Product Overview

Summary: This Elevator Installation Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for installing lifts safely on Australian construction sites. It helps your team control high-risk activities such as working at height, crane lifts, electrical connections and shaft access, while demonstrating compliance with WHS obligations and relevant Australian Standards.

Elevator installation is a complex, high-risk activity involving confined shafts, suspended loads, electrical systems, and multiple contractors working in close proximity. Without a structured safety procedure, businesses are exposed to serious incidents such as falls into shafts, crush injuries, dropped objects and electrical shock, as well as regulatory scrutiny and costly project delays. This Elevator Installation Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a practical, job-ready framework that your teams can follow from pre-start planning through to commissioning and handover.

Developed specifically for the Australian WHS environment, this SOP breaks down each stage of the installation process into clear, controlled steps with defined responsibilities, mandatory checks and risk controls. It supports compliance with relevant Australian Standards and WHS legislation, while also driving consistent work practices across different sites and installers. By implementing this procedure, you create a defensible system of work that reduces risk, supports worker competency, and gives clients confidence that lift installations are being managed to best-practice safety standards.

Key Benefits

• Ensure elevator installation work is planned and executed in line with Australian WHS legislation and relevant lift standards.
• Reduce the risk of falls, crush injuries, electrical incidents and dropped objects during installation activities.
• Standardise installation practices across multiple crews, subcontractors and sites for consistent safety performance.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, principal contractors and regulators through a documented, auditable procedure.
• Streamline inductions and toolbox talks by providing a clear reference document for training and supervision.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Elevator Installation Technicians
• Mechanical and Electrical Contractors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Safety Coordinators
• Construction Forepersons

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height around open elevator shafts and landing doors
• Falls into shafts during installation, inspection or cleaning activities
• Crush and pinch injuries from moving elevator components and counterweights
• Struck-by injuries from suspended loads and dropped tools or materials
• Electrical shock, arc flash and electrocution during wiring and commissioning
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and positioning heavy components
• Slips, trips and falls on cluttered or uneven work areas within and around the shaft
• Exposure to noise, dust and vibration during drilling, cutting and fixing works
• Entrapment risks during testing and commissioning of the lift car
• Interface risks with other trades working simultaneously in and around the shaft

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre-Installation Planning and WHS Documentation
• 5.0 Site Access, Induction and Coordination with Other Trades
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Elevator Installation
• 7.0 Required Tools, Plant and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 8.0 Elevator Shaft Preparation, Guarding and Fall Protection Controls
• 9.0 Material Handling, Lifting Operations and Use of Cranes or Hoists
• 10.0 Mechanical Installation of Rails, Car, Counterweights and Doors
• 11.0 Electrical Installation, Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures
• 12.0 Housekeeping, Access, Lighting and Environmental Controls in Shafts
• 13.0 Testing, Commissioning and Safe Work During Live System Checks
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures, Rescue Plans and Incident Response
• 15.0 Inspection, Verification and Handover Documentation
• 16.0 Training, Supervision and Review of the Procedure
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Auditing and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 1735 series: Lifts, escalators and moving walks (particularly AS 1735.1 and AS 1735.2)
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 2550.1: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – General requirements (for lifting operations associated with installation)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use