Side Lifter-Articulated Truck Safe Work Method Statement

Operating side lifter articulated trucks requires a Multi-Combination (MC) class heavy vehicle licence under the National Heavy Vehicle Law, as these vehicles typically exceed 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass and include an articulated coupling between tractor and trailer sections. The MC licence is the highest class of heavy vehicle licence and covers all heavy rigid and combination vehicles including B-doubles, road trains, and articulated configurations. In addition to the driving licence, operators may require high-risk work licences depending on the nature of operations, particularly when side lifter operations constitute load shifting or materials handling in construction environments classified as high-risk construction work under WHS regulations. Some jurisdictions or employers also require vehicle-specific familiarisation or competency assessments demonstrating operators understand load charts, stability principles, and safe operating procedures for the specific side lifter model being operated. PCBUs must verify operator licensing by sighting original licences and maintaining copies on file, and must not permit operation by unlicensed or inadequately trained personnel. Regular licence checks ensure operators maintain current licences without suspensions or cancellations that would invalidate their authority to operate. Additionally, medical fitness requirements apply to heavy vehicle licence holders, with regular medical assessments required to maintain licence validity particularly for older operators or those with health conditions affecting safe operation.

Ground condition assessment for side lifter operations involves evaluating bearing capacity, surface levelness, and subsurface integrity to ensure ground can support stabiliser leg loads without subsidence or failure. Start by visually inspecting ground surfaces for obvious weakness indicators including soft or muddy soil, recent excavation or backfill, visible settlement or cracking in pavements, or evidence of buried structures or services that could collapse under load. Conduct simple bearing capacity tests by attempting to push a pointed rod into ground; if rod penetrates easily beyond 100mm, ground may lack adequate bearing capacity requiring load-spreading measures or alternative lift locations. Use spirit levels or digital inclinometers to measure ground slope in multiple directions, confirming slope does not exceed 3-5 degrees depending on manufacturer specifications in the load chart. Review site plans and service location information to identify underground utilities including stormwater pipes, electrical conduits, or communication ducts that could collapse when stabiliser loads are applied above them. When ground conditions are marginal, implement load-spreading measures including timber mats (minimum 50mm thick hardwood) or steel plates (minimum 20mm thick) beneath all stabiliser feet, sizing mats to distribute loads below 200 kPa bearing pressure which most compacted soils can support. On very soft ground or when lifting maximum capacity loads, consider using multiple layers of cross-laid timber mats or engineered crane mats to further increase load distribution area. If ground conditions remain inadequate even with load-spreading measures, alternative approaches include ground improvement through compaction or gravel placement, or relocating lifting operations to areas with superior ground conditions. Never proceed with lifting when ground assessment indicates marginal stability, as ground subsidence during lifting causes vehicle rollover with catastrophic consequences.

If ground subsidence beneath stabiliser feet is observed during lifting operations, immediately stop all hydraulic movements and assess the situation before deciding on corrective actions. Do not continue lifting or attempt to complete container placement if subsidence is occurring, as continued loading will worsen subsidence and increase rollover risk. If subsidence occurs with container already lifted off ground, the priority is safely lowering the container before vehicle instability worsens. If possible, reverse the lifting sequence smoothly and gradually to return container to ground, monitoring vehicle stability throughout lowering. If the container is suspended and continuing subsidence threatens imminent rollover, operator safety becomes paramount—evacuate the cab immediately using the uphill exit if vehicle is tilting, and establish safety perimeter preventing other personnel from approaching unstable vehicle. Once container is on ground or operator is safely evacuated, assess extent of subsidence including which stabiliser feet have settled, depth of settlement, and whether vehicle has developed significant tilt angle. Investigate subsurface cause which may include soft subgrade, collapsing underground structure, or inadequate load-spreading mats. Implement corrective measures before re-attempting lift, including excavating soft material and replacing with compacted fill, providing additional or larger load-spreading mats, or relocating entire operation to area with superior ground conditions. Some situations may require engaging geotechnical engineers to assess bearing capacity and recommend ground improvement measures before operations can safely proceed. Document subsidence incidents including photographs of settled ground conditions, incident sequence description, and corrective measures implemented, providing learning for future site assessment procedures. Review contributing factors with operator and site supervision to identify process improvements preventing similar incidents, which may include enhanced pre-operational site assessment, more conservative ground condition acceptance criteria, or standard use of larger load-spreading mats even when ground appears adequate.

Minimum clearance distances from overhead powerlines during side lifter operations are specified in electrical safety regulations and vary based on powerline voltage levels, with consequences of powerline contact including electrocution, vehicle fire, and widespread power outages. For powerlines below 33,000 volts (33kV), which includes most urban distribution networks, minimum clearance is 3 metres between any part of the side lifter including raised lifting arms and the powerline conductors. For powerlines between 33kV and 132kV, minimum clearance increases to 6 metres. For powerlines above 132kV, typically major transmission lines, minimum clearance is 8 metres. These distances apply to deliberate approaches near powerlines; when equipment inadvertently approaches powerlines, stop immediately when within minimum distances and do not proceed closer. If powerline voltage is unknown, assume worst-case and maintain 8-metre clearance until voltage is confirmed by contacting the network operator or electrical asset owner. When operations must occur near powerlines where maintaining minimum clearances is challenging, contact network operators to request temporary powerline de-energisation during lifting operations, which is the preferred control eliminating electrical hazards entirely. When de-energisation is not feasible, engage electrical safety observers with specific training in powerline safety to monitor clearances and provide verbal communication to operators if approach distances decrease toward minimum thresholds. Install physical barriers or height-restriction gantries preventing lifting arms from rising to heights that would breach minimum clearances, using scaffolding or temporary structures to create engineered prevention of approach. Attach high-visibility flagging at points on lifting arms corresponding to maximum safe height, giving operators visual reference for clearance limits. Include powerline emergency procedures in operator training covering actions if contact occurs: remain in cab if possible with electrical fault active, evacuate by jumping clear without touching vehicle and ground simultaneously if fire or other hazards require evacuation, and establish 10-metre safety perimeter preventing personnel from approaching vehicle which may be energised. Remember that powerlines can bow or sag significantly in hot weather or under electrical load, reducing actual clearances below visual estimates, requiring conservative approach when operating near apparent clearance limits.

Inspection frequencies for side lifter hydraulic systems and twist-locks depend on regulatory requirements, manufacturer recommendations, and operational intensity, with multiple tiers of inspection from daily pre-operational checks through detailed periodic examinations. Daily pre-operational inspections must be conducted by operators before commencing work each day, including visual examination of all hydraulic hoses for abrasion, bulging, or weeping that indicates impending failure, inspection of hydraulic cylinders for leakage around rod seals or cylinder bodies, verification of hydraulic oil level in reservoir, and checking twist-lock mechanisms for physical damage, excessive wear, or binding during operation. Operators should test twist-lock function during pre-operational checks, confirming locks rotate fully between release and locked positions and spring-loaded pins engage properly. Document daily inspections using checklist forms or digital systems capturing defects identified and actions taken. More detailed periodic inspections by qualified maintenance technicians should occur at intervals specified by equipment manufacturers, typically 250-500 operating hours or 3-6 months depending on operational intensity. Periodic inspections include pressure testing of hydraulic systems to verify system pressure meets specifications and identify internal leakage, detailed examination of all hydraulic fittings and connections for looseness or wear, inspection of hydraulic pump and valve function, and load testing of twist-lock mechanisms to verify holding capacity meets design requirements. Non-destructive testing including magnetic particle inspection or dye penetrant testing may be specified for twist-lock components at extended intervals to detect fatigue cracks invisible to visual inspection. Hydraulic hoses have defined service lives typically 5-10 years depending on environmental conditions, after which they must be replaced regardless of visual condition as internal deterioration occurs that cannot be detected externally. Maintain comprehensive maintenance records documenting all inspections, tests, repairs, and component replacements, providing evidence of systematic equipment maintenance for regulatory compliance verification and supporting assessment of equipment reliability trends over time. When defects are identified during any level of inspection, equipment must be immediately withdrawn from service until repairs are completed and verified by qualified personnel, with temporary tags or lockout devices preventing operation of defective equipment. Regulatory inspections may also be required, particularly for equipment used in mining operations where additional statutory inspection regimes apply requiring inspections by competent persons at specified intervals with results recorded in statutory registers.

If a side lifter vehicle begins tipping over during operations, operator response in the first seconds is critical for survival, with correct actions potentially preventing serious injury while incorrect responses significantly increase injury risk. The primary rule when rollover commences is to remain in the cab with seatbelt secured, as modern side lifter cabs include rollover protective structures (ROPS) designed to maintain survival space even when vehicle inverts. Attempting to exit the cab during rollover motion risks being crushed beneath the rolling vehicle or struck by swinging containers, with far worse outcomes than remaining in the protected cab space. If time permits before rollover, attempt to reverse the action causing instability by lowering the lifted load, though this may not be possible once tipping motion begins as hydraulic controls may be ineffective or counterproductive once stability is lost. Brace yourself against the cab interior using arms and legs to prevent being thrown against cab structures during rollover motion, maintaining protective body position throughout the rollover sequence. After rollover motion stops and vehicle is stationary, assess your physical condition and immediate hazards including fire risk from fuel leaks, hydraulic fluid spray from ruptured lines, or continued vehicle movement if on sloped ground. If seriously injured or trapped in cab, use mobile phone or two-way radio to call for emergency assistance, providing specific location information and description of injuries. If able to evacuate cab safely, exit through openings away from suspended loads or unstable components that could shift, moving immediately to safe location at least 20 metres from vehicle in case of fire or further movement. Do not re-enter cab or approach vehicle to retrieve personal belongings or equipment, as shifted loads or released hydraulic pressure can cause secondary movements. Activate emergency services through 000 call, requesting ambulance even if injuries seem minor as adrenaline can mask serious injuries in immediate aftermath. Establish safety perimeter around overturned vehicle preventing other personnel from approaching, as suspended containers, pressurised hydraulics, or fuel leaks create ongoing hazards. Notify site supervision and project management immediately, providing initial incident notification while awaiting emergency services arrival. Preserve incident scene without disturbing evidence, taking photographs of vehicle position, ground conditions, and contributing factors for incident investigation. Incident investigation will require cooperation including written statements, interviews, and participation in root cause analysis identifying how rollover occurred and what system improvements will prevent recurrence. Recognise that rollover incidents typically result from system failures in risk assessment, operator training, or supervision rather than individual operator error, with focus on learning and improvement rather than blame. Engage with support services including employee assistance programs for psychological support following traumatic incidents, as involvement in serious equipment incidents can cause ongoing stress requiring professional intervention.