This Jacking & Supporting a Vehicle SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers using a trolley, bottle or scissor jack with axle stands to raise and support a vehicle for underbody work, in a workshop or at the roadside. It sets out inspecting jacks and stands, checking load ratings, choosing firm ground, chocking wheels, using approved support points, confirming stability before going underneath, and lowering safely. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Automotive and mechanical workshops
Tyre and suspension shops
Fleet maintenance teams
Mobile mechanics and roadside assistance
Farms and depots servicing light vehicles
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
Crush injury from a vehicle falling, tipping or rolling off a jack or stands
Vehicle rollaway without the park brake or wheel chocks
Jack or axle stand failure from exceeding the safe working load
Vehicle slipping from an incorrect or damaged jacking point
Instability on soft, uneven, sloped or contaminated ground
Being struck by tools, components or the vehicle while underneath
Manual handling injury from moving jacks and stands
Burns from a hot exhaust, engine or hydraulic fluid
Passing traffic when jacking at the roadside
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from jack leaks and axle stand ratchets to safe working loads, ground conditions, jacking points and roadside traffic
A 10-step operating procedure covering chocking, raising the vehicle, placing axle stands, stability checks and working underneath
Isolation and energy control for park brake, transmission, wheel chocks, axle stands and engine ignition
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for a vehicle shifting or falling, a trapped person and jack or stand failure
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 Automotive & Mechanical SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Can I work under a vehicle on a jack alone?
No. The vehicle must be resting on rated axle stands at approved support points, and checked for stability, before any part of your body goes underneath.
Does it cover vehicle hoists?
No. Fixed or permanent vehicle hoists are covered by the Vehicle Hoists and Vehicle Support procedure, and heavy vehicles or plant needing specialised lifting gear are excluded.
Does it cover roadside jacking?
Yes. It covers positioning the vehicle well clear of traffic and setting up warning devices or traffic control before starting.
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.
