Program will continue with an added guideline to improve safety and compliance.
A certification scheme for crane operators in New South Wales will continue, after regulators struck a deal that includes the addition of a new guideline to improve safety and compliance.
From December 15, crane operators in the State will have access to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Crane Certification Program.
It means they can continue to rely on self-declaration of the dimension and weight of particular SPVs for registration purposes.
The announcement comes following discussions between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and the NSW crane industry.
“This is a common-sense approach borne out of our discussions with the recently-established NHVR Crane Industry Operations Group,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“Members representing the crane industry were keen for the NSW model of crane registration to continue.”
A new weight measurement procedure has been added that introduces specific weighing requirements. The move is designed to ensure certification of the vehicle’s weight is applied consistently across the program.
The NHVR says a few simple steps will ensure the axle mass is correctly assessed, taking into account the variety of scales used and how the vehicle is weighed.
Where an imported SPV requires an in-principle support application through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), operators can self-declare through the Certification Program to confirm the vehicle’s weight and dimension.
“The self-declaration process was originally developed to cut red tape for industry and to provide greater industry responsibility in the operation of SPVs on the road network,” RMS general manager of compliance and enforcement Paul Endycott says.
“However, a full assessment by an authorised crane inspection station is still required before the vehicle can be registered in NSW to ensure it complies with relevant standards.”
From December 15, certifiers in NSW must use the new dimension and weight measurement procedures.
Operators will still need to submit applications for access to the road network if the vehicle cannot operate under an existing exemption notice
Petroccitto says the NHVR identified the changes needed to the scheme and worked with the RMS on them.
The NSW branch of the Crane Industry Council of Australia has welcomed the news.
“Having this simple yet robust process continue is a win for industry resulting from our ongoing practical partnership with the NHVR and Roads and Maritime,” chair Paul Churchill says.