Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement

Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement

Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Coupling and Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. General precautions
  8. Uncoupling
  9. Coupling
  10. Safety checks for Coupling and travel
  11. Final Checks and Connecting
  12. On completion

The Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Make sure the turntable jaws are open.
  2. Check the trailer skid plate, king pin, turntable and jaws for damage
  3. If the trailer has no block behind the kingpin then the turntable must be locked up and the top plate well-greased.

Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement

  • High quality and ready to use Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different glazing project as needed, making sure that your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS Template.However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS such as: 

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications. 
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS after an incident or a near miss. 

Note: The Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work is completed. Where the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMSTemplate should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement, the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work outlined in the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors)who may be affected by the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS.

When preparing your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer.

When writing your Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working withCoupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailers in consultation with thePrincipal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish: 

  • Health and Safety guidelines for coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer operations
  • Ensure the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS details
  5. If conducting Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work 

Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer as well as any qualifications that may be required for various coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer operations and coupling and uncoupling prime movers trailer work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Coupling And Uncoupling Prime Movers Trailer Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Ensure the combination is parked on a level surface firm enough to support the trailer.
  • Inspect all the parts of a trailer for damage, wear, missing or worn safety chains and pins, loose or missing bolts or cracked or broken welds.
  • Make sure the prime mover and semi-trailer are parked in a straight line.
  • Apply the maxi brakes (park brake) on the prime mover.
  • Chock the trailer wheels if required, even if fitted with spring brakes as a safety precaution. Also chock the front axles as a precaution if necessary.
  • If uncoupling on a soft surface be sure to place timber or flat supports under the landing gear.
  • Disconnect the air hoses and electrical cables from the trailer. Stow them properly on the prime mover making sure that the connectors are kept free of water and dust, and they cannot get caught on the tail shaft.
  • Make sure air supply taps are turned off (if fitted).
  • Lower the landing gear until the supports are in contact with the ground. Ensure a visual check is conducted to make sure both legs have been lowered.
  • Release the turntable jaws. Raise the lock tab or undo the lock pin before releasing the jaws. If the release handle cannot be moved, the jaws may be under load. Take the pressure off by rocking the prime mover forward and back and then try to release again.
  • Drive Forward. Release the prime mover parking brake and slowly drive forward 10 20 cm in a straight line; dump the air bags then drive forward until the turntable is just clear of the trailer skid plate. Make sure the trailer stays put.
  • Air bag suspension of prime movers. Ensure the airbags are down prior to completely clearing the trailer. If they are still fully inflated damage may occur to the mud guards and the trailer.
  • After the prime mover has completely cleared the trailer, reset the airbags, or dump valve.
  • Before coupling the prime mover to a trailer, do the following checks
  • Check the trailer skid plate. Has the trailer got a block welded or bolted to the plate behind the kingpin? If so, is the turn table compatible and unlocked?
  • Check the skid plate, kingpin, turntable and jaws for damage.
  • Make sure the jaws are open.
  • Make sure the top of turntable is well greased or Teflon plate is not damaged on fixed turntables.
  • For trailers without a block the turntable will need to be in the locked position.
  • if possible or lower the air bags until the turntable is under the skid plate.
  • Visually inspect the trailer for protruding hazards which may cause injury.
  • Reverse the prime mover into position straight in front of the trailer. Check that the turntable and kingpin are lined up.
  • If the trailer is equipped with maxi brakes (spring brakes),the trailer brakes should be already on. If not, chocks should be used.
  • Check that the height of the trailer skid plate is slightly lower than the centre of the turntable. About 50 mm (5 cm) is ideal. If the trailer is too low, the prime mover chassis and turntable can hit the trailer front and cause damage. (Air lines, electrical connections).
  • If the trailer is too high, the jaws may rap around the bottom flange of the kingpin, causing damage or will separate (prime mover and trailer). The turntable may even pass beneath the king pin, allowing the prime mover cab or rear lights and guards to hit the trailer.
  • IF the turntable locking pins cannot be engaged (ball race)due to the profile of the turntable, dump the air bags.
  • Select low reverse, then slowly reverse the prime mover until the turn table is under the skid plate. If necessary, raise the air bags to ride height until the legs are clear of the ground. Visually check the landing legs are clear of the ground, and there is no air gap between the skid plate and the turntable.
  • Resume slow reverse under the trailer until the turntable jaws lock around the kingpin. You should hear this as the jaws close and lock into place. (Audible beeper sounds should be heard in vehicles fitted with electronic coupling devices).
  • Tug Test. Check the trailer is locked on by taking up the clutch to the friction point, in first gear (tug test). The prime mover should not move. Apply the park brake.
  • Get Out and visually check that the turntable jaws have locked on to the kingpin. Make sure the head (bottom flange) of the pin is not sitting on top of jaws. Also the trailer is sitting firmly on the turntable by checking there is no gap between the turntable and the trailer skid plate.
  • If gap is showing and the landing legs are raised, uncouple and recommence the process. If coupling has occurred without the use of the airbags, raise the landing
  • legs and recheck the gap.
  • Check that the coupling release lever is in the locked position. Some levers require a manual lock tab, this must be used to prevent the lever opening while towing. If the locking tab or the safety chain cannot be fitted, the turntable is not locked.
  • Raise the landing gear. Keep winding until fully raised.
  • Leave the landing gear engaged. Make sure the handle is properly stowed, or damage can occur.
  • If using a trailer for the first time, check the clearance movement between the prime mover (frame and wheel guards) and the trailer.Check also that there is enough clearance between the landing gear and the back of the truck frame to allow for turning.
  • Connect air hoses and electrical cables. When connecting airlines ensure the connection tabs are locked on the joiners (1/4 turn). If fitted, the shut-off valves are turned on to supply air and charge to the trailer. With prime movers with the air supply valve on the interior dash it is advisable to activate supply while the trailer check is done as this will charge the air systems on the trailer (brakes and air suspension).
  • Remove and stow wheel chocks when used.
  • Reset the air bag level. Before moving off, do a SECOND tug test by applying the trailer brakes and again taking up the friction point in first gear. This is to confirm your trailer is securely hitched and the trailer brakes are serviceable.
  • Finally as you move forward at low speed (5kph) and in a straight line, do a THIRD TUG TEST by slowly applying pressure to the trailer brake hand piece.
  • This confirms that the trailer is securely hitched, and the supply and service pressure to the trailer brakes have reached operating levels, and the trailer should dip slightly to confirm that the brakes are adjusted correctly.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.