NVHR Seeks Feedback On Mobile Crane Industry Code

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is seeking public feedback on the Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice by Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

What is it?

The Code of Practice is a practical guide that assists parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) for mobile cranes to comply with their primary duty and other obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

It does this by identifying hazards and risks associated with the use of mobile cranes on a road and proposes controls that can be implemented to eliminate or minimise risk.

Under the HVNL, it is not obligatory for a CoR party to implement the controls recommended in a registered code. So long as they are doing what is reasonably practicable to ensure safety, it doesn’t matter how they do it.

However, if a party ignores hazards and risks that are identified in a registered code, or fails to implement sufficient controls, then a court can refer to a registered code as evidence of what the party is expected to know.

The NHVR notes that the code isn’t just for crane companies. CoR parties in this industry include construction companies, builders, civil contractors and other businesses involved in infrastructure development. This includes suppliers to these businesses who rely on mobile cranes for loading and unloading materials and equipment.

Why a Code of Practice?

The regulator says mobile cranes play an essential role in infrastructure and construction projects throughout Australia.

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and the NHVR have worked together to develop the Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice, based on input from a wide range of industry participants through public forums.

How is it registered?

Consultation on the draft code is open for 28 days. Following the consultation period, feedback on the draft code will be considered and the code assessed for registration by a panel comprising members with experience in a range of disciplines, including both NHVR staff and external experts.

If the panel determines that the code complies with the NHVR’s published guidelines, it may recommend that the code be registered.

Providing feedback

Feedback direct from industry ensures that the code of practice is comprehensive, up to date, and useful to its target audience.

Feedback should be provided to codes@nhvr.gov.au by Wednesday, May 15, 2024 using this feedback form.