This Gantry Crane SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers preparing, operating and shutting down a gantry crane to lift loads. It breaks the work into 6 activities, from preparing the crane and work area to emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Steel fabricators and engineering workshops
Manufacturing plants and factories with overhead lifting
Precast, steel and materials yards
Maintenance and mechanical contractors lifting heavy components
Warehouses handling heavy goods
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use a gantry crane, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Preparing the crane and work area, clearing objects from the crane's path
Separating traffic from the lift area to prevent collisions
Securing loads so workers aren't struck by falling objects
Overloading that could cause the crane to fail
Obstructions, sharp edges and unsecured loads during operation
Returning lifting gear to a safe condition without strain or crush injuries
Housekeeping, oil leaks and disposal of damaged lifting gear
Post-work shutdown so no load is left suspended and the crane can't be used without authority
Emergency response to mechanical failure, electrical fault, fire or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 6 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, including slings, chains, shackles, spreader beams, tag lines and load monitoring devices
Licence requirements, including a CB bridge and gantry crane licence where it applies and a dogging licence
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for operating a gantry crane?
A SWMS is legally required when the lift is part of high risk construction work, for example where powered mobile plant is moving or near energised electrical installations or services. In a factory or workshop a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it include the licence requirements?
Yes. It lists the CB bridge and gantry crane high risk work licence where the crane is operated from a cabin or by remote control with more than three powered operations, and operator training for pendant controlled cranes. It also lists a dogging licence for anyone slinging a load, selecting or inspecting lifting gear, or directing the operator when the load is out of view.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
