Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:00 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.
Operate a self-erecting tower crane
Operate a self-erecting tower crane
Unit of competency
National Code
CPCCBC4043A
CPCCBC4043A
State Code
W9280
W9280
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
040399 - Building, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to operate a self-erecting tower crane, including planning and preparing for work, conducting operational checks, safely and effectively operating the self-erecting tower crane for a range of tasks including lifting and moving loads, monitoring and shutting down in accordance with designated Australian standards.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for operation.
- 1.1. Applicable safety (OHS), licensing, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to operating a self-erecting tower crane are verified and complied with.
- 1.2. Work order is reviewed, confirmed and clarified with appropriate personnel.
- 1.3. Type of operations to be conducted with a self-erecting tower crane are assessed and prepared.
- 1.4. Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
- 1.5. Self-erecting tower crane operations are planned in accordance with site procedures.
- 1.6. Environmental protection measures are adhered to in accordance with environmental plans and regulations.
- 1.7. Communication with others is established and maintained in accordance with OHS requirements.
2. Inspect and test self-erecting tower crane.
- 2.1. Self-erecting tower crane is visually inspected prior to operation for any evidence of damage, structural weakness or interference according to pre-operational safety check procedures and service logbook inspection.
- 2.2. Pre start-up checks are carried out on equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and specifications.
- 2.3. Self-erecting tower crane controls and functions, including manoeuvrability, emergency functions, gear and accessories are checked for serviceability and any faults are rectified or reported.
- 2.4. Tower functions are checked after start-up and are monitored throughout operation.
- 2.5. Site hazards associated with self-erecting tower crane operations are detected and documented, risks assessed and safe operating techniques used to eliminate or control risks.
3. Prepare for erection.
- 3.1. Self-erecting tower crane is positioned in accordance with work instructions, manufacturer specifications and statutory regulations.
- 3.2. Ground or base is assessed to ensure it will withstand crane operation without subsidence, in accordance with engineer specifications.
- 3.3. Barriers and signage are used to isolate the work area in accordance with safe work practices, load shifting requirements and the work plan.
- 3.4. Self-erecting tower crane is positioned to ensure a level operating platform in accordance with manufacturer instructions and statutory regulations.
- 3.5. Activities are coordinated with riggers, doggers and other crane operators.
- 3.6. Self-erection system is activated to achieve the required height of operation in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- 3.7. Rig is handed over to riggers to complete erection and stability procedures.
4. Operate self-erecting tower crane.
- 4.1. Self-erecting tower crane is operated with ground controls to work instructions and in accordance with company operating procedures and manufacturer specifications.
- 4.2. Communication practices associated with lifting and moving loads are conducted in accordance with work site procedures and are confirmed between parties.
- 4.3. Start-up and shutdown procedures are performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and site requirements.
- 4.4. Weight of load is confirmed as complying with crane lifting capacity, operating radius and crane load chart.
- 4.5. Lifting gear is selected, inspected, attached and used in accordance with working load limits and OHS legislation.
- 4.6. Crane movements are checked for safe operation and load is prepared for lifting in accordance with crane, dogging and rigging requirements.
- 4.7. Load is manoeuvred to position using the control systems to manufacturer specifications and continually monitored throughout its travel, and tasks are completed effectively.
- 4.8. Load is lifted and moved in accordance with the agreed crane schedule and conventional hand and audible signals that meet OHS legislation and work site procedures.
- 4.9. Load is constantly monitored to ensure safety to personnel, load and structural stability, with monitoring systems and alarms immediately acted upon in accordance with site requirements.
5. Shut down and stow self-erecting tower crane.
- 5.1. Self-erecting tower crane is shut down and stowed using the correct sequence of procedures in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and specifications.
- 5.2. Routine post-operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- 5.3. Self-erection system is lowered by activating the recoil procedure or ram in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- 5.4. Self-erecting tower crane operations and faults are recorded and reported to appropriate personnel.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances
housekeeping
organisational first aid
personal protective equipment (PPE) prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:
air monitoring equipment
falling objects
man-made structures
obstructions
recently filled trenches
restricted access barriers
safe parking
security from unauthorised access or movement
traffic control
uneven or unstable surfaces or terrain
underground or overhead services
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Licensing requirements include:
relevant recognition, permit, licence or permission to operate within any state or territory issued by the government regulatory authority of that jurisdiction.
Legislative requirements include:
award and organisation agreements and relevant industrial arrangements
confidentiality and privacy requirements
environmental issues
equal opportunity
industrial relations and anti-discrimination
OHS issues
relevant industry codes of practice
relevant legislation from all levels of government that affect business operation.
Organisational requirements include legal, organisational and site policy, guidelines and procedures relating to:
access and equity principles and practices
consultative processes
emergency and evacuation procedures
equipment maintenance and storage procedures
ethical standards
OHS policies
own role and responsibility
procedures and programs
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
quality assurance or procedures manuals
recording and reporting procedures.
Work order includes:
organisational work specifications and instructions issued by authorised personnel for the operation of a self-erecting tower crane and its respective tasks.
Appropriate personnel includes:
client
colleague
manager
supervisor
supplier.
Self-erecting tower crane includes:
cranes with bales mounted in a triangular or nested configuration for transport
driven by electric or hydraulic mechanical systems
cranes of the telescopic ram type
involvement of riggers to:
stabilise the self-erecting tower crane with the use of plates and packing under the footplates to adequately distribute the load, ensuring the bearing capacity of the crane standing is not exceeded
conduct other erection activities, including the boom and counterweights
self-erecting systems with:
automatic locking mechanisms
braking systems
operator cabins designed to ascend and descend the erected tower
outriggers
ramps
remote control
self-levelling systems
stabilisers.
Equipment includes:
self-erecting tower cranes, lifting gear, workboxes and relevant maintenance equipment and may include remote control devices (pendant control and radio control)
procedures for equipment lock-out protecting operators and co-workers from accidental injury by isolating the equipment
emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation.
Environmental protection measures include organisational and project requirements, including:
clean-up management
dust and noise
vibration
waste management.
Pre start-up checks are conducted to ensure:
equipment has been set up correctly
gear is fitted accurately
plant is operating to optimum performance and to manufacturer specifications.
Hazards include:
buildings
chemicals
fires
hazardous materials
movement of equipment, goods or material
structures
traffic
underground or overhead services
uneven or unstable surface or terrain.
Barriers and signage include:
barrier tape or netting
fencing
specified safety signage
temporary boundaries.
Riggers' role is to include:
process of fitting and removing booms, cables, spars and counterweights to ensure structural stability and load capacity of self-erecting tower cranes.
Doggers' role is to include:
provision of directional signals to the crane operator on the position and security of the load.
Stability is to ensure:
self-erecting tower crane is positioned and secured so as not to topple over during operations.
Ground controls include:
pendant controls
remote control devices.
Weight of load includes:
that prescribed by manufacturer as not exceeding the allowable capacity of the self-erecting tower crane.
Lifting gear includes:
chains
flexible steel wire rope slings
grabs
spreader beams
other slinging equipment.
Tasks include:
operations, including:
boom up and boom down and operation of attachments
luff movements
outriggers
slew left and right
telescope in and out
trolley in and trolley out
winch up and down in combination
service operations that provide for lighting, telecommunications and raised platforms for applications, including:
airports
entertainment
firefighting
harbours
law enforcement
mining
oil and gas exploration
road construction
search and rescue
sports.
Records and reports include:
conclusions
costs
dangerous occurrences or equipment malfunctions
difficulties or issues faced
environmental issues
hazards
incidents or injuries
maintenance of equipment
maintenance records
pro formas
production reports
recommendations, including for future work
results
self-erecting tower crane operations
using logbooks.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with state and territory legislation and regulations and project safety plan and may include:
emergency procedures, including extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation
handling activities that may require the assistance of others or the use of manual or mechanical lifting devices where size, weight or other issues, such as disability are a factor
hazard control
hazardous materials and substances
housekeeping
organisational first aid
personal protective equipment (PPE) prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:
air monitoring equipment
falling objects
man-made structures
obstructions
recently filled trenches
restricted access barriers
safe parking
security from unauthorised access or movement
traffic control
uneven or unstable surfaces or terrain
underground or overhead services
work site visitors and the public
working at heights
working in proximity to others
use of firefighting equipment
use of tools and equipment
workplace environmental requirements and safety.
Licensing requirements include:
relevant recognition, permit, licence or permission to operate within any state or territory issued by the government regulatory authority of that jurisdiction.
Legislative requirements include:
award and organisation agreements and relevant industrial arrangements
confidentiality and privacy requirements
environmental issues
equal opportunity
industrial relations and anti-discrimination
OHS issues
relevant industry codes of practice
relevant legislation from all levels of government that affect business operation.
Organisational requirements include legal, organisational and site policy, guidelines and procedures relating to:
access and equity principles and practices
consultative processes
emergency and evacuation procedures
equipment maintenance and storage procedures
ethical standards
OHS policies
own role and responsibility
procedures and programs
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
quality assurance or procedures manuals
recording and reporting procedures.
Work order includes:
organisational work specifications and instructions issued by authorised personnel for the operation of a self-erecting tower crane and its respective tasks.
Appropriate personnel includes:
client
colleague
manager
supervisor
supplier.
Self-erecting tower crane includes:
cranes with bales mounted in a triangular or nested configuration for transport
driven by electric or hydraulic mechanical systems
cranes of the telescopic ram type
involvement of riggers to:
stabilise the self-erecting tower crane with the use of plates and packing under the footplates to adequately distribute the load, ensuring the bearing capacity of the crane standing is not exceeded
conduct other erection activities, including the boom and counterweights
self-erecting systems with:
automatic locking mechanisms
braking systems
operator cabins designed to ascend and descend the erected tower
outriggers
ramps
remote control
self-levelling systems
stabilisers.
Equipment includes:
self-erecting tower cranes, lifting gear, workboxes and relevant maintenance equipment and may include remote control devices (pendant control and radio control)
procedures for equipment lock-out protecting operators and co-workers from accidental injury by isolating the equipment
emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing fires, organisational first aid requirements and evacuation.
Environmental protection measures include organisational and project requirements, including:
clean-up management
dust and noise
vibration
waste management.
Pre start-up checks are conducted to ensure:
equipment has been set up correctly
gear is fitted accurately
plant is operating to optimum performance and to manufacturer specifications.
Hazards include:
buildings
chemicals
fires
hazardous materials
movement of equipment, goods or material
structures
traffic
underground or overhead services
uneven or unstable surface or terrain.
Barriers and signage include:
barrier tape or netting
fencing
specified safety signage
temporary boundaries.
Riggers' role is to include:
process of fitting and removing booms, cables, spars and counterweights to ensure structural stability and load capacity of self-erecting tower cranes.
Doggers' role is to include:
provision of directional signals to the crane operator on the position and security of the load.
Stability is to ensure:
self-erecting tower crane is positioned and secured so as not to topple over during operations.
Ground controls include:
pendant controls
remote control devices.
Weight of load includes:
that prescribed by manufacturer as not exceeding the allowable capacity of the self-erecting tower crane.
Lifting gear includes:
chains
flexible steel wire rope slings
grabs
spreader beams
other slinging equipment.
Tasks include:
operations, including:
boom up and boom down and operation of attachments
luff movements
outriggers
slew left and right
telescope in and out
trolley in and trolley out
winch up and down in combination
service operations that provide for lighting, telecommunications and raised platforms for applications, including:
airports
entertainment
firefighting
harbours
law enforcement
mining
oil and gas exploration
road construction
search and rescue
sports.
Records and reports include:
conclusions
costs
dangerous occurrences or equipment malfunctions
difficulties or issues faced
environmental issues
hazards
incidents or injuries
maintenance of equipment
maintenance records
pro formas
production reports
recommendations, including for future work
results
self-erecting tower crane operations
using logbooks.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed by providing evidence that the candidate can safely and efficiently conduct self-erecting tower crane operations according to organisational and regulatory requirements.
This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
comply with organisational and site policies and procedures, including quality requirements and state or territory legislation applicable to workplace operations.
comply with OHS and environmental regulations, policies and procedures
communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area
conduct effective risk assessment and management procedures
complete the raising and lowering of the coil structure or ram
operate a self-erecting tower crane, including all functions to their maximum extension and travel in the lifting and moving of at least three differing load types (including different sizes, shapes, weights and materials) to different locations on the site
conduct pre and post-operational checks of the self-erecting tower crane.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to self-erecting tower crane operations
specifications and work instructions.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed by providing evidence that the candidate can safely and efficiently conduct self-erecting tower crane operations according to organisational and regulatory requirements.
This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
comply with organisational and site policies and procedures, including quality requirements and state or territory legislation applicable to workplace operations.
comply with OHS and environmental regulations, policies and procedures
communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area
conduct effective risk assessment and management procedures
complete the raising and lowering of the coil structure or ram
operate a self-erecting tower crane, including all functions to their maximum extension and travel in the lifting and moving of at least three differing load types (including different sizes, shapes, weights and materials) to different locations on the site
conduct pre and post-operational checks of the self-erecting tower crane.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to self-erecting tower crane operations
specifications and work instructions.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D416 | CPC40611 | Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Specialist Trades) | Qualification |