Beam & Strut Unloading at Webb Dock

Project Overview

Premier Cranes & Rigging was engaged to support the unloading of structural beams and struts at Webb Dock using our 40t Franna crane.

While the lifts themselves were straightforward in principle, the working environment required disciplined planning around truck movements, mobile plant, crane travel paths and exclusion zones.

The task called for a controlled unloading sequence that allowed each load to be safely removed from transport, carried within the work area and positioned without disrupting surrounding site operations.

Challenges

Working Around Active Mobile Plant

The SWMS identifies powered mobile plant as one of the key high-risk considerations for the job.

With trucks, cranes and other equipment moving through the area, the lift zone needed to remain clearly controlled throughout the unloading process. The crane crew was required to assess travel paths, clearances and no-go zones before operations commenced.

Safely Unloading Long Structural Loads

Beams and struts introduce their own lifting challenges due to their length, balance and potential for uncontrolled movement.

Before each lift, the load had to be assessed for weight, dimensions, centre of gravity and suitable lifting points. Rigging also needed to be selected to suit the load configuration and inspected before use.

Maintaining Load Control

During unloading and pick-and-carry operations, controlling load movement was critical.

The SWMS required the crane to operate at slow, controlled speeds, with taglines used where appropriate and constant communication maintained between the operator, dogger and rigging crew.

The Solution

40t Franna Pick-and-Carry Capability

The 40t Franna was well suited to the task because it could lift directly from the delivery vehicle and reposition the load within the site without the need for a fixed outrigger setup.

For pick-and-carry movements, the load was to be carried with the minimum practical boom length, kept as close to the ground as possible and moved at low speed to maintain stability.

Controlled Truck Unloading

Truck unloading was planned around a clearly defined exclusion zone.

The truck driver and dogger/rigger were required to maintain positive communication throughout the process, with the driver remaining in the cab or a designated safe zone during lifting.

Personnel were also kept clear of the non-working side of the trailer and away from suspended loads.

Rigging and Load Verification

Before lifting, the crew verified the load condition, lifting points and rigging arrangement.

Where practical, loads were pre-slung, with all chains, slings and shackles checked to ensure they were correctly rated and within their Working Load Limits.

A test lift could also be carried out where required to confirm the load was stable and balanced before proceeding.

Planning the Travel Path

Before the crane moved with a suspended load, the crew assessed the work area for underground services, overhead hazards, structures and other moving plant.

Where visibility or clearance became restricted, a spotter was required to guide the operator and maintain clear communication during manoeuvring.

THE OUTCOME

By combining the versatility of the 40t Franna with careful load assessment, controlled pick-and-carry movements and clear communication between the crane crew and transport team, Premier was able to provide a practical solution for unloading the beams and struts at Webb Dock.

This type of work highlights an important part of lifting operations that can easily be overlooked: successful lifts are not only about capacity.

They rely on understanding the site, controlling the work zone and ensuring every movement from the truck to the final landing position is carefully managed.

Franna Crane Hire for Your Next Project

Need a Franna crane for site unloading, machinery relocation or pick-and-carry lifting?

Premier’s Franna fleet provides flexible lifting solutions for projects where mobility, control and efficient load movement are essential.

Learn more about our Franna cranes: Franna Crane Hire in Melbourne

Speak with our team about the right Franna crane hire solution:

Contact Premier Cranes & Rigging