Crane, Lifting & Rigging SWMS Templates
SWMS for crane operations, rigging, slinging and all lifting activities involving powered mobile plant or mechanical lifting equipment.
Crane operations and rigging activities are listed as HRCW under WHS Regulations Schedule 3. The category covers all work involving the use of a crane, hoist or other mechanical lifting device, including mobile cranes, tower cranes, overhead bridge cranes, personnel and materials hoists, and all rigging and dogging operations associated with lifting.
High-risk work licences are mandatory in all states and territories for: crane operators (various categories including slewing mobile crane, non-slewing crane, tower crane and hoist); doggers performing the physical attachment of loads to lifting equipment; and riggers performing rigging work classified as Basic, Intermediate or Advanced depending on complexity and equipment type.
Cranes above certain capacities must be registered as plant under the WHS Regulations, and a Design Registration Number must be obtained before first use. The SWMS must be read alongside the crane's Lift Study or Engineered Lift Plan, which is required for all complex lifts and any lift where the radius, load or ground conditions are critical.
Key SWMS content for this category includes exclusion zone establishment, ground bearing pressure calculations for outrigger pads, maximum wind speed limits, tag line requirements, communication protocols between operator and dogger, and the procedure for suspended load management if the lift must be paused. Crane operators must verify current service records are available on site.
Mobile Crane Operations
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.
Tower Crane Operations
Safe Work Method Statement for the erection, operation, and disassembly of tower cranes on construction sites, including lift planning, load management, weather monitoring, and exclusion zone control.
Rigging and Slinging
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.
Dogman Operations
Safe Work Method Statement for the direction of crane operations and load attachment/detachment activities carried out by a licensed dogman, including signal communication, exclusion zone management, and load landing.
Telehandler Operations
Safe Work Method Statement for the operation of a telehandler (telescopic handler) for lifting, placing, and transporting materials on construction sites, including use of forks, jib attachments, and work platforms.
Pick and Carry Crane Operations
Safe Work Method Statement for pick and carry crane operations including load attachment, travelling with suspended load, placement, and rigging, applicable to franna and all-terrain cranes used on construction and industrial sites.