This Vehicle Hoist Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers lifting, working under and lowering vehicles on two-post, four-post, scissor, in-ground and mobile column hoists. It sets out 28 activities, from hoist inspection and setting the arms and pads to lowering, shutdown and 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
Mechanical workshops and auto repairers
Tyre, brake and exhaust shops
Fleet, truck and bus maintenance workshops
Car dealership service departments
Auto electricians and electric vehicle service centres
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of workshops use one as the written risk assessment for a task like hoist work, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Operator authorisation, hoist installation, anchorage and periodic inspection records
Bay preparation, exclusion zones and pre-operational hoist checks, including safety locks
Confirming vehicle weight against the rated capacity of hoists, stands and jacks
Setting the arms and pads, the initial lift and engaging the safety locks
Working beneath a raised vehicle, and running the engine or wheels while raised
Asbestos in brake and clutch dust on older vehicles
Removing heavy components and the shift in centre of gravity
Four-post, scissor and mobile column hoists, in-ground hoists and service pits
Electric and hybrid vehicle high voltage systems, fuel, LPG and battery hazards
Tools, workshop chemicals and used fluids beneath the vehicle
Lowering, driving off, spills and tagging a defective hoist out of service
End of shift shutdown and emergency response to a vehicle fall or entrapment
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 28 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, materials and the three-monthly, annual and major hoist inspection schedule
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 2550.9 for safe use of vehicle hoists and AS 2538 for support stands
Training needs, including AURETH101 for depowering electric vehicles and asbestos awareness
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 vehicle hoist operation?
No. Workshop hoist work isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including crush injuries from a falling vehicle and asbestos in brake dust, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover electric and hybrid vehicles?
Yes. It covers electrocution, arc flash and battery thermal runaway when an electric or hybrid vehicle is raised, and notes that high voltage work requires AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles or equivalent.
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.
