This Reinforcement Placement & Capping SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers placing, positioning and tying rebar, mesh, bar chairs and spacers in formwork before a pour, and protecting exposed starter bars. It sets out checks of formwork and drawings, manual handling, tying, bracing cages against collapse, craned cages, and using rated impalement caps, covers or bending bars over where someone could fall onto them. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Steel fixers and reinforcement contractors
Concreting and formwork contractors
Residential and commercial builders
Civil construction companies
Precast concrete manufacturers
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
Strain from lifting and carrying rebar bundles, mesh and bar chairs
Crouching, kneeling and reaching while placing and tying
Repetitive strain from tying, cutting and placing
Impalement on exposed starter bars or protruding reinforcement
Cuts and punctures from bar ends, tie wire and mesh
Cages, mesh or bar grids shifting or collapsing
Slips and trips on mesh, formwork, offcuts and tie wire
Being struck by a craned cage or bundle
Eye injury from flying debris or wire fragments
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from formwork stability and drawings to rebar caps, tools and the lift plan
A 10-step operating procedure covering placement, manual handling, tying, bar chairs, capping starter bars and craned cages
Isolation and energy control for rebar machines, bracing cages, and impalement protection for exposed bars
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for collapsing cages, mesh or bar grids and impalement 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 Concreting SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Are plastic mushroom caps enough?
No. Ordinary plastic or mushroom caps are for visibility and brush contact only. Where someone could fall onto a bar, the SOP requires a proprietary steel-reinforced cap, trough or cover rated for impalement, or bars bent over or guarded.
Does it cover rebar cutting and bending machines?
No. Powered rebar bending or cutting machines need their own plant-specific SOP. Concrete pours, pumping and saw cutting are also covered separately.
Is a SWMS also needed?
Yes, if the work meets the definition of high risk construction work. This SOP is used alongside the SWMS, not instead of it.
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.
