Product Overview

Summary: This Motorised Window Operations Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for safely using, maintaining and isolating powered window systems in Australian workplaces. It helps control crush, fall-from-height and electrical risks while supporting compliance with WHS duties and manufacturer requirements across offices, schools, healthcare, hospitality and residential facilities.

Motorised windows are increasingly common in modern Australian buildings, providing improved ventilation, comfort and accessibility. However, without a clear and consistent procedure, powered window systems can introduce serious safety risks, including crush and shear injuries, entrapment of limbs, falls from height, and electrical faults. This Motorised Window Operations Safe Operating Procedure gives your team a structured, step-by-step approach to operating, isolating and maintaining motorised windows in a way that protects workers, building occupants and visitors.

The SOP sets out how to carry out pre‑use checks, safely operate local and remote controls, manage window movements near people and furniture, and respond to obstructions or faults. It also covers lock‑out and isolation requirements during cleaning, servicing or when children and vulnerable persons are present, as well as signage, exclusion zones and escalation pathways when defects are identified. By implementing this procedure, organisations can standardise training, reduce the likelihood of incidents, and demonstrate that they have taken reasonably practicable steps to manage the risks associated with motorised windows under Australian WHS legislation.

Whether you manage a single site or a large property portfolio, this SOP helps you integrate motorised window safety into your broader building safety systems, including contractor management, emergency planning and preventative maintenance schedules.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crush, entrapment and fall-from-height incidents involving motorised windows.
• Ensure consistent, compliant operation of motorised windows across all sites and shifts.
• Support WHS due diligence by documenting clear roles, responsibilities and control measures.
• Streamline induction and refresher training for staff, contractors and cleaners who interact with motorised windows.
• Minimise unplanned downtime and costly repairs through structured pre-use checks and fault reporting.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Building Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Electricians
• WHS Managers
• School Business Managers
• Aged Care Facility Managers
• Hospital Engineering & Maintenance Staff
• Hotel and Accommodation Managers
• Strata and Property Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Crush and shear injuries from moving window sashes and frames
• Entrapment of fingers, hands or limbs in window openings and mechanisms
• Falls from height due to unexpected window movement or over-opening
• Electrical shock or fire from damaged motors, wiring or controls
• Manual handling strains from attempting to force jammed motorised windows
• Struck-by injuries from falling window components or fittings
• Uncontrolled operation due to faulty remote controls, sensors or timers
• Increased exposure to weather, dust or contaminants from windows left open unintentionally

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Motorised Window Systems
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Manufacturer Instructions
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Motorised Windows
• 6.0 Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Devices
• 7.0 Pre‑Use Inspection and Operational Readiness Checks
• 8.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Local Controls
• 9.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Remote, Automated and Integrated Systems
• 10.0 Managing Risks to Children, Vulnerable Persons and the Public
• 11.0 Isolation, Lock‑Out and Tag‑Out for Cleaning, Maintenance and Repairs
• 12.0 Working at Heights and Fall Prevention Considerations
• 13.0 Faults, Malfunctions and Incident Reporting
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures and Manual Override Operations
• 15.0 Cleaning, Servicing and Preventative Maintenance Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Inspection Logs and Document Control
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS 2047:2014 Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
• AS 1288:2021 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
• AS 4024.1:2019 Safety of machinery (for guarding and entrapment risk principles, where applicable)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines