Product Overview

This Scraper Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective controls for the safe use, operation and maintenance of scrapers on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that addresses multiple aspects of scraper operation to support WHS compliance and effective management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and pre-start inspections of scrapers, including verification of safety systems, tyres, lights, alarms and fluid levels
• Safe mounting, dismounting and access to scraper cabins using three points of contact and designated access systems
• Operation of scrapers in civil construction environments, including work on greenfield and brownfield sites
• Management of interaction between scrapers, trucks, excavators and other mobile plant to minimise collision risks
• Safe travel on haul roads, ramps and uneven ground, including speed control and traffic management requirements
• Loading, hauling and dumping material, including maintaining stability and avoiding overloading or uneven loads
• Working near edges, trenches, stockpiles and excavations, with controls to prevent rollovers and ground collapse
• Operation in adverse weather, poor visibility and dusty conditions, including use of lighting and dust suppression
• Controls for working around overhead and underground services, including powerlines, utilities and buried assets
• Communication protocols using radios, spotters, hand signals and site traffic management plans
• Refuelling, parking, isolation and securing scrapers when not in use, including lock-out/tag-out procedures
• Inspection, basic maintenance and defect reporting processes to ensure plant remains safe and compliant
• Emergency procedures for plant failure, fire, medical incidents and vehicle rollovers involving scrapers

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, earthmoving and mining operators, plant hire companies, scraper operators, principal contractors and site supervisors responsible for scraper operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on safe use and maintenance of scrapers and other mobile plant
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – requirements for planning and managing scraper operations in construction environments
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces – controls for access to and from scraper cabins and working around edges
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – provisions for safe work areas, traffic routes and facilities for plant operators
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – principles for safeguarding and safe operation of machinery and mobile plant
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – where scrapers operate around temporary electrical installations and services