This Waste Oil, Coolant & Filter Disposal SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how workshop workers drain, handle, store and dispose of used engine oil, coolant and oil filters. It covers SDS and container checks, letting the engine cool, draining oil and coolant separately, draining filters fully, spill clean-up, bunded storage, keeping wastes segregated and hand-off to a licensed waste contractor. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Mechanical and automotive workshops
Fleet maintenance workshops
Agricultural and plant machinery workshops
Marine and small engine repairers
Mobile mechanics
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
Skin and eye contact with contaminated used engine oil
Toxic ethylene glycol coolant, including risk to children and animals
Burns from hot engine parts, oil or coolant
Slips on spilled oil or coolant
Manual handling of full drums and containers
Fire from oil-soaked rags or waste near ignition sources
Cuts from sharp oil filter and component edges
Contamination of soil, drains and waterways
Crush injuries from a vehicle not isolated or supported
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from training and SDS to container condition, bunded storage, spill kit and letting the engine cool
A 13-step operating procedure covering draining oil and coolant separately, filter draining, spill clean-up, storage, segregation and licensed collection
Isolation and energy control for switching off the vehicle, removing keys and hoist or extractor pump use
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for spills, swallowed coolant, eye or skin contact and waste oil 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 Automotive & Mechanical 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 the oil change itself?
No. It covers draining, handling, storing and disposing of the waste. The servicing task and hoist operation are covered by other procedures.
Can oil and coolant go in the same container?
No. The SOP requires waste oil, coolant, filters and contaminated absorbent to be kept in their own labelled containers.
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.
