Free SOP template
Free SOP template and standard operating procedure template (printable PDF). Purpose, scope, responsibilities, step-by-step method and revision history.
Updated 28 Sept 2026
How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.
- PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
- Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
- Go digital in MapTrack for photos, reminders and audit trails
Download free PDF template
Use in MapTrack →
Trusted by teams across Australia and New Zealand
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Or set it up in MapTrack
- Fill it in on a phone, attach photos to any check
- Automatic reports and audit trails
- The same checks as the PDF, ready to configure
Free trial. No credit card. Personal email accepted.
Don't just download it - use it live. Start a free workspace with this SOP template already built, so your crew can run it from a phone.
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
Short answer
An SOP template sets out a standard operating procedure: purpose and scope, roles and responsibilities, tools, materials and PPE, step-by-step instructions, safety warnings, quality checkpoints and revision history. Supervisors and subject matter experts write it, workers are consulted, and it is commonly reviewed every 12 months and after any change or incident. ISO 9001 clause 7.5 covers control of documented information such as procedures.
Checked against ISO 9001:2026 (Edition 6, published 16 September 2026) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- ISO 9001 clause 7.5 requires documented information to be controlled: reviewed, approved, kept current and protected from unintended change.
- Section 47 of the model WHS Act requires consulting workers affected by a health and safety matter, so involve operators when drafting a safety-related SOP.
- Reg 38 requires control measures to be reviewed when they fail, before changes that create new risks and when new hazards are found.
- Record every review in the revision history, even when nothing changed, so the record shows the procedure was checked.
- The 12-month review cycle is common management system practice, not a legal interval.
Enter your email below to download this SOP template as a ready-to-use PDF.
Used by construction, mining and field service teams
What is an SOP template?
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a written document that provides clear, step-by-step instructions for completing a routine task or process. SOPs are used to standardise how work is performed across a team or organisation, ensuring consistency, reducing errors and supporting compliance with safety and quality requirements. They are common in maintenance, manufacturing, construction, mining, logistics and facilities management.
A well-written SOP typically includes the purpose and scope of the procedure, the roles responsible for each step, the tools and materials required, detailed instructions, safety warnings and quality checkpoints. SOPs should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in equipment, regulations or best practice. Quality management systems such as AS/NZS ISO 9001 cover documented information that an organisation must control and maintain, and SOPs are one form of it. Separately, Safe Work Australia guidance recommends written safe work procedures for tasks involving significant hazards. An SOP template provides a consistent structure that ensures every procedure covers the essential elements, making it easier for teams to write, review and follow their own SOPs.
Section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires PCBUs to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision and maintenance of safe systems of work, and documented SOPs are a common way to meet that duty. ISO 9001 clause 7.5 covers documented information, which the standard defines as information an organisation is required to control and maintain, and ISO 55001:2024 applies the same documented information approach to asset management systems. Organisations that maintain well-structured SOPs are better positioned to pass regulatory audits, reduce training time and demonstrate compliance across multiple frameworks simultaneously.
Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.
Get the free template
Enter your email above to download the full SOP template as a PDF.
Benefits of using this SOP template
- Consistency: every worker follows the same process, reducing variation and errors across shifts, sites and teams.
- Training: new staff can learn tasks faster with clear, documented instructions rather than relying on word-of-mouth.
- Compliance: documented procedures demonstrate adherence to WHS regulations, industry standards and quality management systems such as AS/NZS ISO 9001 during audits.
- Quality: repeatable processes lead to consistent output, fewer defects or rework, and measurable improvements in product and service standards across the organisation.
- Safety: embedding safety warnings and PPE requirements directly into the procedure reduces the risk of incidents.
- Accountability: clearly defined roles and sign-off requirements ensure every step has an owner and an audit trail.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move your checklists from paper to MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
- File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
- Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
- Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
- Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
- Assign audits and send reminder emails to the people doing them.
- Keep every audit, inspection and sign-off against the asset or site it covers.
- Track corrective actions as work orders from finding to close-out, with each change in the activity log.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles checklists.
Try MapTrack free
Full access to every feature. No credit card required. Per-asset pricing so you scale as your fleet grows.
- No credit card required
1-2 days/week saved
“Bloody amazing! We used to spend 1-2 days a week tracking and managing our generators alone.”
Steve McAllister
Asset Coordinator, Saunders International
What to include in an SOP template
This SOP template covers 12 key areas:
- Title: a clear, descriptive name for the procedure (e.g. "Forklift pre-start inspection" or "Pump seal replacement").
- SOP number: a unique identifier for version control and cross-referencing.
- Purpose: a brief statement explaining why the procedure exists and what it aims to achieve.
- Scope: defines which tasks, equipment, sites or personnel the SOP applies to.
- Definitions: explains any abbreviations, technical terms or acronyms used in the document.
- Responsibilities: identifies who is responsible for each role in the procedure (operator, supervisor, safety officer, etc.).
- Required tools, materials and PPE: lists everything needed before starting the task.
- Step-by-step procedure: numbered instructions describing each action in the correct sequence.
- Safety warnings: hazard alerts, cautions and critical safety notes embedded at the relevant step.
- Quality checkpoints: verification points where the worker confirms a step meets the required standard.
- Revision history: a log of changes including version number, date, author and description of what changed.
- Approval signatures: sign-off blocks for the person who prepared, reviewed and approved the SOP.
How to use this SOP template
- Define the purpose and scope of the SOP. Identify which task or process the procedure covers and who it applies to.: Write a clear purpose statement explaining why the SOP exists. Define the scope by listing the specific tasks, equipment, sites or roles that fall within the procedure. This sets boundaries for the document.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities involved in the procedure. List who performs each step and who approves or supervises.: Assign specific roles such as operator, supervisor, safety officer and approver. Clearly state what each role is responsible for so there is no ambiguity about who does what during the procedure.
- List all required tools, materials, personal protective equipment and prerequisites.: Document everything the worker needs before starting the task. Include specific tool types, consumable materials, PPE requirements and any permits, isolations or pre-checks that must be completed first.
- Write the step-by-step procedure in the correct sequence. Number each step and include safety warnings and quality checkpoints at the relevant points.: Use clear, direct language that the target audience can follow without ambiguity. Insert safety warnings before the hazardous step, not after. Add quality checkpoints where the worker should pause to verify their work meets the required standard.
- Add definitions for any abbreviations, technical terms or acronyms used in the document.: Include a definitions section near the top of the SOP so readers can understand specialised terms before they encounter them in the procedure. This is especially important for SOPs used by multiple trades or departments.
- Have the SOP reviewed by a subject matter expert, a supervisor and a worker who performs the task. Revise based on feedback.: The review process ensures accuracy, practicality and compliance. The subject matter expert verifies technical correctness, the supervisor confirms it meets safety and quality requirements, and the worker confirms it is practical to follow.
- Complete the revision history and obtain approval signatures. Distribute the SOP to all relevant personnel.: Record the version number, date, author and a brief description of changes in the revision history table. Obtain signatures from the preparer, reviewer and approver. Distribute the approved SOP and confirm all affected personnel have read it.
In MapTrack, you can automate compliance tracking and audit trails. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full SOP template as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
SOPs should be reviewed at least every 12 months as part of your management system review cycle. They should also be reviewed and updated whenever there is a change to equipment, materials, regulations, personnel, work methods or site conditions that affects the procedure. Following an incident, near miss or audit finding related to the task, the relevant SOP should be reviewed immediately to determine whether it contributed to the event and whether changes are needed. Other common triggers for revision include new regulatory guidance, updated manufacturer instructions, organisational restructures, introduction of new technology and feedback from workers who use the procedure daily.
During ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 certification audits, auditors will check that SOPs are current, that the revision history is accurate and that workers can demonstrate familiarity with the documented procedure. Keeping a scheduled review register for all SOPs ensures none are overlooked. Record each review in the revision history, even if no changes were required, so the audit trail shows that the document was actively assessed. Organisations with large SOP libraries often stagger reviews across the year to spread the workload and maintain consistent document currency.
Try MapTrack free
Full access to every feature. No credit card required. Per-asset pricing so you scale as your fleet grows.
- No credit card required
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality management systems - RequirementsControl of documented information, and production and service provision under controlled conditions, which written procedures support. | ISO 9001:2026 (Edition 6, published 16 September 2026) |
| International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Sold by the publisher |
| Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)Primary duty to provide safe systems of work and information, training and instruction, and to consult affected workers. | Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsReview of control measures, and information, training and instruction suited to the work and its risks. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Asset management - Asset management system - RequirementsDocumented information required by an asset management system and its control. | ISO 55001:2024 (Edition 2) |
| International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Sold by the publisher |
Quality management systems - Requirements
Edition: ISO 9001:2026 (Edition 6, published 16 September 2026)
Control of documented information, and production and service provision under controlled conditions, which written procedures support.
- 7.5: Documented information: creating, updating and controlling required records and documents.
- 8.5.1: Control of production and service provision.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Sold by the publisher
Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)
Edition: Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025)
Primary duty to provide safe systems of work and information, training and instruction, and to consult affected workers.
- s 19: Primary duty of care: a PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others, including safe plant, systems, training and supervision.
- s 47: A PCBU must, so far as reasonably practicable, consult workers who are, or are likely to be, directly affected by a health and safety matter.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Review of control measures, and information, training and instruction suited to the work and its risks.
- reg 38: Control measures must be reviewed and revised as necessary, including when they fail, before changes creating new risks, for new hazards, after consultation, or on a qualifying representative's request.
- reg 39: Information, training and instruction given to workers must suit the work, its risks and the control measures.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Asset management - Asset management system - Requirements
Edition: ISO 55001:2024 (Edition 2)
Documented information required by an asset management system and its control.
- 7.5: Documented information required by the asset management system, and its control.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Sold by the publisher
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
SOP template preview
The numbers behind this SOP template
The pages below gather the figures behind this kind of check. Each figure on them carries its source and date, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without chasing the original report.
Get the free template
Enter your email above to download the full SOP template as a PDF.
Embed this free template on your website
Run an industry blog, trade association site, or training resource? Drop a preview of this free SOP template straight into your page. The snippet is self-contained, needs no scripts, and links readers back to the full free template.
<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">SOP template</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Title: a clear, descriptive name for the procedure (e.g. "Forklift pre-start inspection" or "Pump seal replacement").</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">SOP number: a unique identifier for version control and cross-referencing.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Purpose: a brief statement explaining why the procedure exists and what it aims to achieve.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Scope: defines which tasks, equipment, sites or personnel the SOP applies to.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Definitions: explains any abbreviations, technical terms or acronyms used in the document.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Responsibilities: identifies who is responsible for each role in the procedure (operator, supervisor, safety officer, etc.).</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/sop-template" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">SOP template</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
Cite this template
Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this checklist. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack SOP template, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/sop-template
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). SOP template [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/sop-template
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/sop-template.
Need to automate compliance tracking and audit trails?
Register every asset in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
Compliance and inspections · All templates · Pricing · Book a demo