STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
S O P V e h i c l e L o a d i n g & Un l o a d i n g
DO NOT use this machine unless you have been instructed in its
safe use and operation and authorised by your Supervisor
Safety Glasses (in mandatory areas) Protective gloves required (when handling
equipment)
Hi-Vis/ Protective Clothing required Head protection required (crane lifts)
Seat belt at all times when operating mobile
Safety Boots required
plant
Safety Harness required
(where using fall arrest structures for trailer access or Barricading (assess type required for task)
EWP for access to rigging gear)
PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
Establish a Loading/Unloading area
1. Area should be level to help maintain stability of the truck and trailer. The ground should be free of potholes and
debris.
2. Area should be free of overhead electric lines.
3. Area should be clear of other traffic – vehicles or foot. Pedestrians, the truck driver, or other employees not involved
in the loading/unloading process should be clear of the area.
4. Area should have sufficient lighting for early morning or evening loading or unloading.
5. If possible, the designated area should be a one-way route to prevent the need for vehicles to back up. If a driver is
required to reverse the vehicle, a spotter should be used where pedestrians and property are at risk or vision is
restricted.
Guidelines for Truck Drivers
1. The driver should secure the vehicle, apply brakes and turn off the engine, as appropriate, to prevent unsafe
movement during the loading/unloading operation.
2. When unloading, the driver should proceed to the designated area and remove tarps, straps or other load securing
devices. Secure this material so it is not an obstruction to the forklift/crane operator during the unloading process.
3. The driver should proceed to a designated area (safe zone) agreed with forklift/crane driver located away from the
truck and outside of the loading/unloading area. The driver should remain in that area during the operation.
4. NO material should be loaded/ unloaded, nor should any forklift/crane be operating in the area around the truck until
the driver has completed all of the tasks above and moved to the designated safe zone.
Guidelines for Forklift & Crane Drivers
1. A documented pre-start inspection must be completed before the first operation of the plant. If you were not the
original person to complete the pre-start inspection but it has already been completed and you are about to use the
plant for the first time you must visually confirm the plant is fit for use. Any lifting equipment/attachments to be used
must also be inspected, determined fit for use by a competent person and have a current inspection tag attached.
Where this is missing contact HSEQ Team to confirm the item is on the current lifting register.
2. Operating a forklift or crane shall only be performed by individuals who are trained and qualified to do so, including
applicable forklift/crane SWMS, SOP’s or other relevant procedures. Initial training should be completed prior to
authorisation of the driver to operate the forklift/crane via a verification of competency.
3. Have a clear understanding of the material being loaded/ unloaded. Unloading a pallet of stock is
different from unloading a row of pipes or Telecommunication Cans.
4. Check the load – Make sure that the load has not shifted, banding is still in place, and the overall load is in good
condition and not likely to move or fall during the unloading process.
5. No one, including other workers, should be on the opposite side of a truck from a forklift/crane while it is moving
material.
6. A forklift/crane driver must stop the loading/ unloading process if the location of the truck driver cannot be confirmed
or someone else enters the loading/ unloading zone.
7. A spotter shall be used if vision is restricted or if unloading high loads where you are unable to verify that the load is
secure for lift e.g. high stack of pipes and confirming forklift tynes are all the way through to safely lift the load.
SOP Vehicle Loading & Unloading Date of Issue: 19/04/21 Version: 2
Exclusion Zones
• Exclusions zones shall be enforced and complied with at all times. No person shall be put at risk by entering
these areas during loading/ unloading activities.
• Spotters can be used for monitoring the work area to ensure no unauthorised person enters. In some cases your
work area will need to be barricaded by the use of witches hats, safety mesh, fences or safety tape.
• You must make an assessment of the work area and space required, taking into account other activities nearby.
Where a person, vehicle or mobile plant can enter your area and a spotter/s cannot control all access points,
barricading must be put in place before commencing the loading/ unloading activity.
SOP Vehicle Loading & Unloading Date of Issue: 19/04/21 Version: 2
OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS
Heights (Access & Egress)
Be aware that every time you are up on the tray of the truck you are at risk of a fall; Falls off trucks are one of the greatest
sources of loading/ unloading injuries:
Where ever possible utilise truck loading platforms so you have protection around the edge of the trailer. Fall restraint/
arrest must be used if access is required onto a load for rigging or strapping purposes where there is no other safer
alternative. A work at heights competency is required if using this system. Avoid climbing up on the trailer. If you must
get on the trailer without a truck platform ensure you have safe access and egress.
Please follow the below safe work practices:
• Do not climb up without a safe way of getting down
• Use mobile work platform if available
• Use truck mounted ladders if fitted
• Never jump down from a truck
• Never us the forklift or it’s tynes to get on and off the trailer
• Tie down from the ground level where ever possible, or standing
at the centre of the trailer if necessary, BUT NEVER while
standing near the trailers edge
• Watch out for trip hazards on trailers such as equipment,
product stacks and other trip and slip hazards on trailers
• Never walk backwards on a trailer or bend over near the edge
Communications
Along with a clear plan for the Loading/ Unloading comes the need for the crew to communicate simply and very clearly
at each step.
• Look directly at your partner when giving an instruction or coordinating actions.
• Work to the agreed plan, or stop and tell your work mate(s) of the change.
• If a load shifts or changes – STOP work, reassess the work plan / contact your supervisor. Do not continue if
unsafe!
Load Movement
Always be aware of load movements during loading or unloading and never stand in the path of the product. Never place
any part of your body under a suspended load.
Load Stability
Ensure all packing of loads or securing of loads onto pallets etc, are secure and will not move or collapse. Loads must be
stable and secure when loaded onto trailers to prevent any movement during travel.
Always be cautious when unloading, especially when removing restraint devices as loads can move during travel. If a
load has become unstable during transport, make sure the load is secured to prevent movement during unload.
SOP Vehicle Loading & Unloading Date of Issue: 19/04/21 Version: 2
Key points for Loading and Unloading activities
General:
• Is the truck/trailer correctly positioned and level?
• Are wheel chocks in place where there is any chance of roll away?
• Is there any damage to the truck or trailer?
• Are the appropriate people and equipment available for loading/unloading?
• Does the product require special lifts or a crane to handle the load?
• Are load straps in good condition (not frayed, worn or torn)?
• Does the area require barricading or the use of spotter/s?
Loading:
• Has the driver been moved to the safe zone?
• Are all helpers in sight of the forklift/crane operator?
• Are the load restraints suitable to secure?
• Does the total weight of the cargo exceed the truck’s carrying capacity?
• Is the load well packed in the appropriate packaging?
• Is documentation completed for all cargo being dispatched?
• Has the driver double-checked all restraints for specific load requirements?
Unloading:
• Has any freight moved while in transit?
• Are all items effectively secured to a pallet, cradle or flatbed trailer?
• Are top-loaded items stable?
• Could any freight move or become unstable when the load restraints are moved?
• Has the driver been moved to the safe zone?
HOUSEKEEPING
1. Store materials and loads clear from loading/ unloading area to ensure clear access is available for mobile plant and
vehicles to manoeuvre in.
2. Do not leave timber dunnage, bolsters or other packing materials on the ground. Move and store these items in
designated areas clear from operations.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
▪ Uneven Ground ▪ Pinch Points ▪ Crush Zone ▪ Trip Hazard
▪ Fall from Height ▪ Falling Object ▪ Load Shift ▪ Overhead Risk
▪ Pedestrians ▪ Manual Handling ▪ Cuts/ Abrasions ▪ Wastes
▪ Speeding ▪ Weather ▪ Heat Illness ▪ Crane stability
REFERENCED MATERIAL
✓ Load Restraint Guide 2018 https://www.ntc.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/safety/load-restraint-guide/
CONSULTATION & REVIEW
Description Originator Reviewed Approval
Development of SOP G. Clarke A. Turnbull D. McMahon
Review version 1, no updates G. Clarke A. Turnbull D. McMahon
SOP Vehicle Loading & Unloading Date of Issue: 19/04/21 Version: 2
I confirm I have read, fully understand and will abide by the contents of this SOP
Name Occupation Signature Date Name Occupation Signature Date
SOP Vehicle Loading & Unloading Date of Issue: 19/04/21 Version: 2
