SOP TEMPLATES
Editable SOP templates for safer, more consistent work
Browse practical Standard Operating Procedure templates for plant, equipment, trade work, workshop tasks and common business activities. Supplied in Word so you can customise them to suit your work, site and equipment.
Word format
Editable, practical and easy to update.
Start with a structured Word document instead of a blank page
Set clear task steps, hazards, controls and responsibilities
Support worker onboarding, training and supervision
Edit the document to suit your site, equipment and business
Editable Word files
Download, edit and customise the
SOP to suit your business.
Task-focused
Built around steps, hazards, controls and responsibilities.
Small business friendly
Suitable for contractors, trades, workshops and growing teams.
Support available
Need it customised? Ask about WHS document support.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATES
A practical starting point for documenting how work is done
A Standard Operating Procedure, or SOP, explains how to complete a task safely and consistently. It helps set clear expectations for workers and contractors by outlining the steps of the task, the hazards involved and the controls that should be in place.
Squire Safety Consultants SOP templates are designed for businesses that need practical, editable procedures without starting from scratch. Each template should still be reviewed and customised before use so it matches your actual work, equipment, site conditions and workforce.
SOP templates can help when:
You need a consistent method for completing a task safely
You are training new workers or contractors
Your client has asked for documented safe work procedures
You need to standardise how plant, tools or equipment are used
You want your procedures to be easier to review, update and communicate
BROWSE SOPS BY INDUSTRY
Find SOP templates for the work you do
Choose an industry category to browse editable SOP templates for common tasks, equipment and work activities.
Carpentry, Joinery & Building Maintenance
SOP templates for common trade, maintenance, workshop and site-based tasks.
Civil, Earthworks &
Small Plant
Procedures for small plant, civil works, excavation support tasks and general site activities.
Electrical Contractors
Editable SOP templates for electrical contractors and small trade businesses.
Warehouse, Delivery & Light Logistics
SOPs for manual handling, storage,
delivery, loading and common logistics
tasks.
Landscaping, Arbor & Property Maintenance
Procedures for mowing, trimming, outdoor maintenance, tools, equipment and site tasks.
Welding, Fabrication & Metalwork
Procedures for fabrication, welding support tasks, workshop activities and equipment
use.
Cleaning, Restoration
& Facilities
SOPs for cleaning tasks, restoration work, facilities maintenance and service-based work.
Plumbing, Drainage & Gas
SOP templates for plumbing, drainage, general trade work and task-based controls.
Workshop, Mechanical
& Field Service
SOP templates for mechanical tasks, mobile service work, workshop tools and equipment.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Built to be useful, not just look compliant
Each SOP template is structured so the document can be used as a practical reference for training, supervision, task planning and review. The aim is to make the procedure easier to follow and easier to update when the work changes.
The exact content will vary by task, but the templates are designed around clear work steps, practical controls and document sections that make sense for small businesses and contractors.
Typical SOP sections include:
Purpose and scope of the task or activity
Hazard and control summary
Required PPE and equipment
Step-by-step work method
Training, competency and supervision requirements
Emergency, environmental and housekeeping considerations
Review, approval and document control sections
PREVIEW BEFORE YOU BUY
Know what is inside each SOP template
Each SOP template is set up to help you document how a task should be completed, what can go wrong and what controls should be in place before and during the work.
The templates are supplied in editable Word format, so you can add your logo, business details, site requirements, equipment information and task-specific controls before issuing the procedure to workers.
IMPORTANT NOTE
An SOP template still needs to match your work
A template is a starting point. Before using an SOP, review it against your actual task, equipment, workers, site conditions, training requirements and controls. Add, remove or change content where required so the procedure reflects the way the work is actually done.
Before using an SOP,
check:
The task steps match the way the work is performed.
The hazards and controls are relevant to your workplace.
The equipment, PPE and competency requirements are correct.
Workers have been consulted, trained and understand the procedure.
Need an SOP written or reviewed for your business?
If you need a task-specific SOP, or you are unsure whether your current procedures are suitable, Squire Safety Consultants can help prepare, review or improve your safety documents.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Need more than an SOP?
SWMS Templates
Browse ready-to-use Safe Work Method Statement templates for common high-risk construction work activities.
Permit to Work
Templates for managing approvals,
controls, isolations, inspections and sign-
off requirements.
View page ⟶
WHS Consulting
Get help building or reviewing safety documents, risk assessments, onboarding processes and WHS systems.
Common questions before you download
SOPS TEMPLATE FAQs
What is an SOP?
A Standard Operating Procedure, or SOP, is a written procedure that explains how to complete a task in a consistent and controlled way. A good SOP sets out the work steps,
hazards, controls, equipment, PPE and responsibilities for the task.
Are these SOP templates editable?
Yes. The SOP templates are supplied as editable Word documents so you can add your business details, logo, site requirements, equipment details and task-specific controls.
Do I still need to customise an SOP template?
Yes. A template is a starting point. It should be reviewed and updated so it matches your actual task, site conditions, equipment, workforce, training requirements and
control measures.
What is the difference between an SOP and a SWMS?
An SOP explains how to carry out a task or activity consistently. A SWMS is specifically used for high-risk construction work and must identify the high-risk construction
work activity, hazards, risks and control measures for that work.
Can Squire Safety Consultants write a custom SOP for my business?
Yes. If you need a task-specific SOP or want an existing procedure reviewed, Squire Safety Consultants can provide custom document support or WHS consulting assistance.
Find the right SOP template for your work
Browse editable SOP templates by industry, or contact Squire Safety Consultants if you need a custom procedure prepared for your business.