Five printable starting points for common high-risk tasks. Print one, adapt it to your site, or film the task and let SOP365 build a complete procedure with photos of your own equipment.
These free templates cover lockout and energy isolation, forklift pre-use inspection, machine start-up, chemical handling under WHMIS, and new worker orientation. Each lists when to use it, hazards, PPE and numbered steps, with space for approval and review dates. Adapt them to your equipment and confirm them against the current OHS Regulation.
When to use: Use for machinery and equipment that must be locked out before maintenance, cleaning, clearing jams or adjustments.
Company
Location / equipment
Prepared by
Date
Hazards: unexpected start-up, release of stored energy, electrical shock, crushing. PPE: as set out in the task risk assessment. Training: lockout training required.
Steps
Notify affected workers that the equipment will be locked out.
Identify all energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, gravity, thermal, chemical) using the machine-specific lockout sheet.
Shut the equipment down using normal stopping controls.
Operate each energy-isolating device to the safe position.
Apply your personal lock (and tag, if your program uses tags) to each energy-isolating device.
Release or restrain stored energy: bleed pressure, block or lower raised parts, let moving parts stop, discharge capacitors.
Verify zero energy: make sure everyone is clear, then try the normal start controls. Return the controls to OFF or neutral afterwards.
Perform the work.
When finished, remove tools, reinstall guards and make sure all workers are clear.
Each worker removes only their own lock. Notify affected workers before re-energizing.
Lockout requirements are set out in Part 10 of BC's OHS Regulation. Adapt this template to your written lockout program and each machine's lockout sheet. This template is a starting point. Review it with your supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and adapt it to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions and the current Regulation.
Approved byDate / versionNext review date
Forklift Pre-Use Inspection
When to use: Complete at the start of each shift before operating a forklift or other powered lift truck.
Company
Location / equipment
Prepared by
Date
Hazards: tip-over, struck-by, falling loads, pedestrian collisions. PPE: as required by site rules. Training: only trained and authorized operators may operate lift trucks.
Steps
Walk around the truck: check for leaks, damage and loose or missing parts.
Check the forks, mast, chains and carriage for cracks, wear and damage.
Check the tires or wheels for damage and correct pressure.
Check the data plate and capacity plate are present and readable.
Check the seatbelt, overhead guard and load backrest.
Start the truck and test the horn, lights, alarms and gauges.
Test the service brake, parking brake and steering.
Test the hydraulic controls: lift, lower and tilt through their full range.
Record any defects. Do not operate a truck with a safety defect; tag it out and report it.
Follow the manufacturer's operator manual and your site traffic plan. This template is a starting point. Review it with your supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and adapt it to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions and the current Regulation.
Approved byDate / versionNext review date
Machine Start-Up Safe Work Procedure
When to use: Use before starting production equipment at the beginning of a shift or after maintenance.
Company
Location / equipment
Prepared by
Date
Hazards: entanglement, caught-in, flying debris, noise. PPE: as required for the machine. Training: machine-specific operator training.
Steps
Confirm you are trained and authorized to operate this machine.
Put on the required PPE.
Check that all guards and interlocks are in place and working.
Confirm no lockout locks or tags remain on the machine.
Remove tools, materials and debris from the machine and work area.
Check that emergency stops are reachable and reset.
Warn people nearby that the machine is starting.
Start the machine using normal controls and watch for abnormal noise, vibration or leaks.
Run a test cycle and check the first part or product against the standard.
Stop and report any problem to your supervisor before continuing.
Add machine-specific steps, photos of guard locations and the emergency stop. This template is a starting point. Review it with your supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and adapt it to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions and the current Regulation.
Approved byDate / versionNext review date
Chemical Handling (WHMIS) Safe Work Procedure
When to use: Use when transferring, mixing or using hazardous products such as cleaners, sanitizers and solvents.
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Location / equipment
Prepared by
Date
Hazards: burns, eye injury, inhalation, reactions between products. PPE: per SDS. Training: WHMIS training.
Steps
Read the product label and safety data sheet (SDS) before use.
Confirm you have WHMIS training for this product.
Put on the PPE listed on the SDS (for example gloves, eye protection, face shield).
Make sure ventilation is working and the eyewash station is accessible.
Use only approved, labelled containers. Label any secondary container with a workplace label.
Measure and mix according to the label. Add chemical to water, never water to chemical, unless the SDS says otherwise.
Never mix incompatible products, such as chlorine with acids or ammonia.
Clean up small spills using the spill kit and SDS instructions; report larger spills.
Close containers and return them to approved storage.
Wash your hands and remove PPE as instructed.
Requirements for WHMIS education, labels and SDSs are set out in BC's OHS Regulation. This template is a starting point. Review it with your supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and adapt it to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions and the current Regulation.
Approved byDate / versionNext review date
New Worker Orientation Checklist
When to use: Complete with every new or young worker before they start work, and keep a signed copy.
Company
Location / equipment
Prepared by
Date
Records: the employer must keep records of all orientation and training provided.
Steps
Introduce the supervisor and explain who to ask for help.
Explain the worker's rights and responsibilities, including the right to refuse unsafe work.
Explain how to report hazards, injuries and near misses.
Explain workplace health and safety rules.
Identify hazards the worker may be exposed to and how they are controlled.
Review the safe work procedures for the worker's tasks.
Explain the working alone or in isolation procedures, if they apply.
Explain the location of first aid, how to call for first aid, and emergency exits and muster points.
Review WHMIS and the location of SDSs.
Provide and show how to use the required PPE.
Introduce the joint health and safety committee or worker representative.
Young and new worker orientation topics are listed in section 3.23 of BC's OHS Regulation. This template is a starting point. Review it with your supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representative, and adapt it to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions and the current Regulation.
Approved byDate / versionNext review date
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are these templates WorkSafeBC approved?
No. WorkSafeBC does not approve individual templates. They are general starting points that you must adapt to your workplace, equipment and current requirements.
Can I edit these templates?
Yes. Print them and fill them in, or recreate them in SOP365 with photos of your own equipment, approvals and training records.
How do I get a template with photos of my own machines?
Film the task on your phone and upload it to SOP365. It drafts the procedure with screenshots from your video for you to review and approve.
