Self-erecting crane SWMS, drafted for your job
A self-erecting crane unfolds its mast and jib through a wide sweep before it starts lifting, with changing loads on its base. Tell us the crane and site: your SWMS is drafted around erection and operation, and you check it on site before work starts.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Self-erecting crane
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Assess base and crane envelope | Weak ground and overhead electrical lines | Extreme | Confirm support design and clear the entire erection sweep |
| 2 | Position and check configuration | Incorrect ballast and unstable supports | Extreme | Set ballast and supports to the crane instructions |
| 3 | Unfold mast and jib | Moving hinges and wide jib sweep | Extreme | Close the erection area and monitor base movement |
| 4 | Handle planned site loads | Suspended loads and changing wind | High | Keep load paths clear and monitor operating conditions |
| 5 | Fold secure and remove crane | Stored movement and unsecured transport parts | High | Follow the folding sequence and verify transport restraints |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your self-erecting crane SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
Categories this task often involves
You tick the ones your job involves. Each ticked category gets its own steps and controls, in your state's wording.
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a self-erecting crane job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Self-erecting crane overturning as base supports settle during unfolding
Extreme- Prepare the foundation or outrigger support to the crane setup design
- Check ground and base movement throughout erection and stop if support changes
- 2
Crushing at self-erecting crane mast hinges and jib folding joints
Extreme- Close the entire erection sweep and keep workers clear of moving joints
- Operate the unfolding sequence from a clear position using the maker’s method
- 3
Crane instability from incorrect self-erecting ballast or support configuration
Extreme- Confirm ballast arrangement and support configuration against the crane’s setup instructions
- Keep the crane out of service until setup checks are complete
- 4
Crane jib or hoist rope contacting overhead electrical lines during erection
Extreme- Arrange isolation or a crane position outside the electrical exclusion area
- Check the full erection sweep and lifting envelope before unfolding
- 5
Loads swinging into workers beneath the self-erecting crane jib
High- Check load weight, lift radius and lifting gear against the crane’s lifting chart before each lift
- Plan load paths that exclude workers and occupied access routes
- Keep lifting gear checked and stop if the load cannot be controlled
- 6
Wind loading the unfolded crane jib and suspended materials
High- Monitor weather and use the crane maker’s operating and out-of-service arrangements
- Stop lifting when conditions prevent load control
- 7
Uncontrolled crane movement folding the mast for transport
Extreme- Clear the folding area and follow the specified dismantling sequence
- Verify transport locks and restraints before the crane is moved
How the job usually runs
- 1Assess base and crane envelopeWeak ground and overhead electrical lines → Confirm support design and clear the entire erection sweep
- 2Position and check configurationIncorrect ballast and unstable supports → Set ballast and supports to the crane instructions
- 3Unfold mast and jibMoving hinges and wide jib sweep → Close the erection area and monitor base movement
- 4Handle planned site loadsSuspended loads and changing wind → Keep load paths clear and monitor operating conditions
- 5Fold secure and remove craneStored movement and unsecured transport parts → Follow the folding sequence and verify transport restraints
PPE for this job
- Safety boots
- Safety helmet
- High-visibility clothing
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Self-erecting crane SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Does it cover unfolding the crane as well as lifting?
Yes. Describe the crane model, base arrangement and erection space. The draft covers the mast and jib sweep, ballast checks and keeping people outside the erection area before lifting begins.
Can it include folding the crane at the end of the job?
Yes. Describe the removal route and transport arrangement. The draft includes clearing the folding area, following the maker’s sequence and checking transport locks before the crane leaves the site.
How much does a self-erecting crane SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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