This Plant Pre-Hire Inspection & Function Test SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to inspect and function test powered mobile and static plant, such as excavators, generators, compactors and EWPs, before it's released for hire. It covers reviewing service history, visual and fluid checks, isolating and chocking raised parts, testing safety devices and operating functions, recording results, and tagging plant fit for hire or quarantining faults. 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
Hire yard mechanics and workshop teams
Civil and earthworks contractors with hire fleets
Access equipment and EWP hire businesses
Generator and compaction equipment suppliers
 
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 or entrapment from moving parts and tilting components
Uncontrolled release of hydraulic, pneumatic, spring or gravitational energy
Burns from hot engines, exhausts or hydraulic components
Being struck by the machine or attachments during testing
Entanglement in belts, PTO shafts, fans or rotating parts
Exhaust fumes in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
Manual handling injuries lifting guards, covers and attachments
Slips, trips and falls on yards or when climbing on plant
Electric shock or arc flash from batteries and electrical components
Noise during engine running and function testing
 
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from authorisation and service history to the test area, PPE, a clear surrounding area and the right checklist and fault tags
A 12-step operating procedure covering visual inspection, fluids, guards, tyres or tracks, signage and load charts, safety device testing, load testing, recording and tagging
Isolation and energy control for shutting down plant, applying isolators, chocking raised parts and controlled engine starts for testing
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for serious faults found during testing and people struck, trapped or injured
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
Does it cover the customer handover?
No. Bookings, customer competency and licence checks, contract terms, and handover and return are covered by your plant hire and customer handover procedure.
What happens if plant fails a check?
If a fault can't be fixed, the plant isn't tagged as fit for hire. Serious faults mean testing stops, the plant is shut down and isolated, and an out-of-service tag is applied.
Does it replace the machine's pre-start SOP?
No. It covers inspection before release for hire. The machine-specific pre-start SOP still applies once the item is operated on hire.
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.