Product Overview

Summary: This Life Jacket Inspection and Usage SOP sets out clear, practical steps to ensure flotation devices are correctly selected, inspected, worn and maintained in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses manage water-related risks, support WHS compliance, and protect workers and visitors during any work conducted on, in or near water.

Working on or near water presents a unique set of risks, and the correct use of life jackets is a critical control measure under Australian WHS legislation. This Life Jacket Inspection and Usage Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step approach to ensuring that all personal flotation devices (PFDs) are fit for purpose, regularly inspected, correctly fitted, and used consistently whenever water hazards are present. It covers both routine operations and higher-risk activities such as vessel transfers, work on barges or pontoons, bridge and jetty works, and fieldwork around dams, rivers and coastal environments.

The SOP helps organisations turn good intentions into reliable practice by clearly defining responsibilities, inspection frequencies, acceptance/rejection criteria, storage and maintenance requirements, and escalation steps when defects are found. It addresses common failure points such as poorly fitting jackets, expired or non-compliant PFDs, damaged inflatables, and workers not understanding when and how life jackets must be worn. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood and severity of drowning incidents, and provide clear evidence of compliance to regulators, clients and insurers.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent inspection, maintenance and usage of life jackets across all teams and sites.
• Reduce the risk of drowning and immersion-related injuries during work on, in or near water.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian maritime and WHS obligations for personal flotation devices.
• Improve worker confidence through clear guidance on selection, fitting and correct use of life jackets.
• Standardise training, recordkeeping and auditing of life jacket controls for easier regulatory verification.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Marine Operations Supervisors
• Construction Site Supervisors (marine and civil works)
• Boating and Marina Managers
• Aquaculture and Fisheries Managers
• Environmental Field Team Leaders
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Outdoor Education and Adventure Activity Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Drowning due to accidental falls into water
• Immersion and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water
• Failure of life jacket due to damage, poor maintenance or incorrect inflation
• Use of non-compliant or incorrect type/class of life jacket for the task and water conditions
• Incorrect fit leading to life jacket slipping off or failing to keep airways clear
• Reduced buoyancy from degraded or waterlogged flotation material
• Inadequate availability of life jackets in emergency or evacuation situations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Life Jackets (PFD Categories and AS 4758 Ratings)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Hazard Identification – Work on, In and Near Water
• 5.0 Life Jacket Selection Criteria (Task, Environment and Legal Requirements)
• 6.0 Pre-use Inspection Procedure (Checklist and Rejection Criteria)
• 7.0 Periodic Detailed Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
• 8.0 Fitting, Adjustment and Correct Wearing of Life Jackets
• 9.0 Usage Requirements – When Life Jackets Must Be Worn
• 10.0 Storage, Handling and Transport of Life Jackets
• 11.0 Management of Defective, Expired or Non-compliant Life Jackets
• 12.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 13.0 Emergency Response and Man Overboard Considerations
• 14.0 Recordkeeping, Inspection Logs and Audit Requirements
• 15.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Consultation

Legislation & References

• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders relating to safety equipment and life jackets
• AS 4758: Personal flotation devices
• Safe Work Australia - Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice (for work near water edges)
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 3.1: Managing risks to health and safety
• State and Territory marine safety regulations (e.g. NSW Marine Safety Regulation, Qld Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation)