Plain English / Australian usage

The plant hire glossary.

The words people use around the yard, in the quote and on the workface—explained without theatre.

Working language

Know what the quote means

Bare hire: Equipment supplied without an operator; often used interchangeably with dry hire. Read more
Damage waiver: An optional fee some suppliers charge to reduce the hirer's liability for accidental damage, subject to an excess and exclusions. Read more
Demobilisation: Removing plant, people and support equipment from site at the end of the hire, usually priced separately from mobilisation. Read more
Dry hire: The hirer supplies the operator and is usually responsible for daily checks, fuel and site supervision. Read more
EWP: Elevating work platform, such as a scissor lift or boom lift. Some boom types require a high risk work licence. Read more
Float: The low-loader vehicle used to move plant, or the transport charge for doing so. Read more
Franna: A common Australian name for an articulated pick-and-carry crane. Read more
Ground pressure: The load transferred to the surface, important on soft or sensitive sites. Read more
Lift plan: The documented method, equipment and controls for a lifting operation. Read more
Minimum hire: The shortest chargeable hire period under the supplier's terms. Read more
Mobilisation: Getting plant, operators and support to the workface, including transport, permits and travel. Read more
Off-hire: The formal notice and process that ends the hire period. Read more
Oversize / overmass: Loads exceeding standard heavy-vehicle dimension or mass limits, which may need permits, pilots or escorts. Read more
Pre-start check: The documented daily inspection of plant before use, recorded by the operator. Read more
ROPS / FOPS: Operator protective structures for rollover and falling objects.
Standby: Time when plant or operator is retained but not productively working. Read more
SWMS: Safe Work Method Statement for high-risk construction work.
Trim: Fine grading to achieve the specified level or surface tolerance. Read more
VOC: Verification of Competency for an operator's practical ability on a specific machine. Read more
Wet hire: Equipment supplied with an operator, with inclusions defined by the quote. Read more