Shipping Container Handling and Twist Lock Operations SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers shipping container handling and twist lock operations, from planning and traffic control through to lifting, placement and inspection. It supports the identification and management of risks associated with containers, vehicles, plant, suspended loads, doors, cargo and work areas.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Planning container work and reviewing available information
• Establishing traffic separation and exclusion controls
• Inspecting containers, landing areas and access conditions
• Completing straddle carrier pre-start checks
• Positioning trucks in the exchange area
• Releasing trailer twist locks
• Engaging spreaders and verifying container locks
• Lifting, transferring, stacking and placing containers
• Assessing containers before opening and opening doors
• Inspecting completed work and reporting damage or hazards

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out shipping container handling and twist lock operations.

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.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks in Stevedoring (2023), as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• ISO 1161:2016 Series 1 freight containers—Corner and intermediate fittings.
• ISO 3874:2015 Series 1 freight containers—Handling and securing.
• AS/NZS 2210.3 Safety, protective and occupational footwear.
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High-visibility safety garments.
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics—Hearing protectors.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection.
• AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets.

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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