Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airfield Lighting Work) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airfield Lighting Work) Template

Working on airfield lighting systems involves a unique combination of electrical, height, and vehicle movement risks, all within a highly regulated environment. To help manage these complexities, Spire Safety offers this free Safe Operating Procedure (Airfield Lighting Work) template.

This document provides a structured framework for outlining the step-by-step process for performing tasks safely, ensuring all personnel understand the required controls. It is designed as a starting point, aligned with Australian WHS principles, for you to adapt to your specific site requirements and operational procedures.

A well-developed Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) is a critical component of a compliant safety framework. It serves as a practical tool for hazard identification and risk control, specifically for tasks involving aeronautical ground lighting (AGL).

Using this template helps standardise work methods, reduce the risk of incidents, and provides a clear reference for training and competency verification. Integrating this SOP into your broader safety framework helps build a more robust and effective WHS management system.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airfield Lighting Work) Template

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. Download the DOCX file to edit and tailor the content to your business.

You must conduct a thorough risk assessment for each airfield lighting task and incorporate the specific findings into the procedure. This includes identifying all potential hazards, assessing their risk levels, and documenting the precise control measures to be implemented.

Controls may range from specific isolation procedures and PPE requirements to communication protocols with air traffic control.

IMPORTANT: This is a template only. You must customise it to reflect the specific hazards, equipment, personnel, and control measures relevant to your workplace and operations.

Spire Safety is not responsible for the outcomes of any documentation you produce from this template. After customisation, the SOP should be reviewed by competent persons and approved before implementation.

Regular reviews and updates are essential, and a formal WHS compliance audit can verify that your documented procedures are being effectively applied in practice.

Key Elements to Include

When customising this SOP, ensure you address the following critical areas:

• Scope of Work: Clearly define the tasks covered by the procedure (e.g., runway edge light replacement, taxiway sign maintenance, constant current regulator checks).
• Responsibilities: Outline the specific safety duties of each role, from the qualified electrician to the safety observer and site supervisor.
• PPE Requirements: List all mandatory personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, electrical gloves, and eye protection.
• Plant and Equipment: Specify the equipment to be used and the pre-start checks required, whether it's a simple toolbox or larger machinery. Transport of materials may require adherence to a separate body truck SOP.
• Step-by-Step Procedure: Detail the work sequence from start to finish, including site setup, securing work areas, lockout-tagout (LOTO) for electrical isolation, the work itself, and cleanup.
• FOD Control: Foreign Object Debris is a major risk. Document the procedures for tool accountability and meticulous worksite cleaning to prevent any debris from being left on the airfield.
• Communication Protocols: Define the requirements for communicating with airport operations or air traffic control, including call signs and procedures for gaining access to and exiting movement areas.
• Emergency Procedures: Outline the steps to take in case of an electrical shock, injury, vehicle incident, or other emergency.

When to Use This Safe Operating Procedure

An SOP for airfield lighting work should be used as a primary reference document before, during, and after the task. It is a critical tool for pre-start meetings, allowing teams to review the work plan, potential hazards, and safety controls together.

It should also be used for inducting and training new workers or subcontractors who will be involved in these specialised tasks. Following an incident or a near miss, the SOP should be reviewed as part of the investigation to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. For other common but hazardous tasks, you can find more templates in our free WHS resources library.

Who Should Use It

This document is intended for use by all personnel involved in the planning, supervision, and execution of airfield lighting maintenance and installation. This includes Qualified Electricians, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers, Site Supervisors, and WHS Advisors.

Workers, including apprentices and trade assistants, must be trained in the SOP's content to ensure they understand the risks and the safety measures they are required to follow. For tasks that involve working at heights, even at low levels, personnel should also be familiar with the procedures in a relevant step ladder SOP.

Effectively implementing a site-specific SOP demonstrates a commitment to managing risk in a high-consequence environment. If you need assistance developing comprehensive, site-specific safety documentation that goes beyond this template, consider engaging professional WHS consulting services to ensure your systems are practical and robust.