Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airside Vehicle Driving) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airside Vehicle Driving) Template

Operating vehicles in an airside environment presents unique and significant risks. This free Safe Operating Procedure (Airside Vehicle Driving) template provides a structured starting point for organisations to document the required steps for operating vehicles safely within aerodromes, near aircraft, and on taxiways and aprons.

Its primary purpose is to establish a clear, documented process that minimises the risk of incidents, such as collisions with aircraft, ground support equipment, or personnel. By outlining specific controls, communication protocols, and emergency responses, this SOP helps ensure all vehicle operations are conducted in a predictable and safe manner.

This document is designed to assist your Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) in meeting their primary duty of care under WHS legislation. It helps formalise procedures for pre-operational checks, situational awareness, adherence to airport-specific rules, and communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or ground control.

A well-developed SOP is a critical administrative control that forms part of a broader safety framework. Similar to how our free Body Truck SOP template outlines controls for road-based heavy vehicles, this document focuses on the specialised airside context.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Airside Vehicle Driving) Template

This document is a foundational template that must be customised to your specific operational environment. After downloading the DOCX or PDF file, you should conduct a detailed risk assessment of your airside vehicle activities.

Use the findings to populate and adapt each section of the template. This includes detailing the types of vehicles used, the specific layout of the aerodrome, local speed limits, right-of-way rules, and required communication frequencies or call signs.

All personnel who operate vehicles airside must be trained on the final, approved procedure.

It's crucial to remember that this document is a template. We've designed it to be a starting point, but you must customise it to reflect the specific vehicles, aerodrome layouts, local procedures, and risks present in your workplace.

Integrate it into your comprehensive WHS management system to ensure it aligns with your overall safety policies and objectives. The effectiveness of any SOP relies on its site-specific accuracy and diligent implementation.

What is included in this Safe Operating Procedure?

This SOP template provides a comprehensive structure covering key aspects of airside vehicle safety. It includes sections for:

• Documenting required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as high-visibility clothing.
• Outlining pre-operational checks specific to airside vehicles, including lights, beacons, and communication equipment.
• A step-by-step guide for performing the driving task safely, covering procedures for entering and operating in controlled movement areas.
• Emergency procedures, including actions to take in case of vehicle breakdown, communication failure, or incident.
• A section for listing required training and competencies, such as an Airside Driving Authority (ADA).

When to use a Safe Operating Procedure for Airside Driving

An SOP for airside vehicle driving should be used whenever a worker is required to operate any form of vehicle within the boundaries of an aerodrome's airside area. This includes service roads, aprons, taxiways, and any area where interaction with aircraft is possible.

It is a critical document for daily operations, induction of new drivers, and refresher training. It also serves as an essential reference during safety briefings and a benchmark for performance monitoring.

For other types of mobile plant, you may require a separate Telehandler SOP or procedure for different equipment.

This procedure should be readily accessible to all relevant personnel, including drivers, supervisors, and safety managers. It becomes a key reference document during incident investigations and safety audits.

Implementing and enforcing this SOP is a proactive measure to manage the high-consequence risks associated with the complex and dynamic airside environment. Regular reviews and updates are necessary, especially after any changes to airport layout, procedures, or vehicle fleet.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This template is intended for use by anyone responsible for safety and operations in an aviation context. This includes Airport Operators, Ground Handling Agents, Freight and Logistics companies, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organisations, and any other business operating vehicles airside. Key personnel who will use and benefit from this document include:

• WHS Managers and Safety Officers: To develop and implement formal safety procedures as part of their risk management duties.
• Operations Managers and Supervisors: To ensure their teams have clear instructions and to enforce safe work practices on a daily basis.
• Vehicle Operators: As a primary reference for understanding the correct, safe method for performing their duties and responding to non-standard situations.
• Training Coordinators: To develop training materials and competency assessments based on a standardised, approved procedure.

Ultimately, this SOP is a tool for the PCBU to demonstrate how it is managing risks. The final document serves as evidence of a systematic approach to safety, which can be verified through processes like regular WHS compliance auditing. For more guides and templates on other workplace hazards, explore our free WHS resources library.