Free Safe Operating Procedure (Static Line Use) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Static Line Use) Template

Working at height presents one of the most significant risks in many Australian industries. A static line system is a common and effective control measure for preventing falls, but its safety relies on correct installation, inspection, and use.

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Static Line Use) Template provides a structured starting point for documenting the required safety protocols for your workplace. It is designed to help a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) fulfil their primary duty of care by formalising the steps for pre-use checks, equipment setup, correct usage, and emergency planning related to static lines.

A documented SOP ensures that all workers follow a consistent, safe method for every task involving the system, reducing the chance of human error. It serves as a critical training resource for inductions and refresher courses, and acts as a foundation for building robust WHS management systems that proactively manage high-risk activities.

Using this template helps translate legislative requirements and Australian Standards into practical, actionable steps for your team.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Static Line Use) Template

This template is available for download in both DOCX and PDF formats. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to adapt it to your specific operational needs.

To use the template effectively, you must review and customise each section to reflect the unique conditions of your site, the specific type of static line system in use (e.g., permanent vs. temporary), and the competency levels of your workers.

Important: This is a template, not a finished document. We have included placeholder text and prompts to guide you.

You must replace these with information specific to your business, including details about your equipment, fall clearance calculations, inspection schedules, and site-specific emergency and rescue plans. If you need assistance in tailoring this document or implementing it effectively, our WHS consulting services can provide expert guidance.

When to use a Static Line SOP

A Safe Operating Procedure for static line use should be developed, implemented, and reviewed before any work at height commences where such a system is the primary means of fall protection. It is not a document to be filed away; it is an active tool for daily use.

It should be readily accessible to all relevant personnel, including supervisors and workers, at the point of work.

This SOP is essential for:

• Training and inducting new workers on fall arrest systems.
• Conducting pre-start meetings and task-specific risk assessments.
• Providing a clear reference for workers during tasks like roof plumbing, solar panel installation, or façade maintenance.
• Supervising high-risk work to ensure procedures are being followed correctly.
• Periodic refresher training to maintain worker competency.

For complex tasks that involve multiple high-risk activities, this SOP should be used alongside other relevant procedures. For instance, accessing a roof area with a specialised piece of plant would require referencing both this document and a specific telehandler SOP to ensure all stages of the job are covered.

Who should use it

This template is designed for use by anyone responsible for workplace safety and the direct management of work at height. This includes:

• WHS Managers and Safety Officers: To develop and integrate the SOP into the broader safety management system.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders: To train their teams, enforce the procedure, and conduct pre-use inspections.
• Workers: As a guide for safely performing their duties and understanding their responsibilities when using a static line.
• PCBUs and Directors: To ensure they have a formal system in place to manage the risks associated with falls from height.

The effectiveness of any SOP depends on its consistent application and regular review. The procedure should be reviewed whenever there is a change in equipment or work methods, or after an incident.

Regular safety checks, which can be validated through formal WHS compliance auditing, ensure the procedures remain relevant and effective over time. Workers performing a variety of tasks at height, such as those doing hot work, should use this in conjunction with other task-specific documents like an Oxy Acetylene SOP. For more templates and safety guides, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library.