Complex Lifting and Tandem Lifts SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers complex lifting and tandem lifts, including lift planning, crew briefing, crane positioning, rigging, synchronised movement, landing and close-out. It supports planning and risk management for load stability, ground conditions, overhead power lines, communication, exclusion zones, crane interaction and crushing hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the lift scope, load details and lift design
• Consult with and brief the lift crew
• Inspect the site and establish exclusion zones
• Manage overhead power line hazards
• Position cranes and support outriggers
• Inspect cranes and lifting gear
• Rig the load and verify balance
• Conduct a trial lift before proceeding
• Synchronise crane movements during tandem lifting
• Manage changes, land and de-rig the load
• Demobilise equipment and close out the lift

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses involved in complex lifting and tandem lift activities.

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 eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, manage plant risks, use suitable lifting attachments, keep loads controlled, and ensure tandem lifting does not exceed the design capacity of either item of plant.
• Applicable jurisdictional requirements for high risk work licensing, construction SWMS, work near energised electrical lines, traffic management and notification of dangerous incidents.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in Stevedoring, including guidance that tandem lifts require detailed planning and supervision because relative crane movement can impose additional loading.
• Model Code of Practice: Tower Cranes, including guidance for lifting near overhead electric lines and use of elimination, isolation, engineering controls and safety observers.
• AS 2550 series Cranes, hoists and winches—Safe use; AS 1418 series Cranes, hoists and winches; AS 4991 Lifting devices; AS 3775.2 Chain slings—Grade T—Care and use; AS 1353.2 Flat synthetic-webbing slings—Care and use; AS 4497.2 Round slings—Synthetic fibre—Care and use; AS 2759 Steel wire rope—Use, operation and maintenance.
• Compliance with a model Code or technical Standard does not automatically establish compliance in every jurisdiction; verify the local legal requirements and the current edition applicable to the project.

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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