FREE Front End Loader SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Front End Loader SOP Template:
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Purpose of a Front End Loader SOP
Front end loader SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for front end loader use. Front end loader SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
Front end loader SOPs should be communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use Front end loader SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with front end loader SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Front end loader SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ’s
What is a front end loader?
A front-end loader, often simply referred to as a loader, is a heavy-duty vehicle with a large, movable bucket at the front used for lifting and moving material such as dirt, gravel, sand, and debris.
What is a front end loader used for?
Front end loaders are commonly utilised in construction, landscaping, agricultural, and waste management tasks.
What hazards are involved in front end loader use?
Some hazards that are involved in front end loader use include:
- Rollovers
- Collisions
- Overloads
- Crushing
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during front end loader use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Operator training
- Regular maintenance
- Load limits
- Wearing PPE
Did you know?
The front-end loader as we know it today evolved from a tractor-mounted scoop created by the brothers Cyril and Louis Keller in Minnesota in 1957, specifically to help a farmer automate the process of cleaning turkey manure. This innovation caught the eye of the Melroe Manufacturing Company, leading to the development of the Melroe self-propelled loader, which would eventually become the Bobcat brand, forever changing material handling in construction, farming, and landscaping. machines capable of performing numerous specialised tasks beyond simple loading and carrying.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>