Free Safe Operating Procedure (Earthing Stick) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Earthing Stick) Template

Working with electrical systems carries inherent, severe risks. This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Earthing Stick) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the safe use of portable earthing equipment.

An earthing stick, or insulating stick, is a critical piece of safety equipment used by qualified electrical workers to confirm that an electrical conductor is de-energised and to apply a temporary earth connection, making it safe to work on. Using a clear, documented SOP helps standardise this high-risk process, reducing the chance of catastrophic incidents like electric shock or arc flash.

A well-defined SOP ensures that every authorised worker follows the same verified steps for pre-use checks, testing, application, and removal of the earthing device. This process is a non-negotiable part of establishing an electrically safe work area and forms a critical component of robust WHS management systems. Documenting procedures is a fundamental safety principle, whether for complex electrical tasks or operating plant like a telehandler.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Earthing Stick) Template

This template is designed as a starting point. To implement it effectively, download the DOCX file and systematically work through each section.

You must adapt the content to align with your specific operational context, including the types of earthing sticks used, the voltage levels of your systems, and your organisation's existing electrical safety and permit-to-work procedures.

Important: This is a template, not a completed document. It is essential that you customise this SOP to reflect your specific workplace, equipment, risk assessments, and legal obligations.

We recommend a competent person reviews and approves the final document. The effectiveness of your safety procedures should be reviewed regularly, often as part of your internal processes or formal WHS compliance auditing activities.

Incorporate details from your own risk assessments, including specific hazards identified at your site. Consultation with your workers is a key part of developing effective SOPs.

If you are unsure how to complete a risk assessment or tailor this document, seeking professional WHS consulting is recommended to ensure your procedures are robust and fit for purpose.

When to use an Earthing Stick SOP

This Safe Operating Procedure should be referenced every time a worker needs to verify isolation and apply temporary earths to an electrical installation. It is a critical control measure used during maintenance, repair, testing, or alteration of electrical equipment that has been isolated from a power source.

The SOP is typically used in conjunction with a broader Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) or isolation procedure.

The principles of isolating equipment before maintenance are universal across all workplace equipment. A formal process ensures that machinery cannot be accidentally re-energised, a danger that exists whether working on high-voltage switchgear or a simple workshop tool like a circular saw. This SOP is specifically for the task of applying the earth, which happens after the equipment has been isolated and before physical work begins.

Who should use this SOP

The use of an earthing stick is a high-risk task that must only be performed by competent and authorised personnel. This includes licensed electricians or other electrical workers who have received specific training on the equipment and procedures for the voltage levels involved.

Untrained individuals must never attempt to use an earthing stick or work on any electrical system believed to be de-energised.

A person is deemed competent when they have the necessary training, skills, and experience to perform the task safely. Your organisation must keep records of this training and authorisation.

This formal approach to documenting procedures is a core WHS requirement for all specialised equipment, just as one would have a dedicated procedure for using a free trencher SOP in a construction setting. You can find more templates to help formalise your workplace procedures by exploring our complete free WHS resources library.