Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to managing the risks associated with load restraint of heavy machinery and oversized loads, from preparation through to unloading at site. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of load restraint safety and WHS compliance for heavy vehicles, plant and oversized freight.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection and inspection of appropriate tie downs and chain binders for heavy machinery and oversized loads
• Safe application, tensioning and release of tie downs and chain binders to prevent load movement during transport
• Planning and handling of oversized loads, including route considerations, escorts and site access constraints
• Risk management for loading and unloading machinery from trucks, trailers and low loaders
• Procedures to safely load and secure heavy machinery for transport, including attachment points and balance of the load
• Loading and unloading plant on a prime mover using ramps, winches and other loading equipment
• Securing loads with chains or straps in accordance with rated capacity, angles and manufacturer requirements
• Use of lashing equipment, including inspection, correct placement and protection from sharp edges and abrasion
• Verification of load restraint compliance before departure, including pre-trip checks and documentation
• Traffic and pedestrian management in loading zones, depots and work sites during loading and unloading operations
• Manual handling controls when fitting, adjusting and removing chains, straps, dogs and binders
• Emergency procedures for load shift, equipment failure or incident during loading, transport or unloading

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for transport operators, heavy haulage contractors, plant hire companies, civil and construction businesses, and site supervisors responsible for loading, securing and transporting heavy machinery and oversized loads.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Load Restraint Guide (National Transport Commission): Guidance on securing loads on heavy vehicles to prevent movement during transport
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Safe use, loading and transport of plant and machinery
• Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces: Managing vehicle and pedestrian interactions during loading and unloading
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks: Reducing risks from handling chains, straps and load restraint equipment
• AS/NZS 4380: Cargo Restraint Systems – Transport Webbing and Components: Requirements for webbing straps and associated hardware
• AS/NZS 4344: Cargo Tie-down Hooks and Components: Performance and design of tie-down components used for load restraint
• AS/NZS 3711 (Series): Freight containers: Relevant requirements for securing loads in and on freight containers and platforms
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017