Free Safe Operating Procedure (Inspection Camera) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Inspection Camera) Template

Using an inspection camera, also known as a borescope or drain snake camera, introduces specific workplace risks that must be managed. This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Inspection Camera) Template provides a structured starting point for your business to document a safe system of work.

An effective SOP is a key administrative control that outlines step-by-step instructions for performing a task safely. It helps operators understand the potential hazards and the control measures required to mitigate them, such as electrical shock, ergonomic strains from handling equipment, and exposure to biological or chemical contaminants in pipes and cavities.

By formalising your procedures, you create a consistent, repeatable process that reduces the likelihood of incidents and supports worker training. This document serves as a practical tool to help meet your duties under Australian WHS legislation, which requires a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to provide and maintain a safe work environment.

While this template provides a solid foundation, developing robust safety protocols is a core part of creating comprehensive WHS management systems that protect your team and your business.

How to Use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Inspection Camera) Template

This template is designed for immediate use and customisation. Available in both DOCX and PDF formats, you can download it and begin editing to suit your specific operational needs.

The document is structured logically, covering sections for required PPE, pre-operational checks, step-by-step operating procedures, and post-operational tasks. To use it effectively, you must adapt the content to reflect the exact models of inspection cameras your team uses, the specific environments they work in (e.g., commercial plumbing, HVAC, automotive), and any unique site hazards they may encounter.

Important: It is crucial to remember that this template is a starting point. We have developed it to be customised for your specific workplace, equipment models, and operational context.

A generic SOP that doesn't reflect your actual work practices will not be effective in managing risk. For tasks involving complex machinery, you might also require procedures for other equipment, such as our Free Air Compressor SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template, which is often used on the same work sites.

When to Use It

A Safe Operating Procedure for an inspection camera should be integrated into your daily workflow and safety management processes. It is not a document to be filed away and forgotten.

Use it during worker induction and onboarding to provide clear initial instruction. It should also be a central resource for task-specific training and regular refresher courses to ensure ongoing competence.

Furthermore, the SOP should be readily accessible in the work area for quick reference by operators before they begin a task. Following any incident, near miss, or change in equipment or process, the SOP must be reviewed and updated to incorporate any new learnings or control measures. Regular reviews are essential to ensure the procedure remains relevant and effective, a process often formalised through scheduled WHS compliance auditing.

Who Should Use It

This SOP template is intended for a range of personnel within an organisation. WHS Managers and Safety Officers can use it to establish and standardise safe work methods as part of the broader safety framework.

Supervisors and Team Leaders are responsible for implementing the SOP, using it to train their workers and monitor compliance on the ground. They must ensure that all operators have read, understood, and signed off on the procedure before being authorised to use the equipment.

Finally, the operators of the inspection cameras are the primary end-users. The SOP gives them clear, unambiguous instructions to follow, empowering them to work safely and identify when conditions deviate from the established procedure.

This approach fosters a positive safety culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. For other specialised tasks, you can find more procedural documents in our free WHS resources library to support your team.

Similarly, documenting procedures for equipment like trenching machinery using a resource such as our FREE Trencher SOP Template follows the same safety-first principle.