Trencher Tractor Type SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers tractor-type trenching work from planning and service location through trenching, installation, backfilling and close-out. It supports planning and risk management for plant use, underground services, open trenches and site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and coordinate with workers
• Locate underground services
• Establish the work zone
• Deliver and unload trenching plant
• Complete plant pre-start checks
• Position the tractor trencher
• Operate tractor chain and pedestrian trenchers
• Inspect open trenches
• Install services in the trench
• Backfill and compact the trench
• Refuel and maintain plant
• Clean up and complete sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out tractor-type trenching activities.

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, including duties to manage risks, consult workers, provide safe plant, control excavation risks, obtain underground essential-services information and prepare a SWMS where high risk construction work applies.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work—guidance for trench support, battering, benching, shielding, inspection and controls for trenches at least 1.5 m deep.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work—guidance for SWMS and underground essential-services information before excavation.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work.
• AS 1742.3 Manual of uniform traffic control devices—Traffic control for works on roads.
• AS 4744.1 Steel shoring and trench lining equipment.
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics—Hearing protectors.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection.
• AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets.
• AS/NZS 2210.3 Personal protective equipment—Safety footwear.
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High visibility safety garments.

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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