This Excavator Operation & Pre-Start SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers the pre-start inspection and safe operation of tracked and wheeled hydraulic excavators for excavation, trenching, loading and earthworks. It covers quick hitch checks, locating services, swing radius exclusion zones, spotters, overhead powerlines, working on slopes, trench walls, isolation for maintenance and shutting down at the end of the shift. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Civil and earthworks contractors
Plumbers and drainers
Excavation and plant hire businesses
Landscapers
Residential builders and developers
Farmers and rural contractors
 
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
Being struck by the machine or bucket within the swing radius
Rollover on unstable, sloped or soft ground
Trench or excavation wall collapse
Striking underground electricity, gas, water or telecommunications services
Contact with overhead powerlines
A bucket detaching from a faulty or unsecured quick hitch
Falls when mounting or dismounting
Collisions with plant, vehicles, structures or pedestrians
Whole-body vibration and noise
Fire or burns from hydraulic fluid, fuel or hot engine parts
 
What's included
11 pre-operational checks, from services location and walk-around inspection to quick hitch locking, ROPS, seatbelt, controls and exclusion zones
A 15-step operating procedure covering mounting, start-up, swing radius, spotters, exposing services, powerlines, slopes, trenches and raised buckets
Isolation and energy control for leaving the seat, maintenance, attachment changes, trapped hydraulic pressure and out-of-service tagging
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for powerline contact, service strikes, rollovers and trench collapse
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 Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover lifting loads with an excavator?
No. Lifting or suspending a load needs additional controls and a lifting-specific procedure. The SOP also doesn't cover bulldozers, graders, skid steers or loaders.
What should the operator do if the boom hits a powerline?
Stay in the cab, warn everyone to keep clear and call 000 and the network operator. The SOP explains how to jump clear only if fire or another immediate danger makes staying impossible.
Do I need a SWMS for excavation work?
Where the excavation meets the definition of high risk construction work, such as a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, yes. This SOP covers operating the machine alongside the SWMS.
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.