Free Safe Operating Procedure (Glass Lifter) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Glass Lifter) Template

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Glass Lifter) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the essential safety steps required to operate vacuum or mechanical glass lifters. Using this equipment introduces significant risks, including falling glass panels, crushing injuries, and equipment failure.

A documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) is a critical tool for any organisation to manage these hazards effectively. It serves as a foundational document for worker training, competency assessment, and risk management, helping to ensure tasks are performed consistently and safely every time.

By clearly defining pre-operational checks, step-by-step operating instructions, and emergency responses, this SOP helps meet your duty of care under Australian WHS legislation. It forms an integral part of a broader safety framework, demonstrating a commitment to proactive risk control.

Implementing a thorough SOP is a key component of robust WHS management systems, providing clarity for operators and supervisors alike.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Glass Lifter) Template

This document is a comprehensive starting point, designed to be adapted to your specific operational context. It is not a ready-to-use, document out of the box.

To implement it correctly, you must conduct a site-specific risk assessment and consult with your team.

Important: This resource is a template that we have created to be a starting point. You must customise it to reflect the specific glass lifter models, tasks, environment, and control measures unique to your workplace.

To correctly use this template:

• Download the DOCX file and add your company name, logo, and other relevant details.
• Review each section and modify the content to align with the specific make and model of the glass lifter(s) used on your site.
• In consultation with operators and supervisors, detail the unique hazards and control measures present in your work environment (e.g., uneven ground, overhead power lines, wind conditions).
• Add any site-specific emergency procedures, contact numbers, and communication protocols.
• Have the final document reviewed and approved by a competent person within your organisation.
• Use the finalised SOP as a primary tool for training workers, ensuring they read, understand, and sign off on it before operating the equipment.
• Schedule regular reviews and updates as part of your ongoing safety management processes.

When to use a Safe Operating Procedure

An SOP for a glass lifter should be used as a constant reference point for safe work. It is essential in several key situations, including during the induction of new employees who will operate the machinery and for refresher training for existing staff to prevent complacency.

The document should also be referenced when planning any high-risk lifting operations. For complex lifts, such as those involving a FREE Telehandler SOP Template, both procedures should be consulted together.

Furthermore, this SOP is a vital resource following any incident, near-miss, or equipment malfunction. It provides a baseline against which behaviour and procedures can be audited, helping to identify gaps in your safety system.

Regular reviews prompted by these events ensure the SOP remains relevant and effective. This process of continual improvement can be verified through formal WHS compliance auditing.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP is intended for several key roles within an organisation to ensure a multi-layered approach to safety.

• Operators: The primary users of the SOP. They must understand and follow the specified procedures for pre-start checks, operation, and shutdown to perform their work safely.
• Supervisors and Line Managers: Responsible for ensuring that operators are trained on the SOP and that its procedures are consistently followed on-site. They use it as a tool for monitoring work and enforcing safety standards.
• WHS Managers and Advisors: Use the SOP as part of the overall risk management framework. They are often responsible for developing, reviewing, and updating the document in line with legislative changes and organisational needs.
• Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs): The ultimate responsibility lies with the PCBU to provide a safe system of work. A well-implemented SOP is direct evidence of fulfilling this duty.

Using other related procedures, such as a FREE Step Ladder SOP Template for tasks associated with preparing the work area, ensures a holistic approach to safety on site. Having clear procedures for all equipment, no matter how simple, is fundamental to a strong safety culture.

For more guidance, browse our complete free WHS resources library for templates covering a wide range of plant and equipment.