Product Overview

Summary: This Scrap Metal Transportation Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for safely loading, securing, transporting and unloading scrap metal across Australian roads and worksites. It helps businesses control high-risk activities such as load securement, interaction with mobile plant and manual handling, while supporting compliance with WHS and Chain of Responsibility obligations.

Scrap metal transport is a high-risk activity that combines sharp, unstable loads with heavy vehicles, mobile plant and busy yards. Without a clear procedure, businesses can face serious incidents including falling loads, vehicle rollovers, crush injuries and non-compliance with Chain of Responsibility and WHS legislation. This Scrap Metal Transportation Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end-to-end process for planning, loading, securing, transporting and unloading scrap metal in a way that protects workers, contractors and the public.

Tailored for Australian scrap, recycling and demolition operations, the SOP addresses the real-world challenges of mixed and irregular loads, variable site conditions and tight turnaround times. It standardises how pre-start inspections are completed, how exclusion zones are set up, how different types of scrap (loose, baled, long lengths, heavy pieces) are loaded and restrained, and how drivers and yard staff communicate. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce incident rates, improve load quality and minimise costly damage to vehicles, equipment and customer property.

The procedure is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing WHS management systems and Chain of Responsibility frameworks. It supports consistent training for drivers and yard personnel, provides clear guidance on PPE and equipment checks, and outlines what to do when conditions change, loads shift or an incident occurs on the road or at the customer’s site.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injuries from falling, shifting or unstable scrap metal loads during loading, transit and unloading.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS laws and Chain of Responsibility requirements for heavy vehicle operations.
• Standardise driver and yard team practices, improving efficiency, communication and turnaround times.
• Minimise vehicle damage, load rejections and product loss through consistent load planning and securement methods.
• Provide clear, defensible evidence of safe systems of work for regulators, insurers and major clients.

Who is this for?

• Scrap Metal Yard Managers
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Truck Drivers and Heavy Vehicle Operators
• Loader and Forklift Operators
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Operations Managers in Recycling Facilities
• Contract Transport Providers
• Compliance and Chain of Responsibility Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Falling or shifting scrap metal during loading, transit and unloading
• Crush injuries between vehicles, mobile plant and stockpiles
• Cuts, punctures and lacerations from sharp and jagged metal edges
• Manual handling strains and sprains when moving or adjusting scrap metal
• Vehicle rollovers or loss of control due to poorly distributed or unsecured loads
• Struck-by incidents involving forklifts, loaders, cranes and trucks
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, contaminated or cluttered yard surfaces
• Noise exposure from heavy plant and metal handling operations
• Exposure to hazardous substances such as residual oils, fuels, batteries or gas cylinders within scrap
• Traffic management risks when entering, exiting or operating within busy yards and customer sites

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Vehicles
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Drivers, Yard Staff, Supervisors, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Chain of Responsibility Duties
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licensing and Training
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Load Restraint Equipment
• 7.0 Pre-Start Checks on Vehicles, Trailers and Restraint Equipment
• 8.0 Site and Traffic Management Requirements in Yards and Customer Sites
• 9.0 Scrap Metal Classification and Load Planning (Loose, Baled, Longs, Heavy Items)
• 10.0 Safe Loading Procedures and Use of Mobile Plant
• 11.0 Load Restraint and Securement Methods for Different Scrap Types
• 12.0 Driver Checks, Documentation and Pre-Departure Verification
• 13.0 Safe Driving Practices, Route Selection and En-Route Inspections
• 14.0 Unloading Procedures at Yards, Ports and Customer Sites
• 15.0 Managing Non-Conformances, Load Shifts and Roadside Incidents
• 16.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 17.0 Emergency Response and Incident Reporting Requirements
• 18.0 Cleaning, Housekeeping and Environmental Considerations
• 19.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements (as adopted in applicable Australian states and territories)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state and territory WHS Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and corresponding state and territory regulations)
• Load Restraint Guide 2018 – National Transport Commission (NTC)
• AS/NZS 4024.1: Safety of machinery (for interaction with loading equipment and plant)
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Relevant state and territory Codes of Practice for Traffic Management and Working with Mobile Plant