This Hand and Power Tool Inspection & Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers inspecting and using hand tools and portable power tools, including corded, battery and pneumatic drills, grinders, circular saws, sanders and nail guns. It sets out pre-use checks on housings, guards, cords, RCDs, batteries and air hoses, safe operating technique, kickback and vibration, and isolating tools before changing accessories. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Builders and construction trades
Maintenance and facilities teams
Manufacturing and workshop businesses
Carpenters, joiners and cabinet makers
Councils, schools and property services
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
Cuts, lacerations or amputation from blades, bits and discs
Electric shock from damaged cords, plugs or wiring
Being struck by ejected debris, broken accessories or kickback
Eye injury from flying particles, chips and dust
Hand-arm vibration from grinders, sanders and hammer drills
Noise-induced hearing loss
Burns from hot surfaces, bits or discharged air
Entanglement of hair, gloves or clothing in rotating parts
Fire or explosion from sparks or a damaged battery pack
Strain from repetitive use, awkward grip or overhead work
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from damaged housings and guards to test tags, RCDs, battery packs and air hoses
A 13-step operating procedure covering tool selection, grip, guards, clamping work, kickback, nail guns and vibration breaks
Isolation and energy control for corded, battery and pneumatic tools and nail guns
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for tool malfunctions, electric shock, lithium battery fires and tool 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, Ultimate Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle, Ultimate Audio Visual SOP Bundle, Ultimate Automotive & Mechanical SOP Bundle, Ultimate Bricklaying & Masonry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle, Ultimate Carpentry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle, Ultimate Cleaning SOP Bundle, Ultimate Concreting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hospitality & Events SOP Bundle, Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle, Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle, Ultimate Manufacturing & Industrial SOP Bundle, Ultimate Painting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Pest Control SOP Bundle, Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Professional & Business Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle, Ultimate Retail & Wholesale SOP Bundle, Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Security Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Shopfitting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Steel & Metal Fabrication SOP Bundle, Ultimate Tiling & Waterproofing SOP Bundle and Ultimate Transport & Warehousing SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover battery and air tools?
Yes. It covers corded electric, battery-powered and pneumatic tools, including how to isolate each type before changing a blade, bit or disc.
Does it cover fixed machinery?
No. Fixed or stationary machinery, mobile plant and welding and cutting equipment are covered by their own plant-specific procedures.
What does it say about lithium battery fires?
Workers don't try to fight a lithium battery fire themselves. They isolate the area, evacuate if instructed and call 000.
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.
