This Roof Truss Installation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to lift, position, brace and fix prefabricated roof trusses on residential and light commercial frames, whether lifted by crane or by hand. It covers lift planning and weather checks, exclusion zones, tag lines, temporary and permanent bracing, fixing to the wall plate and working at height before fall protection is in place. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Carpenters and framing contractors
Residential builders
Light commercial builders
Truss and frame installation crews
Doggers and riggers assisting with truss lifts
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
Falls from top plates, wall plates or the roof frame before bracing or fall protection
Falls from ladders, scaffolds or trestles used to reach the wall plates
Being struck, crushed or pinned by a truss during lifting or positioning
Truss or frame collapse from missing or removed temporary bracing
Manual handling injuries from lifting and tilting trusses
Suspended loads, slings and rigging within the crane exclusion zone
Load swing or dropped loads in high or gusty wind
Contact with overhead powerlines during crane lifts
Cuts, splinters and pinch points from timber, connector plates and nails
Noise from nail guns and saws, and sun and heat exposure
What's included
10 pre-operational checks, from dogging and rigging competency and the SWMS to wind speed, rigging tags and bracing materials
An 11-step operating procedure covering exclusion zones, tag lines, temporary bracing, fixing sequence, wind limits and manual lifts
Isolation and energy control for suspended trusses, unattended loads and unbraced trusses
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for falling trusses, frame collapse, dropped or swinging loads and injured workers
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 Carpentry 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 operating the crane?
No. Crane operation is covered by its own procedure. This SOP covers the truss installation work, including directing lifts through the appointed dogger and controlling the exclusion zone.
Does it cover lifting trusses by hand?
Yes. Where trusses are lifted manually, the SOP requires at least two workers per truss, and three for long-span trusses.
Do I need a SWMS as well?
Yes. The pre-operational checks require a site-specific SWMS or JSA to be completed and reviewed before truss installation starts. The SOP sets out the safe method and is used for training and sign-off.
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.
