Cable Winch SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers cable winch work from task review and equipment inspection through anchoring, connection, controlled winching, tension release and handover. It supports planning for moving loads, stored energy, rope and rigging failure, vehicle movement, hydraulic hazards and site access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the task and work area
• Position the vehicle and winch
• Inspect the winch, controls, rope and rigging
• Establish the anchor and line path
• Connect the load safely
• Operate hydraulic or remote-control winches
• Conduct controlled winching
• Manage stalled or snagged loads
• Release tension and disconnect the load
• Clean up, inspect and complete handover

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out cable winch work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction work.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces, where access or anchorage work exposes workers to fall risks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, where hydraulic oil or other chemicals are used.
• AS 1418 series, Cranes, hoists and winches; AS 2550 series, Cranes—Safe use; and relevant manufacturer instructions.
• AS/NZS 4801 or ISO 45001 safety-management systems guidance, where adopted by the organisation.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 eye protection, AS/NZS 1801 occupational protective helmets, AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear, AS/NZS 1270 hearing protectors and AS/NZS 4602.1 high-visibility safety garments.
• Guidance basis: plant risks should be controlled using the hierarchy of controls, with PPE used only for remaining risk.
• Guidance basis: winches used for hoisting must be designed for lifting, have powered-off braking, marked safe working load and verified mountings; inspection records must be retained.
• Guidance basis: remote-controlled equipment requires a safe operator position, exclusion zones, accessible emergency stop, competent operators and fail-safe response to signal loss or malfunction.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections