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

The SWMS-EAR-004 Excavator document provides a comprehensive risk management framework for operating excavators in various environments. It covers critical hazards such as striking underground services, mechanical failures, and site-specific risks. This document is essential for workers, supervisors, and safety officers to ensure compliance with WHS legislation and promote a safe work environment. Utilizing this SWMS helps reduce accidents and enhance workplace safety for excavation tasks.

• 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