This Site Establishment, Fencing & Signage SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to establish a construction site at the start of a job. It covers erecting temporary perimeter security fencing, ballasting and anchoring panels for wind, setting up controlled access and egress points and gates, locating services before driving posts, and installing site rules, mandatory PPE, danger and warning signage. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Builders and construction companies
Civil and earthworks contractors
Temporary fencing hire and installation businesses
Site labourers and leading hands
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
Manual handling of fence panels, posts, feet and signage
Panels or posts falling or toppling during erection
Fencing collapse in high wind when not secured or ballasted
Vehicles and mobile plant near site boundaries and gates
Cuts from sharp panel edges, wire ties and fixings
Trips over fencing bases, cabling and materials
Falling tools or signage when mounting signs at height
Underground or overhead services when driving posts or pickets
Unauthorised site access through incomplete or open fencing
Power tools used for fencing and sign fixings
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and the site plan to ground conditions, fencing hardware, storage areas and wind
A 12-step operating procedure covering service location, staging materials, erecting and ballasting fencing, gates, separation and signage
Isolation and energy control for bracing panels until secured and preventing fencing collapse in wind
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for fencing collapse, falling panels or posts and unauthorised access through a breached perimeter
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 Building & Construction 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 public pedestrian barricading or hoarding?
No. Public-facing pedestrian barricading and footpath hoarding are covered by a separate SOP. This one covers the site's own perimeter security fencing.
Does it cover shopfront or pylon signs?
No. Permanent commercial signage such as shopfront, illuminated and pylon signs is covered by the Signage Installation SOP. This SOP covers temporary site safety and hazard signage.
Does it cover fencing in windy conditions?
Yes. It covers checking the wind forecast and ballasting or anchoring fencing to the system's rated wind loading and the ground conditions.
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.


















