Free Safe Operating Procedure (Ground Equipment Staging) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Ground Equipment Staging) Template

This free Safe Operating Procedure (Ground Equipment Staging) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the required steps to safely position vehicles, servicing equipment, and other plant around an aircraft. Ground equipment staging is a high-risk activity common in aviation, transport, and logistics, where precision is critical to prevent costly damage to aircraft and, more importantly, to protect ground crew from harm.

A formal SOP ensures that all personnel follow a consistent, safe, and efficient process, minimising the risks of collision, personal injury, and operational delays.

Developing a robust SOP is a fundamental component of a proactive safety culture. It serves as a key document within broader WHS management systems, demonstrating a commitment to risk management and operational excellence.

This template helps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meet their primary duty of care by providing clear, written instructions for a hazardous task, forming the basis for effective worker training and supervision.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Ground Equipment Staging) Template

This template is designed as a starting point, aligned with Australian WHS principles. To make it effective, you must adapt it to the specific context of your operations.

Start by downloading the DOCX file and adding your company branding. Then, methodically work through each section, detailing the unique aspects of your workplace.

This includes specifying the types of aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) involved, defining exclusion zones, outlining communication protocols (including radio use and hand signals), and listing the required personal protective equipment (PPE).

A generic procedure is not sufficient for compliance or safety. For example, the staging process for a small regional aircraft will differ significantly from that for a large wide-body jet.

Likewise, if your operations involve specific plant, you should develop detailed procedures for that equipment, such as our free telehandler SOP template. We have created this document as a guide; you must complete it with your site-specific information, consult with your workers during the drafting process, and secure the necessary sign-offs from management before implementation.

When to use it

A Safe Operating Procedure for ground equipment staging should be used consistently as a reference and training tool. It is essential for inducting and training new ground crew, ensuring they understand the approved methods from day one.

It should also be a central document for pre-start meetings or toolbox talks before any staging operation begins, serving as a reminder of key risks and controls. Furthermore, the SOP should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after an incident, when new equipment or aircraft types are introduced, or following a change in the operating environment.

Regular reviews ensure the procedure remains relevant and effective. This process can be supported by formal assessments to verify that the documented steps are being followed correctly in practice.

Engaging a third party for WHS compliance auditing can provide an objective evaluation of your procedures and their implementation, identifying any gaps between the documented SOP and actual work practices.

Who should use it

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for use by multiple roles within an organisation. Operations Managers and WHS Advisors will use it to establish and document the standard for safe work.

Supervisors and Team Leaders are responsible for implementing the SOP, training their teams, and ensuring adherence on the ground. Most importantly, the ground crew, equipment operators, and marshallers who perform the staging tasks must be thoroughly familiar with the procedure and follow it meticulously.

Competency is key, and this SOP is a tool for achieving it. Any worker operating equipment around an aircraft, whether it's a belt loader, a fuel truck, or even simple access equipment like that covered in a step ladder SOP, must be trained on the relevant procedures.

Documenting these steps ensures everyone has a clear and unified understanding of their roles and responsibilities. For related ground maintenance tasks that might occur nearby, other specific procedures like a dozer SOP may also be required to manage simultaneous operations.

This document is one of many available from Spire Safety. For more templates, checklists, and guides, browse our complete free WHS resources library.