This Edge Protection & Guardrail Installation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers erecting, inspecting and dismantling temporary edge protection and guardrails at roof and floor edges, including proprietary systems and scaffold guardrails. It covers structural checks, interim fall restraint, fixing brackets to structural members, top rail, mid rail and toe board installation, closing gutter gaps, inspection, tagging and rescue planning. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Roofing contractors
Residential and commercial builders
Edge protection and scaffold hire companies
Steel framers and carpenters
Solar installers working on roofs
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Falls at an unprotected edge before the system is complete
System collapse from wrong fixing, weak structure or excess post spacing
Falls through brittle, weak or damaged roof surfaces
Being struck by falling tools, rails or brackets
Manual handling of rails, posts and toe boards
Cuts from sharp metal edges and roof sheeting
Wind-lifted or unsecured components
Slips on wet, dusty, mossy or sloped surfaces
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from structural inspection and component condition to weather, interim fall protection and a tested rescue plan
A 13-step installation procedure covering exclusion zones, post spacing, structural fixing, rail and toe board installation, gaps and tagging
Fall protection controls in place of energy isolation, including fall restraint lines, scaffolds or EWPs and tagging out incomplete sections
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for system failure, falls, suspended workers and dropped objects
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Can brackets be fixed to the gutter or fascia?
No. The SOP requires brackets and posts to be fixed to structural members only, at the manufacturer's spacing, never to guttering, fascia or roof sheeting.
Is calling 000 enough as a rescue plan?
No. Where a fall-arrest system is used, a rescue procedure for that location must be set up and tested, with equipment and trained rescuers on site. Emergency services alone are not a rescue plan.
Do I need a SWMS as well?
Yes, where the work involves a fall of more than two metres, as that's high risk construction work. This SOP covers the installation method alongside it.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
