This Loading Plant onto Trailers & Floats SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers loading and unloading excavators, skid steers, forklifts and small dozers onto trailers or low-loader floats for transport or hire dispatch. It sets out choosing a safe loading site, checking ramps and trailer ratings, using a spotter, positioning the plant for even load spread, isolating it, and fitting tie-downs to rated anchor points. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Plant and equipment hire companies
Earthmoving and excavation contractors
Civil construction businesses
Transport operators carrying plant
Landscaping and demolition 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
Plant rolling, tipping or sliding on ramps, the deck or poor ground
Spotters being struck by the plant
Falls from the trailer deck, ramps or plant
Tie-down points failing or being wrongly attached in transport
Being struck by other vehicles or plant in the loading area
Manual handling injury from ramps, chains and tie-downs
Unsecured buckets, blades or forks during transport
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from operator authorisation and site selection to trailer ratings, ramp condition, plant brakes and spotters
A 7-step operating procedure covering ramp setup, driving on at walking pace, positioning, chocking and tie-downs to rated points
Isolation and energy control for shutting down the plant, lowering attachments and removing the key before tie-down
4 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for plant sliding, tipping or rolling and tie-down failure in transport
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 Hire Services SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Can lifting points be used as tie-down points?
No. Tie-downs go only to the plant's manufacturer-fitted, load-rated tie-down or anchor points, never lifting points, hooks or other unrated attachments.
Does it cover general freight restraint?
No. General freight and palletised goods are covered by the load restraint procedure, and dock positioning and reversing by the loading dock procedure.
Which plant does it cover?
Heavy mobile plant such as excavators, skid steers, forklifts and small dozers loaded onto trailers or low-loader floats.
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.
