FREE Water Truck SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Water Truck SOP Template:
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Purpose of a Water Truck SOP
Water truck SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for water truck use. Water truck 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
Water truck 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 water truck 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 water truck SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Water truck 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 water truck?
A water truck is a specialized vehicle equipped with a large tank in the rear for transporting water, which can be distributed through controlled spray nozzles or hoses.
What is a water truck used for?
Water trucks serve various purposes such as dust control on construction sites, providing water for agricultural processes, or supporting firefighting efforts.
What hazards are involved in water truck use?
Some hazards that are involved in water truck use include:
- Collisions
- Rollovers
- Aquaplaning on wet surfaces
- Slipping/tripping
- High pressure hoses
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during water truck use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Anti-slip surfaces
- Tank baffles
- Water treatment
- Operator training
- Regular maintenance
Did you know?
Did you know that the tanks on water trucks are strategically designed with internal baffles to prevent the water from sloshing around, which could otherwise significantly affect the stability of the truck? Some water trucks even have sophisticated GPS and computer-controlled systems to regulate water distribution accurately for tasks like dust abatement, ensuring precision watering in locations where they are trying to minimize the environmental impact.
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/>