Road-Rail Excavator Operations SWMS
Road-rail excavator (Hi-Rail) operation covers rail-corridor maintenance work, on/off-rail mode transitions, network access permits, signalling protection, and integrated rail/road plant safety controls.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Road-rail excavator (Hi-Rail) operations involve rail corridor maintenance, on/off-rail mode transitions, network access permits and integrated rail/road plant controls. This work triggers SWMS requirements under WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 1 as High Risk Construction Work due to rail corridor exposure, live traffic proximity and mobile plant interaction.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Fatal collision with worker or plant
Plant rollover, crush injury, network damage
Struck-by injury to workers or motorists
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Obtain network access permit and engage qualified Protection Officer with absolute signal blocking before entry.
- 2Conduct on/off-rail transitions only at designated access points using manufacturer procedure and competent operator.
- 3Establish exclusion zones, traffic management plan and spotters separating plant from live road traffic.
- 4Pre-start inspect rail gear, hydraulic locks and audible/visual warning devices before each shift.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Defines HRCW triggering mandatory SWMS for rail corridor work
Hi-Rail plant registration, inspection and operational requirements
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Hi-Rail operates within active rail corridor and adjacent live road traffic environments.
Excavator operates alongside trains, road vehicles and other rail maintenance plant simultaneously.
Operating without compliant SWMS attracts penalties up to $36,225 (individual).
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template tailored to road-rail excavator operations
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule covering all Australian jurisdictions
- ✓Hazard register with rail corridor and mobile plant risk ratings
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation and acknowledgement
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 sections 19 and 20 (PCBU duties)
- Rail Safety National Law 2012
- WHS Regulation 2025 Part 6.3 (Construction Work)