Value pack · 6 templatesPart of Furniture Removals

Shipping Container Unloading

SWMS · SWMS-10226

10 job steps
Version 2

This SWMS covers the safe and efficient unloading of goods and equipment from inside shipping containers. It sets out the hazards and controls for the unique risks of container unloading, to protect your workers and comply with Australian regulations.

It takes your crew through each step, from work area set-up and environmental considerations to opening containers, forklift operation, pallet jacks and trolleys, unpacking sheet material, completion, and emergency response. Forklift operation and completion are marked as high-risk construction work.

It suits businesses and workers in the logistics, construction and warehousing sectors, particularly those responsible for unloading shipping containers.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

Shipping Container Unloading

SWMSVersion 2

Company doing the work: [Company]
Business contact and phone: —
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work): —
Responsible person's phone: —
Responsible person's signature: —
Date signed: —

Principal Contractor (PC): —
PC Address: —
PC phone: —
Date SWMS provided to PC: —
Job Site Address: —
Part of a construction project: —

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the construction project.

High-risk construction work (HRCW)

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW – identified in the Job Task column)

Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
Traffic CorridorsWork carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor

Planning and preparation

Planning/preparation

Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures
Establish supervisory and communication arrangements
Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work.

(specify the hold points)

Training/licence

All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card
Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.
Trained First Aider on site
All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs
Attend all site inductions/briefings
Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)
Only carry out work related to the contract
Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitor/review

All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences
SWMS to be reviewed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident
If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit
People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP
Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS
The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS
SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review
Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident
Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Foot Protection
High Visibility
Seat Belt

Job steps, hazards and controls

Work activityHRCW
Work area set-up
- Hazard
  Container placement
  Before controls3 High
  Controls
  - Set containers on flat area to prevent rollover and content shifts.
  - Prioritise secure locations for container placement; use barriers and signage to limit access if security isn't achievable.
  - Ensure ample space for unpacking activities.
  - Keep the container away from overhead electric wires.
  After controls2 Moderate
  Responsible
  - Operatorto ensure control measures followed
- Hazard
  Traffic/public access
  Before controls3 High
  Controls
  - If loading/unloading/setting-up roadside – comply with local laws and permits
  - Barricading controls are implemented and authorised as part of the safe work system to protect people from hazards
  - Establish exclusion zones to stop people from entering the area
  - Signage in place to caution people not to enter
  - Public footpath or roadway exclusion zone:
    Seek approval from the relevant authority; safely direct people to an alternative footpath where required
    Lane closures and other operations requiring barricades and signs must meet local road traffic authority, local government authorities' requirements
  - Use a spotter as required - designate a responsible person for controlling the immediate area where the operation is occurring
  - Responsible person to authorise entry into the area
  - The barricade must be far enough to keep observers safe.
  After controls2 Moderate
  Responsible
  - Operatorto ensure control measures followed

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

Work activity
Environment
Manage noise, spills and weather
Work activity
House keeping
Keep the work area clean and free of slip and trip hazards
Work activity
Manual tasks
Reduce the strain of manual tasks
Work activity
Opening containers
Open the container doors safely and manage chemical exposure
Work activity
Forklift operation
Operate the forklift safely around pedestrians
Work activity
Using pallet jacks and trolleys
Use pallet jacks and trolleys without dropping or striking
Work activity
Unpacking sheet material
Unpack sheet material securely
Work activity
On completion
Make equipment safe, clean up and secure the container
Work activity
Emergency response
Respond to injuries and emergencies

Permits

Plant and equipment

Hazardous substances

Supervisory arrangements

SWMS Sign-off

This SWMS developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant organisation representatives. I have read the above SWMS, and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including risk control measures, safe work instructions, and PPE described.

Worker’s name	Job role / positione.g. supervisor, worker, trainee	Licences, competencies & qualificationsType / descriptionClassNumber	Date	Signature
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)

Hierarchy of controls

Risk matrix

	Criteria	Description

Likelihood ↑	InsignificantNo effect, or so minor that the effect is acceptable	MinorMinor first aid treatment, minimal business disruption, minimal environmental effect	ModerateSerious injuries, medium business interruption, medium environmental impact	MajorExtensive injuries or fatality, significant business interruption, environmental harm, prosecution	CatastrophicMultiple permanent disabilities or fatalities, business failure, substantial environmental harm, prosecution or imprisonment
	Consequence →
Almost certainExpected in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
LikelyWill probably occur in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
PossibleCould possibly occur at some time	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
UnlikelyUnlikely but possible	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
RareHighly unlikely to occur	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High

1 LowRecord and monitor. Proceed with work, and review the risks regularly.
2 ModerateMaintain control measures. Be cautious when working, and monitor and review regularly.
3 HighReview before commencing work. Introduce new controls or maintain high-level controls to lower the risk level, and monitor the controls frequently.
4 AcuteDo not proceed until the risk level is reduced. Immediately introduce high-level controls, and re-assess before proceeding.

9 more job steps, from Environment to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

10 job steps

Work area set-upPlace the container safely and control access
EnvironmentManage noise, spills and weather
House keepingKeep the work area clean and free of slip and trip hazards
Manual tasksReduce the strain of manual tasks
Opening containersOpen the container doors safely and manage chemical exposure
Forklift operationOperate the forklift safely around pedestrians
Using pallet jacks and trolleysUse pallet jacks and trolleys without dropping or striking
Unpacking sheet materialUnpack sheet material securely
On completionMake equipment safe, clean up and secure the container
Emergency responseRespond to injuries and emergencies

Shipping Container Unloading

Site management plan

High-risk construction work (HRCW)