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

Rigging and Slinging — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the selection, inspection, and use of rigging equipment including wire rope slings, chain slings, webbing slings, shackles, and spreader beams for crane and mechanical lifting operations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (Class 1)High-visibility vest (Class 2)Steel-capped safety bootsLeather gloves (cut-resistant for wire rope)Safety glasses

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Crane or hoist work
•Rigging work that requires a rigging work licence

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-use inspection of rigging equipment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Sling or fitting failure due to undetected damage	Catastrophic	Conduct a detailed pre-use inspection of every sling, shackle, hook, swivel, and lifting lug before each lift in accordance with AS 3569 (wire rope), AS 3775 (chain), and AS 1380/4497 (webbing). Wire rope slings: check for broken wires (>10% in any one lay length = remove from service), kinks, corrosion, and crushed areas. Chain slings: check each link for cracks, stretch, gouging, and twist. Webbing slings: check for cuts, chemical damage, UV degradation, heat damage, and label legibility. All rigging must have a current annual inspection tag from a licensed rigger. Remove any item from service if in doubt — do not use.	Low	Licensed Rigger
Use of non-compliant or unrated lifting equipment	Catastrophic	Only lifting equipment that carries a legible WLL (Working Load Limit) mark in accordance with relevant Australian Standards may be used for lifting operations. Do not use generic chain or rope not certified as lifting equipment. All shackles must be rated bow or D-shackles with a screw pin secured with mousing wire — no snap shackles for load bearing. Spreader beams and lifting frames must carry a rated capacity tag and current certification. Never fabricate improvised lifting equipment. Maintain a rigging register of all equipment on site.	Low	Licensed Rigger / Site Supervisor

2.Sling angle and load distribution calculation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Sling overloaded due to incorrect angle calculation	High	Calculate sling tension for all multi-leg sling arrangements using the sling angle reduction factor. At a 60° included angle (30° from vertical), each sling leg carries the full load — not the load divided by number of legs. Sling angles between the leg and the horizontal must not be less than 45° for two-leg bridle slings (de-rates capacity by 70.7%). Include sling angle calculation in the written lift plan. Use a calibrated inclinometer to verify sling angles in the field before hoist commences. Display a sling angle/capacity reference chart in the rigging area.	Low	Licensed Rigger

3.Load attachment and rigging configuration

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Load tipping or slipping from rigging during lift	Catastrophic	Identify centre of gravity of load before rigging. Attach rigging above the centre of gravity to ensure stable hang. Confirm balance with a low test lift to 300 mm before full lift — lower and re-rig if load is not level within 5° before continuing. Use load spreader beams where sling angles cannot be maintained or where direct sling contact would damage the load. Softeners (timber, rubber, or hose) must be installed where slings contact sharp edges on the load to prevent sling cutting. Never allow workers to straddle or stand on the load during rigging.	Low	Licensed Rigger / Dogman
Shackle pin backing out under load rotation	High	Install mousing wire through the shackle pin hole and around the bow on all shackles used in rotating or dynamic load applications. For all lifts, tighten shackle pin to hand-tight plus one quarter turn and verify it is fully seated. Inspect mousing wire condition before each lift. Use bow shackles (not D-shackles) where the load can rotate on the shackle pin. Screw pins must not be the only load-bearing connection point — the bow of the shackle must be in the primary load path.	Low	Licensed Rigger

4.Load lifting and placement

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers struck by swinging or descending load	Catastrophic	All personnel must be clear of the load and beneath the load path before the lift commences. Dogman to visually confirm exclusion zone is clear before giving hoist signal. Tag lines minimum 10 m long must be used on all loads over 500 kg or any load susceptible to rotation or swing. Workers holding tag lines must stand clear of the load's fall zone. No worker to stand beneath a suspended load at any time. Land loads on stable, load-rated dunnage (timber packs or crane mats) and confirm stability before releasing rigging.	Moderate	Dogman / All Workers

5.Rigging equipment storage and maintenance

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Deterioration of rigging from improper storage	Moderate	Store all slings on designated hooks or racks, off the ground, in a dry, ventilated location away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heat sources. Coil wire rope slings in direction of natural lay and secure with a tie to prevent kinking. Dry webbing slings before storage if wet — never store damp. Store chain slings with links laid flat, not bundled in a way that creates kinks. Log all rigging equipment in and out of the rigging store and record inspection outcomes. Quarantine and mark defective equipment with a 'DO NOT USE — REMOVE FROM SERVICE' tag before disposal.	Low	Licensed Rigger / Storekeeper

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: ___________________