Excavator Operation (Including Pre-Operational Inspection and Shutdown Procedure)

This Excavator Operation SWMS provides a structured approach to managing high-risk activities, including pre-operational checks, hazard mitigation, and shutdown procedures. It covers critical safety topics such as underground services, overhead powerlines, trench stability, and mechanical integrity in accordance with WHS legislation and Australian Standards. Essential for operators and site managers, this document ensures your team remains compliant while effectively controlling risks associated with heavy plant machinery.

• Hazard / Risk
• Striking underground services (gas, electrical, water, comms)
• Unlicensed/untrained operation
• Mechanical failure (hydraulic, brakes, tracks, ROPS/FOPS)
• Quick-hitch disengagement; bucket detachment
• Excavator rollover; over-edge collapse; pedestrian struck-by
• Contact with overhead powerlines
• Trench collapse / engulfment
• Struck-by swinging bucket; struck-by debris
• Load drop; sling failure; tip-over
• Slips, trips, falls; sprain/strain; fuel exposure
• Inadvertent movement; unauthorised use
• Explosion / electrocution / flooding
• Worker engulfment
• Air quality; community impact; soil/water contamination

• Legislation / Standard
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 6.3 Excavation
• AS 3798:2007
• Code of Practice: Excavation work
• WHS Reg 2017 Sch 18 (HRCW)
• Code of Practice: Construction work
• WHS Reg 2017 Part 5.1 & 5.3 Plant
• AS 2550.1
• AS 4024 series
• AS 4772 (Quick hitches)
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 5.1
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 6.3 Excavation
• AS 3798:2007
• Code of Practice: Excavation work
• AS 5804
• ELEC
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 6.3 Excavation
• AS 3798:2007
• Code of Practice: Excavation work
• AS 5101
• WHS Reg 2017 Part 5.1 & 5.3 Plant
• AS 2550.1
• AS 4024 series
• WHS Reg 2017 Part 5.1
• AS 2550.1
• AS 2550.5
• AS 1418 series
• AS 2550.1
• WHS Reg 2017 Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS 1940 (Flammable liquids)
• WHS Reg 2017 Part 5.1 & 5.3 Plant
• AS 2550.1
• AS 4024 series
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 6.3 Excavation
• AS 3798:2007
• Code of Practice: Excavation work
• ELEC
• WHS Reg 2017 Pt 6.3 Excavation
• AS 3798:2007
• Code of Practice: Excavation work
• EPA state Acts
• AS 1940
• Protection of the Environment Operations Act