Free Safe Operating Procedure (Passenger Stairs) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Passenger Stairs) Template

Passenger stairs, whether motorised or towable, are essential equipment in aviation and transport industries. However, their operation introduces significant risks, including falls from height, slips and trips, equipment failure, and collisions.

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Passenger Stairs) Template provides a structured framework to document the required steps for safe operation, helping your organisation manage these hazards effectively. Implementing a clear SOP is a fundamental step in protecting workers and passengers from harm.

A documented Safe Operating Procedure demonstrates a commitment to systematic safety management. It provides a reliable reference for training, serves as a standard for performance, and helps standardise work practices across different shifts and teams.

Integrating this procedure into your broader WHS management systems ensures that operational safety is consistently addressed and improved upon, aligning with Australian workplace health and safety expectations.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Passenger Stairs) Template

This downloadable DOCX and PDF file is a comprehensive starting point, designed to be adapted to your specific operational context. To use this template effectively, you must identify the unique aspects of your workplace, including the exact models of passenger stairs in use, the environment they are operated in (e.g., tarmac conditions, lighting), and the specific tasks your workers perform.

The document is pre-formatted with key sections that guide you through this customisation process.

Key areas for customisation include:

• PPE Requirements: Specify mandatory personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and gloves.
• Risk Assessment Details: Reference your site-specific risk assessment for operating passenger stairs.
• Pre-Operational Checks: Detail the daily inspection checklist for brakes, hydraulics, guardrails, stability jacks, and emergency systems.
• Operating Steps: Outline the step-by-step process for approaching the aircraft, docking, securing, and retracting the stairs.
• Emergency Procedures: Document procedures for equipment malfunction, emergency lowering, and evacuation.

Please note: We have designed this template as a foundational document. You must customise it with your specific site details, machinery models, identified hazards, and control measures to ensure it is relevant and effective for your workplace. Once customised, regular reviews and updates are crucial for maintaining its relevance, a process often verified through WHS compliance auditing.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

A Safe Operating Procedure for passenger stairs should be the primary reference document for all related work activities. It is not a document to be filed away; it is an active tool for daily safety.

It should be used during worker inductions, task-specific training, and for refresher courses to ensure ongoing competency. Supervisors can use it to conduct observations and verify that correct procedures are being followed on the ground.

The SOP should also be reviewed and referenced following any incident or near-miss, or when changes occur, such as the introduction of a new type of aircraft or ground support equipment. For businesses that operate various pieces of machinery on the tarmac, consistency in documentation is key; for example, your passenger stairs SOP should complement other procedures like your conveyer system SOP to create a cohesive safety framework for all ground handling tasks.

Who should use it

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for all personnel involved with passenger stairs. This includes:

• Ground Crew and Ramp Agents: The primary operators who need to understand every step of the procedure, from pre-checks to positioning and removal.
• Maintenance Staff: Personnel responsible for inspecting, servicing, and repairing the equipment according to manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders: Those responsible for overseeing operations, providing training, and ensuring procedures are consistently followed.
• WHS Managers and Personnel: Individuals who develop, implement, and review safety systems and need to ensure operational procedures align with the organisation's overall WHS policy.

Essentially, anyone whose work requires them to operate, work near, or supervise the use of passenger stairs must be trained and competent in the contents of the finalised SOP. This principle applies to all specialised equipment, and you may find our FREE Telehandler SOP Template useful for other ground support vehicles.

If you require assistance tailoring this document or developing a suite of SOPs for your operations, our team of specialists can provide expert WHS consulting services. For more templates and safety guides, feel free to browse our complete free WHS resources library.