This Void & Penetration Protection SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to protect stairwells, lift shafts, service risers, floor penetrations and skylight or roof openings during construction so people, tools and materials cannot fall through. It covers planning openings, load-rated covers, marking and signage, barricading larger voids, inspections and putting alternative fall prevention in place before removing a cover. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Builders and construction contractors
Commercial and multi-storey construction crews
Electrical, plumbing and services trades
Concrete cutting and coring contractors
Site supervisors and safety officers
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 through uncovered floor or roof openings, stairwells, lift shafts, risers or skylights
Falls through covers that are not load-rated
Covers dislodging because they are not fixed
Tools and materials falling through voids onto people below
Covers mistaken for solid flooring because they are not marked
Falls or entrapment while a cover is removed for access
Trips on damaged, warped or uneven covers
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and rescue planning to identifying every opening and inspecting covers, marking and barricades
An 8-step operating procedure covering planning openings, load-rated covers, signage, mesh, barricading larger voids and reinstating protection
Isolation and energy control for treating open voids as live hazards and setting alternative fall prevention before removal
3 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for people, tools or materials falling through a void and cover or barricade failure
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
How strong do covers need to be?
The SOP requires covers that can safely support a point load of at least 2 kilonewtons (200 kilograms), plus any equipment or materials that may be placed on them.
Does it cover perimeter edge protection or fire sealing?
No. Perimeter guardrails and the permanent fire-rated sealing of service penetrations are covered by separate procedures.
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.
