Product Overview

Summary: This Oil Change Procedure SOP sets out a safe, consistent and compliant method for changing engine oil on vehicles, plant and equipment in Australian workplaces. It helps your team manage environmental, fire and manual handling risks while protecting assets from costly damage caused by incorrect servicing.

Oil changes are one of the most common maintenance tasks in transport, construction, agriculture and facilities operations, yet they are frequently carried out without a formalised procedure. This Oil Change Procedure Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely draining, replacing and disposing of engine oil and filters on vehicles, mobile plant and fixed equipment. It integrates WHS, environmental and quality requirements so your team can complete the task efficiently while controlling risks such as burns, slips, spills, fire and exposure to hazardous substances.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, this SOP supports your duty of care under WHS legislation and your obligations around waste management and pollution prevention. It standardises how inspections, lock‑out/tag‑out, selection of the correct lubricant, torque settings, spill response and documentation are handled across your business. The result is safer workshops and worksites, fewer equipment failures due to poor servicing, and a defensible system of work that can be used for training, competency assessment and contractor management.

Key Benefits

• Ensure oil changes are carried out safely and consistently across all vehicles, plant and equipment.
• Reduce the risk of spills, environmental contamination and costly clean‑ups during servicing activities.
• Minimise equipment downtime and premature engine wear caused by incorrect oil type, level or change intervals.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS, hazardous chemicals and waste management requirements.
• Streamline training and onboarding for mechanics, operators and contractors performing oil changes.

Who is this for?

• Fleet Managers
• Workshop Supervisors
• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Light Vehicle Technicians
• Plant and Equipment Operators
• Maintenance Planners
• WHS Managers
• Agricultural Machinery Operators
• Mining and Civil Maintenance Teams
• Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Staff

Hazards Addressed

• Contact with hot engine components and hot oil causing burns
• Slips, trips and falls from oil spills on floors or ground surfaces
• Exposure to used engine oil and other hazardous substances
• Fire risk from flammable liquids and ignition sources in workshops
• Manual handling injuries when lifting wheels, sumps, drums or heavy components
• Crush injuries from unintended vehicle or plant movement during servicing
• Environmental contamination from incorrect storage, handling or disposal of waste oil and filters

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Standards
• 3.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Required Qualifications and Competencies
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Service Safety Checks and Vehicle/Plant Isolation
• 9.0 Identification of Correct Oil Type, Grade and Quantity
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Oil Change Procedure
• 11.0 Safe Handling of Hot Components and Fluids
• 12.0 Spill Prevention and Spill Response Procedure
• 13.0 Waste Oil, Filter and Contaminated Rag Disposal
• 14.0 Environmental Protection Controls
• 15.0 Post‑Service Checks, Leak Inspection and Test Run
• 16.0 Documentation, Service Records and Tagging
• 17.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and First Aid Considerations
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• AS 1940:2017 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• Local state and territory environmental protection legislation and EPA guidelines for waste oil disposal