This Fence Construction & Wire Strainer Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear method for building rural and farm fencing. It covers checking for services and powerlines, driving or digging posts by hand or with an auger, post hole digger or powered post driver, running out wire, and tensioning it safely with a wire strainer, chain strainer, come-along or in-line strainer. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Rural fencing contractors
Farmers and graziers
Station hands and farm workers
Landscaping and property maintenance businesses
Council and land management crews
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
Manual handling injury from posts, wire coils, strainers and tools
Crush or impact injury from post driving and rammer strikes
Entanglement in a rotating auger or PTO shaft
Being struck by a failing or detached post driver mast
Wire whip or recoil when wire or a strainer fails under tension
Eye and facial injury from flying wire, staples or debris
Cuts and punctures from wire ends, barbs and tools
Trips and falls on uneven ground and fencing materials
Snakes, insects, ticks, sunburn and heat stress
Contact with underground services or overhead powerlines
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from services and powerlines to post driver pins, auger and PTO guards, strainer ratings and working alone
An 11-step operating procedure covering marking out, bracing, post driving, augers, running out wire, tensioning and tying off
Isolation and energy control for wire under tension and for powered post drivers, augers and tractor attachments
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for wire or strainer failure, jammed post drivers or augers, eye injuries and serious or crush injuries
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 Agriculture & Farming 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 electric fencing?
No. Installing or testing electric fencing energisers, and temporary construction-site fencing and hoarding, are covered by other procedures.
Which strainers does it cover?
It covers wire strainers, chain strainers, come-alongs and in-line strainers, including where to stand while tensioning and how to release tension slowly and under control.
Does it include powered post drivers?
Yes. It covers manual rammers, post hole diggers, augers and tractor-mounted or powered post drivers, including guard checks and keeping clear of a raised mast.
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.
