A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a written set of step-by-step instructions for a specific task or piece of equipment. On a farm, that might be operating a header, mixing chemicals, loading livestock, or maintaining irrigation pumps.
When do you need one? Any task that carries a real risk of injury, or one where a worker could cause harm by doing it wrong, should have an SOP. Under WHS law, you have a duty to give workers the information, training and supervision they need to work safely. A well-written SOP is part of meeting that duty.
Fill in the fields in [brackets] to make this template your own. Keep a copy with the relevant machinery or in your WHS file, and make sure workers have actually read it before they start.
HEADLAND.
Standard Operating Procedure
[Task / Equipment Name]
| SOP Number | [e.g. SOP-001] |
| Version | [e.g. 1.0] |
| Date Issued | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Review Date | [DD/MM/YYYY — recommend 12 months or when task/equipment changes] |
| Task / Equipment | [e.g. Operating a front-end loader / Mixing and applying herbicide] |
| Training Requirement | [e.g. Must hold current licence / Induction required before first use / Supervised until sign-off] |
| Applicable Operations | [e.g. Cropping / Livestock / Horticulture / All operations] |
Potential Hazards
- [e.g. Rollover or tip on uneven ground]
- [e.g. Crush injury from moving parts]
- [e.g. Chemical exposure / splash / inhalation]
- [e.g. Entanglement with PTO or belt drives]
- [e.g. Working alone with no check-in procedure]
- [e.g. Add further hazards specific to this task]
Required PPE
Head Protection
Eye Protection
Hearing Protection
Gloves
Hi-Vis
Safety Footwear
Rules at a Glance
Always
- [e.g. Conduct a pre-operational check before use]
- [e.g. Wear all required PPE at all times]
- [e.g. Notify your supervisor of any fault or near-miss]
- [e.g. Check in with someone if working alone]
- [e.g. Add further always rules for this task]
Never
- [e.g. Operate this equipment under the influence of alcohol or drugs]
- [e.g. Bypass or remove guarding]
- [e.g. Leave equipment unattended while running]
- [e.g. Allow untrained persons to operate without supervision]
- [e.g. Add further never rules for this task]
Procedure
Pre-Operational Checks
- [e.g. Inspect for visible damage, leaks, or worn parts before starting]
- [e.g. Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid as applicable)]
- [e.g. Confirm all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning]
- [e.g. Check the work area is clear of bystanders and obstructions]
- [e.g. Confirm you have the required PPE and it is in good condition]
Operational Steps
- [e.g. Step 1 — describe the first action in plain language]
- [e.g. Step 2 — describe the next action]
- [e.g. Step 3 — include any key safety checks mid-task]
- [e.g. Step 4 — note any actions that must be done in a specific order]
- [e.g. Step 5 — continue until you have covered the full task]
Shutdown and Storing
- [e.g. Bring equipment to a complete stop before dismounting or making adjustments]
- [e.g. Engage any park/storage settings as per manufacturer instructions]
- [e.g. Clean down as required and dispose of any waste correctly]
- [e.g. Store in the designated location, secured if required]
- [e.g. Record hours, any issues noted, or maintenance required in the equipment log]
Emergency Procedures
- [e.g. In the event of injury: call 000. Do not move the person unless in immediate danger.]
- [e.g. Location of nearest first aid kit: [specify]]
- [e.g. First aid officer on site: [Name] — contact [number]]
- [e.g. In the event of chemical spill: follow SDS containment instructions. Notify supervisor immediately.]
- [e.g. Report all incidents and near-misses in writing on the same day using the incident report form.]
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Managers / Property Owners | [e.g. Ensure this SOP is available to all workers who perform this task. Review and update when tasks, equipment, or risks change. Ensure adequate training is provided and documented.] |
| Supervisors | [e.g. Ensure workers have read and understood this SOP before commencing work. Monitor compliance. Respond promptly to reported hazards or incidents.] |
| Workers | [e.g. Follow this procedure at all times. Wear required PPE. Report any hazards, near-misses, or incidents to your supervisor on the same day.] |
Key Behaviours
- [e.g. If something doesn't look right, stop and check before continuing]
- [e.g. Never assume a fault will fix itself or is someone else's problem]
- [e.g. Ask for help if you're unsure — it's not a sign of weakness, it's good sense]
- [e.g. Look out for the person next to you as much as yourself]
- [e.g. Add further key behaviours relevant to this operation]
Tools and Resources
[e.g. Equipment manufacturer manual]
[e.g. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for [chemical name]]
[e.g. Site emergency response plan]
[e.g. Plant and equipment maintenance log]
[e.g. Incident report form]
[e.g. Add further reference documents]
Document Control
Prepared by
[Name and role]
Approved by
[Name and role]
Date approved
[DD/MM/YYYY]
Next review date
[DD/MM/YYYY]
Version history
[v1.0 — initial issue]
Document location
[Where this document is stored / filed]
Before you use this template: customise all fields in [brackets] to match your operation. Review and update it whenever the task, equipment, or risk profile changes.