Excavator Use as Crane SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers using an excavator as a crane, including lift planning, inspections, work-area setup, load connection, lifting, placement and demobilisation. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing suspended loads, plant stability, lifting gear, ground conditions and electrical hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the lifting task and assess the method
• Inspect the excavator and lifting gear
• Establish a controlled work area
• Check ground conditions and position the excavator
• Manage overhead electrical hazards
• Sling and connect the load
• Conduct the lift and control load movement
• Place and release the load safely
• Respond to abnormal events and emergencies
• Demobilise, secure equipment and manage residual hazards

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses undertaking lifting work using an excavator as a crane.

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 safe plant and systems of work, consult workers, and manage construction work.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks (November 2024) — guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, applying the hierarchy of controls and reviewing controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — guidance for plant selection, inspection, maintenance, operator competency, isolation and exclusion zones.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of falls at workplaces — guidance where access to plant or elevated work presents a fall risk; refer to AS/NZS 1891 for fall-arrest systems.
• Model Code of Practice: Tower cranes (June 2023) — guidance on controlled lifting, suitable attachments, safe working limits, dogging and suspended-load exclusion zones.
• Model Code of Practice: Tunnels and shafts in construction — guidance that excavators should only lift where specifically designed and rated, with manufacturer lifting charts, level indication, appropriate safety devices and exclusion zones.
• AS 1418.8: Cranes, hoists and winches — Special purpose appliances; guidance for excavators specifically designed and rated for lifting.
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use.
• AS 1418.1: Cranes, hoists and winches — General requirements.
• AS 4991: Lifting devices.
• AS 3775.2: Chain slings — Grade T — Care and use; AS 4497.2: Round slings — Synthetic fibre — Care and use; AS 1353.2: Flat synthetic-webbing slings — Care and use; AS 2759: Steel wire rope — Use, operation and maintenance.
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice: Working near overhead and underground electric lines — jurisdiction-specific guidance where adopted, including de-energisation, barriers, movement limiting devices and competent supervision.

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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