Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Crane, Lifting & Rigging

Mobile Crane Operations — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for mobile crane operations on construction sites, including pre-lift planning, set-up, lifting operations and pack-up. Applies to all mobile cranes requiring a crane operator licence.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard HatHigh Visibility VestSafety Boots (Steel Capped)Safety GlassesGloves

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Area in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant
•Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
•On, in or adjacent to a road or traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-lift planning and risk assessment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Lift exceeds crane capacity at required radius	Catastrophic	Lift study completed by rigger/dogging licence holder using manufacturer load chart. Confirm total load weight (load + rigging). Confirm radius and boom configuration. Lift plan signed off before commencement.	Low	Rigger / Crane Operator
Overhead powerlines within crane swing radius	Catastrophic	Identify all overhead powerlines within operating radius. Maintain minimum exclusion distances per relevant state regulation (typically 3 m for <33 kV). Apply to network operator for powerline undergrounding, guarding or isolation if required.	Low	Site Supervisor / Crane Operator

2.Crane set-up and outrigger deployment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Crane overturning due to inadequate ground bearing	Catastrophic	Ground bearing assessment completed before set-up. Outrigger pads sized to distribute load within bearing capacity. Level crane on firm, stable ground. Check for underground voids, services or soft fill.	Low	Crane Operator
Pinch point injury during outrigger extension	High	Exclusion zone during outrigger deployment. Operator to confirm area is clear before extending outriggers. Use spotters.	Low	Crane Operator / Spotter

3.Rigging and slinging of load

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Rigging failure causing load drop	Catastrophic	Rigging gear inspected before use (no damage, current tags). SWL of rigging exceeds load weight with appropriate safety factor. Slings at correct angles. Dogging performed by licenced dogman.	Low	Licenced Rigger / Dogman
Load shifting or swinging during lift	High	Tag lines attached to load before lift. Licenced dogman to guide load with tag lines. Load to be balanced before lifting. No free-swinging loads.	Low	Licenced Dogman

4.Lifting and placing load

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Personnel struck by suspended load	Catastrophic	Exclusion zone established under and around load path. No personnel to stand under suspended load. Lift to be suspended if exclusion zone is breached. Communication protocol agreed between operator and dogman.	Low	Crane Operator / Dogman / Site Supervisor
Loss of communication causing incorrect crane movement	High	Standard hand signals or two-way radio used consistently. Crane operator to stop if communication is lost. One designated dogman/signaller only. Emergency stop signal known by all.	Low	Crane Operator / Dogman

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________