Product Overview

This Overhead Gantry and Jib Crane SWMS is a detailed Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for crane installation, set-up, and operation on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of overhead gantry, jib, pedestal and cantilevered crane use to support WHS compliance and safe management of high risk construction work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of overhead gantry and jib crane operations, including lift studies and communication protocols
• Safe use of cantilevered crane loading platforms for loading and unloading materials at height
• Operation of cantilevered gantry cranes, including stability checks, load limits, and exclusion zones
• Set-up, inspection and operation of crane overhead bridge gantry systems within workshops and construction sites
• Deploying and disengaging electromagnets for lifting steel and ferrous materials, including emergency release procedures
• Routine and complex jib crane operation, including slew, hoist and travel movements under load
• Inspection, maintenance and pre-start checks for jib cranes to ensure integrity of ropes, chains, hooks and safety devices
• Safe operation of grab cranes, including use of grabs, buckets and attachments for bulk material handling
• Overhead load transportation along runways and beams, including load path planning and control of suspended loads
• Pedestal crane operation on fixed bases, including stability, slew radius control and interaction with nearby plant
• Selection and inspection of lifting gear, slings, shackles and lifting attachments for compatibility with crane and load
• Establishing and maintaining exclusion zones, spotters and traffic management around crane operating areas
• Emergency response procedures for dropped loads, equipment failure, power loss and contact with overhead services

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for crane operators, doggers and riggers, steel fabricators, manufacturing and warehouse operations, construction contractors, and site supervisors responsible for overhead gantry, jib, pedestal, cantilevered and grab crane activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Guidance on safe use, inspection and maintenance of cranes and associated lifting equipment
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Requirements for planning and managing high risk construction work involving cranes
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working near edges, loading platforms and elevated work areas
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (series) – Guidance for the safe use and operation of cranes and hoisting equipment
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (series) – Design and operational requirements for cranes and lifting appliances
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems – Framework for implementing systematic WHS management
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017