Free Safe Operating Procedure (Total Station) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Total Station) Template

Operating a total station requires precision and an awareness of surrounding hazards. This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Total Station) Template provides a structured starting point for documenting the essential health and safety steps for this task.

A well-drafted Safe Operating Procedure helps to control risks associated with manual handling, trip hazards from tripod legs, environmental exposure, and working near mobile plant or traffic. It formalises your process, ensuring that every operator follows a consistent, safe method for setup, operation, and pack-down.

Implementing task-specific SOPs is a fundamental part of building robust WHS management systems. It demonstrates a commitment to proactive risk management and provides a clear reference for training and supervision. By documenting the approved procedure, you reduce the likelihood of errors that could lead to costly rework or, more importantly, a workplace incident.

It also ensures that safety controls are communicated effectively throughout your organisation.

Hazards Associated with Total Station Use

• Musculoskeletal Injury: Lifting and carrying the instrument and accessories can cause strains and sprains if not done correctly.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Tripod legs create a significant trip hazard for the operator and others in the vicinity. Working on uneven or slippery ground increases the risk of falls.
• Struck-by Hazards: Surveyors often work near moving vehicles, mobile plant, or in areas with overhead activity.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to sun, heat, cold, rain, and insects can lead to illness or injury.
• Public Interface: Working in public spaces can introduce risks from pedestrians, cyclists, and other unexpected interactions.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Total Station) Template

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX file is fully editable, allowing you to adapt it to the specific context of your workplace, the models of total station you use, and any unique site hazards.

It is crucial that you tailor this document to your own operations and risk profile.

Note: We have created this document as a guide. You must customise it to reflect the actual equipment, personnel, and procedures in your business.

Generic safety documents are not sufficient for demonstrating compliance; they must be made specific to your work environment. If you need assistance with this customisation process, our WHS consulting team can provide expert guidance.

For complex project sites, you may need to integrate this SOP with other documents, such as a FREE Trencher SOP Template, to manage interactions between different work groups and ensure a holistic approach to site safety.

When to use a Total Station Safe Operating Procedure

A Safe Operating Procedure for a total station should be a core part of your daily workflow and safety management processes. It should be used as a primary reference during the planning phase of any surveying task to ensure all safety measures are considered before work begins.

It also serves as an essential training document for new employees or those unfamiliar with the specific equipment being used.

The SOP should also be reviewed during pre-start meetings or toolbox talks to refresh workers' knowledge of the risks and controls. Following any incident, near miss, or change in working conditions, the SOP must be reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Regular reviews are a key component of due diligence and can be verified through processes like WHS compliance auditing.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP is designed for use by a range of personnel within an organisation. Primarily, it is for the surveyors and field technicians who physically operate the total station.

They must understand and follow the documented steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.

Supervisors and site managers should use the SOP to oversee work, verify correct procedures are being followed, and conduct safety observations or inspections. WHS advisors and managers can use it as a foundational document for risk assessments, training development, and incident investigations. Fostering a strong safety culture involves providing accessible and practical tools for all workers, many of which can be found in our free WHS resources library.