Mobile Crane Safety: Guidelines for using Mobile Cranes near powerlines


Each state and territory will have its own specific requirements when it comes to safe approach distances and work zones. More information on safe approach distances and work zones in Queensland can be found here.

How do we manage the risk of overhead powerlines?

When it comes to overhead powerlines, they are a risk that needs to be managed as it is impossible to avoid all situations where they are an issue. In most cases we can plan the lift so that the crane, it’s boom, jib or any platforms are outside of the approach distance of the powerlines. Often this may mean using a different approach or crane to the one first thought of for the job.

In some instances, we require what’s called an electrical spotter who is specifically trained to minimise the risks associated with working near powerlines. This will ensure that our crane operators are visually reminded of the risk and can stay outside of it.

Our experienced mobile crane operators also limit mechanical movement that may impinge on the exclusion zones, such as slewing. We make sure that the ground is solid and stable, and any counterweights that are needed are applied to ensure the stability of the crane.

In some situations, it may be necessary to de-energise the powerlines for the time that the mobile crane is in use, if the crane is used within the exclusion zone. This needs to be done by the electricity supplier and of course requires planning, permits and permissions.

For further information about managing the risks associated with mobile cranes and powerlines, we recommend the Safe Work Australia Guide. It contains more information and technical detail for planning projects that are near powerlines and how to manage risks.

Our team are experienced in planning and scoping lifts around powerlines. As mentioned above, we manage the risks and enact the necessary protocols to ensure the safety of both our team, plant and the project. At Lindores Mobile Cranes, we offer free site inspections and lift planning for each mobile crane hire; doing this enables us to audit any risks such as powerlines and plan the lift to minimise them.

Get in touch with the team at Lindores Mobile Cranes to talk about your next project.

Sourcing Outdoor Cranes In South East Queensland

Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) are a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2007, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.

Google reviews and even peers within the industry are always a good starting point to ensure that a mobile crane hire company is a reputable business provider. At Lindores, we’re not only too happy to show you the feedback from our customers, but it’s something that we’re actually quite proud of.

At LMC, we pride ourselves on knowing what our customers require, and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box with suggestions in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. If you would like to explore your options regarding crane hire in South East Queensland or aren’t quite sure where to start, get in touch with us today.

Each state and territory will have its own specific requirements when it comes to safe approach distances and work zones. More information on safe approach distances and work zones in Queensland can be found here.

How do we manage the risk of overhead powerlines?

When it comes to overhead powerlines, they are a risk that needs to be managed as it is impossible to avoid all situations where they are an issue. In most cases we can plan the lift so that the crane, it’s boom, jib or any platforms are outside of the approach distance of the powerlines. Often this may mean using a different approach or crane to the one first thought of for the job.

In some instances, we require what’s called an electrical spotter who is specifically trained to minimise the risks associated with working near powerlines. This will ensure that our crane operators are visually reminded of the risk and can stay outside of it.

Our experienced mobile crane operators also limit mechanical movement that may impinge on the exclusion zones, such as slewing. We make sure that the ground is solid and stable, and any counterweights that are needed are applied to ensure the stability of the crane.

In some situations, it may be necessary to de-energise the powerlines for the time that the mobile crane is in use, if the crane is used within the exclusion zone. This needs to be done by the electricity supplier and of course requires planning, permits and permissions.

For further information about managing the risks associated with mobile cranes and powerlines, we recommend the Safe Work Australia Guide. It contains more information and technical detail for planning projects that are near powerlines and how to manage risks.

Our team are experienced in planning and scoping lifts around powerlines. As mentioned above, we manage the risks and enact the necessary protocols to ensure the safety of both our team, plant and the project. At Lindores Mobile Cranes, we offer free site inspections and lift planning for each mobile crane hire; doing this enables us to audit any risks such as powerlines and plan the lift to minimise them.


Get in touch with the team at Lindores Mobile Cranes to talk about your next project.

Sourcing Outdoor Cranes In South East Queensland


Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) are a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2007, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.

Google reviews and even peers within the industry are always a good starting point to ensure that a mobile crane hire company is a reputable business provider. At Lindores, we’re not only too happy to show you the feedback from our customers, but it’s something that we’re actually quite proud of.

At LMC, we pride ourselves on knowing what our customers require, and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box with suggestions in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. If you would like to explore your options regarding crane hire in South East Queensland or aren’t quite sure where to start, get in touch with us today.


The Liftout

By JADE LINDORES August 1, 2025
When people think of crane hire, they often picture towering construction sites or major infrastructure projects. But across Southeast Queensland, an increasing number of residential builders are considering mobile cranes as an essential tool onsite. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve seen first-hand how reliable crane hire can simplify and speed up residential builds. Smarter Lifting for Modern Home Builds As homes get larger, blocks get smaller, and architectural designs become more complex, the need for precision lifting has never been greater. Roofing materials, structural steel, and even prefabricated walls often need to be placed quickly and safely in hard-to-reach locations. Our mobile cranes, including Mini Crawlers and Frannas , make light work of these tasks. This saves builders time, reduces manual handling, and improves site safety. With our experienced operators on board, there’s no guesswork, no delays, and no unnecessary risk. Explore our mobile crane fleet Tight Access? No Problem. Many of Brisbane’s older suburbs, like Paddington, Spring Hill, and Petrie Terrace, come with tight driveways, steep slopes, and minimal space for materials. That’s where compact mobile cranes and mini crawlers shine. They’re designed to work in confined spaces without compromising lifting capacity or site safety. We regularly help builders lift roofing, frames, pools, and more into hard-to-access sites, without the need for expensive site modifications or lengthy manual labour. Supporting the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Residential Market It’s not just Brisbane where we’re seeing demand. Across the Sunshine Coast, with its steep hinterland blocks, and the Gold Coast, where many homes are built close to canals or high-density zones, mobile crane hire is becoming a key part of building smarter, safer homes. Crane Hire That Fits the Residential Build Schedule We know how critical timing is for builders. Delays in lifting can hold up entire stages of the project. That’s why we offer flexible booking options, fast response times, and a commitment to showing up when we say we will. It’s part of the reason why so many residential builders across Southeast Queensland trust Lindores Mobile Cranes for their lifting needs. Ready to Lift Smarter on Your Next Build? No matter the project, our team has the equipment and expertise to help. Contact our team today by calling us on 07 3376 0611 or email lmcops@lmcranes.com.au.
By JADE LINDORES June 24, 2025
Urban construction across Brisbane’s inner suburbs, like Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley and West End, presents a unique challenge. Limited street access, tight driveways, weight-restricted concrete slabs, and close proximity to neighbouring buildings mean that traditional mobile cranes simply won’t fit. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve seen how mini crawler cranes are transforming the way construction is carried out on these sites. Compact, precise, and highly mobile, these machines are fast becoming essential for projects across Queensland . Rethinking Lifting for Urban Environments In city and suburban projects, space is at a premium. Construction teams often deal with narrow laneways, busy streets, or strict local council rules that make large-scale crane operations unfeasible. In some cases, access is so restricted that conventional lifting equipment can’t get anywhere near the job site. That’s where mini crawler cranes come in. Built specifically for tight and complex environments, these machines allow builders to lift heavy materials safely and efficiently, without the need for wide access or extensive setup areas. See our full fleet of mobile and mini cranes. Compact Size, Serious Capability Despite their size, mini crawler cranes don’t compromise on performance. Designed to operate in confined spaces, they’re able to move through narrow driveways and even fit inside buildings if required. Their rubber tracks reduce surface pressure, making them safe for use on rooftops or polished concrete slabs, and their zero tail-swing allows for safe manoeuvring in environments with little margin for error. These features make them ideal for everything from steel erection and glass installation to HVAC placement and residential renovations. We’ve supported projects as varied as boutique homes in New Farm and shopfront fit outs in Surfers Paradise , proving how versatile these compact machines really are. Designed for the Modern Job Site Mini crawler cranes are an increasingly popular choice for residential builds, renovations, and even commercial fit outs across Queensland. Their small footprint and fast setup time mean less downtime, lower costs, and fewer headaches when working in restricted-access environments. Ready to Lift Smarter in Tight Spaces? At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve helped countless clients across Brisbane , the Gold Coast , and South East Queensland navigate complex job sites with ease. Our team can advise you on the right crane for your lift, organise pre-lift planning, and provide experienced operators who understand the ins and outs of working in urban environments. Contact our team today by calling 07 3376 0611 or email lmcorps@lmcranes.com.au.
By JADE LINDORES April 29, 2025
Need a mobile crane for tight access jobs in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast? Hire compact, powerful mini crawler cranes from Lindores Mobile Cranes. Fast, safe, and affordable.