Module Outline
Information current as of
19/10/2026 2:49 AM AWST
19/10/2026 2:49 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct safe lifting with excavators
Conduct safe lifting with excavators
Module
National Code
SLELIC301
SLELIC301
State Code
BB461
BB461
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/07/2025
Field of Education
0307 - Mechanical And Industrial Engineering And Technology
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lift, transport, lower and place, freely suspended loads, using an excavator with a rated capacity (safe working load) greater than 3 tonnes, configured and used as a crane.
The unit is only suitable for individuals who are already competent excavator operators undertaking earthmoving operations, who wish to achieve competency in safe lifting with excavators. This may be confirmed through potential students holding one of the currently endorsed units of competency on the national register (training.gov.au) that relate to excavator operation, or any equivalent unit, or by demonstrating equivalent knowledge. skills and experience through recognition of prior learning or a documented, evidence-based process for verification of competency.
It includes pre-assessing the lifting task; undertaking pre-planning and coordination activities; preparing the excavator, the load and the environment; lifting, slewing, transporting and placing loads; and completing post-lifting activities.
Using powered mobile plant as a crane for construction work is classified as high risk construction work and a safe work method statement must be prepared before commencing operations. The unit is designed to address training course requirements related to exemptions from High Risk Work Licence 15A - use of slewing earthmoving machinery with a safe working load greater than 3 tonnes as a crane (Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 and Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022). Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors, and must be sourced from state jurisdictions prior to undertaking this unit.
The unit is only suitable for individuals who are already competent excavator operators undertaking earthmoving operations, who wish to achieve competency in safe lifting with excavators. This may be confirmed through potential students holding one of the currently endorsed units of competency on the national register (training.gov.au) that relate to excavator operation, or any equivalent unit, or by demonstrating equivalent knowledge. skills and experience through recognition of prior learning or a documented, evidence-based process for verification of competency.
It includes pre-assessing the lifting task; undertaking pre-planning and coordination activities; preparing the excavator, the load and the environment; lifting, slewing, transporting and placing loads; and completing post-lifting activities.
Using powered mobile plant as a crane for construction work is classified as high risk construction work and a safe work method statement must be prepared before commencing operations. The unit is designed to address training course requirements related to exemptions from High Risk Work Licence 15A - use of slewing earthmoving machinery with a safe working load greater than 3 tonnes as a crane (Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 and Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022). Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors, and must be sourced from state jurisdictions prior to undertaking this unit.
General notes
No information
Evidence Guide
To achieve competency in this unit a person must satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and foundation skills included in the unit.
The person must also operate an excavator rated for lifting suspended loads, to lift, slew, travel, lower and land loads:
- on at least 3 occasions
- with at least 2 different loads, one of which must have no designated lifting points, and both of which require a dogger to sling.
- by carrying loads with weights of at least 30% of the excavator’s rated capacity
- across designated routes:
- each with a minimum distance at least three (3) times the total length of the excavator plus load; and
- one of which must be an unsealed and uncompacted route.
As part of the above, or assessed separately, or via scenarios, the person must also:
- contribute to one simulated pre-planning and coordination meeting
- wear required personal protective equipment
- undertake at least one pre-start, start-up and shut down procedure
- safely demonstrate the following movements with an excavator with suspended load:
- boom/arm/jib up and down, forward and backwards
- slew boom/jib 180o and 360o
- travel
- safe braking and turning
- adjust to site conditions while operating excavator and equipment
- follow directions of dogger or rigger
- use and respond to at least two types of communication or signalling techniques including hand signals and one other
- monitor and respond to equipment indicators and alarms
- complete written or oral reporting requirements relating to equipment operation.
The person must also operate an excavator rated for lifting suspended loads, to lift, slew, travel, lower and land loads:
- on at least 3 occasions
- with at least 2 different loads, one of which must have no designated lifting points, and both of which require a dogger to sling.
- by carrying loads with weights of at least 30% of the excavator’s rated capacity
- across designated routes:
- each with a minimum distance at least three (3) times the total length of the excavator plus load; and
- one of which must be an unsealed and uncompacted route.
As part of the above, or assessed separately, or via scenarios, the person must also:
- contribute to one simulated pre-planning and coordination meeting
- wear required personal protective equipment
- undertake at least one pre-start, start-up and shut down procedure
- safely demonstrate the following movements with an excavator with suspended load:
- boom/arm/jib up and down, forward and backwards
- slew boom/jib 180o and 360o
- travel
- safe braking and turning
- adjust to site conditions while operating excavator and equipment
- follow directions of dogger or rigger
- use and respond to at least two types of communication or signalling techniques including hand signals and one other
- monitor and respond to equipment indicators and alarms
- complete written or oral reporting requirements relating to equipment operation.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Pre-assess lifting task
- 1.1 Identify loads to be moved and confirm that an excavator is the right machine for the lifting task/s.
- 1.2 Confirm that the complexity of the job does not exceed the limits of a single excavator.
- 1.3 Confirm that the design and configuration of the excavator to be used is suitable for lifting and carrying the loads.
- 1.4 Confirm the rated capacity of the excavator.
- 1.5 Confirm availability and condition of lifting gear and equipment and/or attachments suitable for the lifting task as per lift plan.
- 1.6 Confirm that the environment, including lifting, landing and exclusion zones, and possible load paths, is suitable for excavator lifting operation and note any hazards and operating constraints.
- 1.7 Identify organisational and regulatory requirements for lifting and carrying loads with an excavator, including the presence of a person with a dogging licence (dogger) to sling the load and direct the lifting task.
Undertake pre-planning and coordination activities
- 2.1 Contribute information from the pre-assessment to pre-planning, sequencing and coordinating the task with the dogger and other workers involved with the lifting task.
- 2.2 Identify hazards, operating constraints and environmental issues for the lifting task and complete or contribute to risk assessment, determination of risk control measures and development of safe work method statement.
- 2.3 Confirm approved lift plan with all those involved with the task.
- 2.4 Confirm communication methods and signals to be used by the dogger and others involved in directing or receiving the loads.
- 2.5 Use the load charts and lift plan to calculate slewing radius requirements and compare with operational constraints in the environment.
- 2.6 Confirm that the total weight of each load is within the rated capacity of the excavator for each stage of the task.
Prepare the excavator, the load and the environment
- 3.1 Wear personal protective equipment according to the lifting task.
- 3.2 Undertake excavator pre-start and start-up checks according to manufacturer’s instructions and workplace procedures with particular attention to excavator safety requirements for lifting and carrying loads, and take action on any defects found according to workplace procedures.
- 3.3 Confirm currency, suitability and rated capacity of lifting gear selected for the task.
- 3.4 Confirm lifting equipment and/or attachments are safe to use, and attach according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- 3.5 Confirm that slinging of the load, and tag lines to control the load meet the lift plan and the risk assessment.
- 3.6 Confirm the load’s centre of gravity; designated lifting points on the load; or suitable points marked on the load which have been confirmed by calculation.
- 3.7 Confirm that access controls are in place for the designated travel path, lifting, slewing and landing zones in accordance with the risk assessment and lift plan.
Lift, slew, transport and place the load
- 4.1 Operate the excavator according to manufacturer’s specifications and safe work procedures, using techniques suited to the lifting task, the lifting environment and the designated travel path.
- 4.2 Follow directions from designated personnel to position the hook and lifting gear over the load and once connected, to undertake test lift just clear of the ground to check the load’s balance, in accordance with dogging and safe work procedures.
- 4.3. Lower the load for any necessary adjustments and confirm route is clear to transport the load to its destination.
- 4.4 Transport loads low and slow - using safe speed and operating procedures as per lift plan and directions from designated personnel, particularly in relation to slewing.
- 4.5 During operation, constantly monitor the environment, the excavator, the lifting gear and the load, including managing any changes in the load’s centre of gravity during slewing operations and transportation.
- 4.6 On reaching designated waiting position, wait until directed/signalled to proceed once personnel are clear.
- 4.7 Position the excavator, slew as required, and lower the load to an agreed position before signalling persons receiving the load that it is safe to enter the drop zone and position the load for landing.
- 4.8 Maintain situational awareness to contribute to safe handling by persons receiving the load to avoid pinch points and crush injuries.
- 4.9 Safely lower and land the load, position lifting gear for safe disconnection from the load and once the lifting gear is disconnected, raise the boom with lifting gear attached and travel safely to the loading zone for subsequent loads.
Complete post-lifting activities
- 5.1 Park up, shut down and secure excavator in accordance with workplace procedures.
- 5.2 Carry out shutdown inspection and checks according to manufacturer specifications and safe work procedures.
- 5.3 Remove, inspect, clean and store lifting gear, equipment and/or attachments according to workplace procedures.
- 5.4 Isolate, tag out and report any defective or damaged items.
- 5.5 Complete and submit job-related documents according to workplace procedures.
No information
Associated Qual/Courses
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHE57 | 52930WA | Course in Safe Lifting with Excavators | Accredited course |