This Roller & Compaction Plant Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers operating ride-on and walk-behind rollers, vibrating plate compactors and rammers on soil, road base, aggregate, asphalt and paving. It sets out pre-start and control checks, ROPS and seatbelts, compaction passes, keeping clear of trench and excavation edges, spotters, vibration breaks, rollover response and shutting down on stable ground. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Civil construction and earthworks contractors
Road construction and asphalt crews
Landscaping and paving businesses
Plant hire companies
Councils and road maintenance teams
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
Ride-on roller rollover on slopes, batters and uneven ground
Trench or excavation edges collapsing under the machine
Crush, entrapment and run-over injuries from the drum or plate
Hand-arm vibration from plate compactors and rammers
Whole-body vibration from ride-on rollers
Noise from the engine and vibration mechanism
Being struck while working near people, vehicles and plant
Burns from hot engine, exhaust or hydraulic parts
Strain from lifting and guiding plate compactors and rammers
Slips and falls mounting rollers or on wet, loose ground
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from leaks, guards and fluid levels to ROPS, anti-vibration mounts, services, exclusion zones and controls
A 12-step operating procedure covering start-up, compaction passes, slopes, trench edges, spotters, vibration breaks and rollover response
Isolation and energy control for the engine and vibration mechanism, ignition keys and keeping clear of excavation collapse zones
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for rollovers, sliding plant, trench collapse, trapped people, fuel leaks and fires
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 Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Which compaction plant does it cover?
It covers ride-on and walk-behind rollers, vibrating plate compactors and rammers, whatever task they're used for. Excavators, skid steers and other mobile plant need their own SOPs.
What should an operator do if a ride-on roller starts to tip?
Never jump off. The SOP tells operators to keep the seatbelt fastened, stay inside the ROPS, hold on and brace, and follow the manufacturer's emergency instructions.
Does it address vibration exposure?
Yes. It covers hand-arm and whole-body vibration, regular breaks from plate compactor and rammer use, rotating tasks, and reporting any discomfort.
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.
