulated wheel loaders and tool carriers

No loads may be lifted by powered mobile plant without a completed “Earthmoving Equipment Used as a Lifting Device – Pre-Start" Checklist.