Product Overview

This Excavator Use as Crane Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls when operating an excavator as a lifting device on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and safe planning for all aspects of excavator lifting operations, from setup through to load handling and demobilisation.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and verification of excavator suitability for use as a crane, including lifting charts and rated capacity
• Selection, inspection, and use of certified lifting points, quick hitches, and approved lifting attachments
• Pre-start checks of the excavator, safety systems, slew brakes, and emergency stop functions
• Assessment of ground conditions, exclusion zones, and stability when lifting and slewing loads
• Use of lifting gear such as chains, slings, shackles, and spreader bars in accordance with SWL/WLL ratings
• Rigging and slinging practices to ensure secure attachment, balanced loads, and controlled lifting
• Communication protocols between operator, dogman/rigger, and spotters using radios and hand signals
• Managing lifts near overhead or underground services, structures, and other plant or personnel
• Controlling risks of load swing, shock loading, and operating at or near maximum radius
• Working in proximity to public areas, traffic, and other contractors with appropriate barricading and signage
• Emergency procedures for plant failure, dropped loads, and unplanned ground movement or instability
• Shutdown, parking, and securing of the excavator and lifting equipment after lifting operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, earthmoving and excavation companies, riggers and dogmen, crane and plant hire businesses, and site supervisors coordinating excavator lifting operations on construction and infrastructure projects.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including lifting operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for safe use, inspection, and maintenance of excavators and lifting attachments
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls to minimise manual handling risks during rigging, slinging, and handling lifting gear
• AS 2550.1 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – General requirements – General principles for the safe use of cranes and lifting operations
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (relevant parts) – Technical requirements for lifting equipment and accessories
• AS 2759 Steel wire rope – Use, operation and maintenance – Guidance on safe use and inspection of wire rope in lifting applications
• AS 3775 Chain slings for lifting purposes (Grade T and V) – Requirements for selection, use, and inspection of chain slings
• AS 4991 Lifting devices – Requirements for design, inspection, and use of lifting devices attached to excavators
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017