This Harness, Lanyard & Anchor Inspection and Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers inspecting and using full-body harnesses, shock-absorbing and fixed lanyards, and anchor points for work at height. It sets out rescue planning, pre-use and periodic inspection, fitting and adjusting the harness, connecting to a rated anchor, fall clearance and swing falls, and removing damaged equipment from service. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Roofing and roof plumbing contractors
Builders and construction trades
Solar, antenna and HVAC installers
Facilities and building maintenance teams
Telecommunications and rigging 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
Falls from height causing serious injury or death
Harness, lanyard or anchor failure from damage, wear or wrong selection
Pendulum (swing) falls from a poorly positioned anchor
Striking a structure, plant or the ground during a fall
Suspension trauma when left hanging in a harness
Lanyards snagging on structure, edges or plant
Incorrect fitting, adjustment or connection of the harness
What's included
10 pre-operational checks, from rescue planning and webbing condition to buckles, shock absorbers, inspection tags and fall clearance
A 9-step operating procedure covering the hierarchy of fall control, fitting the harness, connecting to anchors and twin-leg lanyards
Isolation and energy control for anchor point ratings and quarantining damaged or fall-arrested equipment
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for a worker suspended in a harness and equipment involved in a fall
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 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle, Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle, Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle, Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle and Ultimate Steel & Metal Fabrication SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it include a rescue plan requirement?
Yes. Fall-arrest work doesn't start until a tested rescue procedure, rescue equipment and a trained person are in place on site. Calling emergency services alone isn't a rescue plan.
Can a shock absorber be reused after a fall?
No. Any harness, lanyard or shock absorber involved in a fall arrest is tagged out of service and quarantined or destroyed.
Does it cover getting from a ladder onto the roof?
No. The ladder-to-roof transition is covered by the Roof Access and Ladder Securing procedure.
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.
