Ensure safe and efficient rigging and chain block operations with this Rigging and Chain Blocks SWMS. This document outlines a structured approach to identifying and controlling hazards associated with rigging and chain block activities. It provides essential risk controls, hazard management strategies, and best practices to support compliance with Australian workplace safety standards while ensuring a safe work environment.
 
Hazards & Control Measures Covered:
1️⃣ Awareness & Hazard Identification
Unaware of Hazards – All workers must receive training and information on workplace hazards before starting work. A hazard reporting process must be followed to address any new risks that arise during the work process.
Site Induction & Restricted Areas – Workers must be informed of pedestrian-restricted zones and safe access points during site induction.
2️⃣ Site Setup & Secure Work Area
General Public & Unforeseen Hazards – Barricades, emergency exit routes, and materials handling procedures must be in place to protect workers and bystanders.
Safety Equipment & Signage – Warning signs and barricades must be maintained to prevent unauthorised personnel from entering the work area.
Emergency Route Access – All personnel must be aware of emergency exits and locations of fire-fighting equipment.
3️⃣ Pre-Start Equipment Checks
Personal Injury from Equipment Failure – Lifting chains must be certified high-tensile (tagged) and labelled with their Safe Working Loads (SWL). All slings must be free from snags, cuts, excessive wear, heat, or chemical damage.
Equipment Inspection & Testing – All lifting equipment must be checked before use, ensuring that it is in good working condition and meets safety standards. Chains must be tested and tagged before any lifting operation.
Load Capacity Compliance – Rigging equipment must meet or exceed the required load capacity, and only properly rated and maintained equipment should be used.
4️⃣ Lifting Operations & Safe Work Zones
Overhead & Underground Hazards – The proximity of all overhead utilities, wires, pipes, and underground services must be identified and continuously monitored during lifting operations.
Controlled Load Handling – Only qualified doggers or riggers are allowed to secure loads. The correct lifting methods must be used at all times.
5️⃣ Communication & Coordination
Pre-Operational Briefing – Rigging procedures must be clearly explained before work begins to ensure all personnel understand the task requirements.
Hand & Whistle Signals – Hand signals, whistles, and two-way radios must be used for communication. Radio batteries must be fully charged, and a radio check must be performed before work begins.
Mobile Phone Restrictions – The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited during lifting and rigging activities to prevent distractions.
6️⃣ Safe Rigging Practices
Rigging by Licensed Personnel – Only licensed and experienced riggers must perform rigging activities. A "ground rigger" should be assigned to assist the "top rigger" and ensure personnel safety.
Lifting Loose Items – Loose materials must be lifted in an approved lifting container. Loads such as scaffold clips must be secured in a container branded with the Safe Working Load (SWL).
Slinging & Load Stability – Proper slinging techniques must be used, and all loads must be checked for stability before lifting. Items such as steel bars must be double-wrapped in chains, and synthetic fibre sandbags must not be lifted by the handles.
7️⃣ Chain Block Operations
Running Chain Motors – Only competent personnel are allowed to operate chain motors. Operators must maintain a clear line of sight to all motors, and workers guiding slack chains must keep their hands at least 600mm away.
Raising & Lowering Trusses – Trusses must be raised and lowered in a controlled manner, with the area beneath kept clear at all times. Only one competent supervisor should direct the process.
Equipment Malfunction Protocols – In case of any equipment malfunction, all personnel must evacuate the area until a competent rigger has inspected and cleared the equipment for use.
8️⃣ Environmental Changes & Hazard Reassessment
Site Condition Changes – Work must cease immediately if environmental conditions change or new hazards emerge. Supervisors must reassess risks before resuming work.
SWMS Updates & Communication – Any changes to the SWMS must be documented and communicated to all workers before work continues. Supervisors must sign off on the revised SWMS.
Wind & Weather Conditions – Lifting operations should not proceed in unsafe wind conditions. The decision to continue must be made by the rigger and crane driver in consultation with management.
9️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response
First Aid & Fire Safety Measures – Workers must be aware of the location and use of first aid kits and fire-fighting equipment. Emergency contact details must be readily available.
Incident Reporting & Work Cessation – All injuries, near-misses, and unexpected hazards must be reported immediately. Work must stop until risks are reassessed and controlled.
Activation of Site Emergency Procedures – In case of a serious incident, emergency protocols must be followed, including contacting emergency services and securing the site.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Supports Compliance – Helps businesses align with Australian workplace safety standards for rigging and chain block operations.
Structured Risk Management – Identifies hazards, implements control measures, and provides step-by-step safety guidelines.
Emergency Readiness – Establishes clear procedures for incident response and emergency situations.
Fully Customisable – Can be tailored to specific rigging tasks, lifting operations, and site requirements.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Rigging and Chain Blocks SWMS is essential for:
Construction & Engineering Teams
Crane & Rigging Contractors
Heavy Lifting & Logistics Companies
Industrial & Infrastructure Projects

Additional Resources:
Included with your purchase is a free copy of our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List to support your WHS documentation.
 
Ensure safe and compliant rigging operations. Download the Rigging and Chain Blocks SWMS today and implement best-practice risk management on your worksite.