Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed specifically for Plant and Machinery Transport Tilt Tray Operations, providing a clear, step-by-step approach to managing risks during loading, securing, transporting and unloading plant and equipment. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple aspects of tilt tray truck use, helping businesses demonstrate WHS compliance and robust risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordinating plant and machinery transport tasks using tilt tray trucks, including communication with site supervisors and operators
• Pre-start inspection of tilt tray trucks, winches, hydraulics, chains, straps and anchorage points prior to use
• Selection and use of appropriate load restraint equipment for different types of plant and machinery
• Safe positioning of the tilt tray truck on site, including traffic management, exclusion zones and ground condition assessments
• Operation of tilt, slide and winch mechanisms during loading and unloading of plant and machinery
• Managing interaction between tilt tray operators, plant operators and other workers during loading and unloading activities
• Control of crush, pinch and entanglement risks around moving trays, ramps, cables and plant components
• Safe methods for driving plant and machinery on and off the tilt tray, including use of spotters and communication signals
• Load distribution, centre-of-gravity assessment and stability checks prior to transport
• Securing plant and machinery to the tray to prevent movement, rollover or load shift during transit
• On-road driving hazards, including fatigue management, speed, route selection and emergency procedures
• Working around public roads and live traffic environments when loading or unloading plant and machinery
• Managing environmental conditions such as wet, uneven or sloping ground that may affect tilt tray stability
• Incident response, emergency procedures and reporting in the event of equipment failure, load shift or near miss
• Post-operation inspections, housekeeping and maintenance reporting for tilt tray trucks and associated equipment

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tilt tray truck operators, plant and machinery transport companies, civil and construction contractors, hire and rental businesses, and site supervisors responsible for coordinating plant movements on and off site.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – Guidance on safe use, inspection and transport of plant and machinery
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working on truck trays, ramps and elevated surfaces
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe access, egress and work areas around loading zones
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management framework applied throughout the SWMS
• Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces – Safe interaction between vehicles, plant and pedestrians during loading and unloading
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – General principles for machinery safety and guarding
• AS 3990 Mechanical Equipment – Steelwork – Relevant to structural integrity of supporting equipment and attachments
• AS/NZS 4380 Cargo Restraint Systems – Requirements for load restraint devices used to secure plant and machinery
• AS/NZS 3845 Road Safety Barrier Systems – Considerations where loading/unloading occurs near roadways and barriers
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017