This Trailer Loading, Restraint & Towing SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear method for loading, restraining and towing light box, plant and tandem trailers behind a car, ute or light truck. It covers checking ratings and couplings, trailer brakes, tyres and lights, weight distribution, tie-downs and covers, coupling and uncoupling, driving with a trailer, sway and reversing. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Tradespeople towing box or plant trailers
Landscaping and garden maintenance businesses
Equipment and plant hire businesses
Builders and renovators
Event and hire businesses moving gear
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
Trailer sway, jack-knifing or rollover from poor weight distribution or overloading
Loads shifting or falling and striking other road users
Trailer detaching from a failed or unconnected coupling or safety chain
Towing beyond the tow ball, ATM or GTM rating
Crush and manual handling injuries when loading and manoeuvring
Being struck while coupling, uncoupling or reversing
Trailers rolling from missing chocks or a jockey wheel not locked down
Tyre failure from worn, damaged or underinflated tyres
Poor visibility or braking from an unroadworthy trailer or tow vehicle
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from licence and tow ratings to coupling, safety chains, brakes, tyres, lights and mirrors
A 13-step operating procedure covering weight limits, load placement, restraint, covers, coupling, driving, sway and reversing
Isolation and energy control for park brakes, wheel chocks, jockey wheels and safe coupling order
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for shifting loads, trailer sway and a trailer detaching or overturning
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 Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hire Services SOP Bundle and Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover heavy vehicles?
No. It covers light trailers towed behind a car, ute or light truck. Heavy combination vehicles regulated under the Heavy Vehicle National Law are not covered.
Does it cover Chain of Responsibility?
Partly. Where work involves Chain of Responsibility duties, the SOP is to be used alongside your Load Restraint and Chain of Responsibility procedure.
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.
