Excavator Attachments SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, selecting, fitting, operating and storing excavator attachments. It supports managing hazards associated with plant movement, attachment changes, hydraulic systems, lifting and work-area access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope, attachments and intended work
• Establish and control the work area
• Inspect the excavator, attachment and hydraulic components
• Position the excavator safely before attachment work
• Remove existing attachments and manage stored pressure
• Install, lock and test attachments before use
• Operate earthmoving and demolition attachments
• Lift with an excavator where required
• Refuel, manage leaks, clean, store and demobilise attachments

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses using excavators and attachments.

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 (November 2024) — guidance on plant inspection, isolation, suitability, maintenance and safe lifting.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (November 2024) — guidance on SWMS and high risk construction work.
• Code of Practice: Moving Plant on Construction Sites — guidance on attachment compatibility, competent attachment changes, quick-hitch controls, plant movement and exclusion zones.
• Model Code of Practice: Demolition Work — guidance where demolition attachments such as hammers, grapples, shears or pulverisers are used.
• Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2024 — guidance for lifting with earthmoving plant, load charts, lifting points and quick hitches.
• AS 13031:2023 Earthmoving machinery — Quick couplers — Safety.
• AS 1418.8 Cranes, hoists and winches — Special purpose appliances.
• AS 2550.1 Cranes — Safe use — General requirements.
• AS 5327:2022 Earth-moving machinery — Access systems.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
• AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices.
• AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets.
• AS/NZS 2210.3 Personal protective equipment — Safety footwear.
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High visibility safety garments.
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics — Hearing protectors.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection — Eye and face protectors.

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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