Chain Blocks Hoists and Winches SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the use of chain blocks, hoists and winches for planning, rigging, lifting, moving, landing and demobilising loads. It supports planning and risk management for load stability, lifting equipment, suspended loads, exclusion areas and manual handling.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the lift, assess the load and coordinate work activities
• Brief the crew and establish an exclusion area
• Inspect lifting equipment and identify defects
• Set supports, lifting points and associated equipment
• Rig hooks, chains and slings for the load
• Operate chain blocks, hoists, lever blocks and pulley systems
• Operate winches and powered hoists
• Load, unload, move and position suspended loads
• Land and disconnect loads, then store equipment and record defects

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out lifting activities with chain blocks, hoists and winches.

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, including duties to manage risks, provide information, training, instruction and supervision, maintain plant, and control risks from plant that lifts or suspends loads.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace — guidance on hazard identification, hierarchy of controls, maintenance and plant used to lift or suspend loads.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction work — guidance on SWMS preparation and construction work risk management; model Codes must be checked for adoption and legal status in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Tower cranes — guidance on lifting gear inspection, tagged lifting gear, hook safety latches, suitable attachments, load control and suspended-load exclusion zones.
• AS 1418 series Cranes, hoists and winches; AS 2550 series Cranes, hoists and winches—Safe use; AS 4991 Lifting devices. These standards are technical guidance and must be applied with manufacturer instructions and applicable legal requirements.
• AS 3775.1 and AS 3775.2 Chain slings for lifting purposes; AS 2759 Steel wire rope—Use, operation and maintenance; AS 1353.2 Flat synthetic-webbing slings—Care and use; AS 4497.2 Round slings—Synthetic fibre—Care and use.

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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