Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a structured, WHS-aligned framework for planning, deploying and managing virtual fence technology to control access, monitor worker locations and protect high‑risk zones. It helps Australian businesses integrate geofencing, wearables and sensor-based systems into their safety management processes in a consistent, legally defensible way.

Virtual fence technology (including geofencing, proximity sensors, RTLS wearables and GPS-based exclusion zones) is rapidly transforming how Australian workplaces control access to hazardous areas and manage people–plant interaction. Without a clear procedure, however, these systems can be poorly configured, misunderstood by workers, and ultimately fail to deliver the safety outcomes or compliance benefits they promise. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a step-by-step framework for assessing site needs, selecting appropriate virtual fence solutions, configuring zones and alerts, training workers, and monitoring performance in line with WHS obligations.

The document is designed for organisations operating in dynamic, high‑risk environments such as construction sites, mines, civil infrastructure projects, manufacturing plants and large logistics hubs. It translates technical system capabilities into practical, field-ready processes that integrate with existing permits, traffic management plans and safe work method statements. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence in adopting new technology, reduce the likelihood of people entering exclusion zones, and create a clear audit trail that supports incident investigations and regulator enquiries.

This SOP also addresses critical governance and change management issues often overlooked when rolling out virtual fences: consultation with workers and health and safety representatives, privacy and data use considerations, integration with existing WHS risk registers, and clear roles for IT, operations and safety teams. The result is a repeatable, organisation-wide approach that turns virtual fence technology from a gadget into a reliable control measure within your safety management system.

Key Benefits

• Strengthen controls around exclusion zones, no-go areas and separation of people from mobile plant using clearly defined virtual boundaries.
• Reduce the risk of collisions, struck-by incidents and unauthorised access by standardising how geofences and proximity alerts are configured, tested and maintained.
• Demonstrate WHS due diligence and support compliance by documenting a defensible process for implementing and reviewing virtual fence technology.
• Streamline collaboration between WHS, operations and IT teams through clearly assigned responsibilities and communication pathways.
• Improve incident response and continuous improvement by defining how alert data, near-miss events and system logs are analysed and fed back into risk controls.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• HSE Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Mining Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Civil Works Managers
• Logistics and Warehouse Managers
• IT and Systems Managers
• Safety Systems Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Unauthorised entry into exclusion zones and high-risk work areas
• People and mobile plant interaction (e.g. forklifts, haul trucks, earthmoving equipment)
• Falls from height risks near edges, voids or restricted access structures
• Exposure to hazardous energy sources (e.g. live electrical areas, automated machinery cells)
• Proximity to blasting zones, confined spaces or hazardous chemical storage areas
• Reduced situational awareness in large, complex or low-visibility sites
• Emergency access and egress issues in poorly controlled or congested work zones

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Virtual Fences, Geofencing, RTLS, Exclusion Zones)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (WHS, Operations, IT, Supervisors, Workers)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Organisational Policies
• 5.0 Pre-Implementation Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Selection and Approval of Virtual Fence Technology
• 7.0 System Design: Zone Mapping, Risk-Based Configuration and Alert Logic
• 8.0 Integration with Existing WHS Systems (Permits, SWMS, Traffic Management Plans)
• 9.0 Installation, Commissioning and Functional Testing Procedures
• 10.0 Worker Consultation, Communication and Change Management
• 11.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 12.0 Routine Operation and Monitoring of Virtual Fences
• 13.0 Data Management, Privacy and Recordkeeping
• 14.0 Maintenance, Calibration and Periodic Verification of System Performance
• 15.0 Incident, Alarm and Fault Response Procedures
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Virtual Fence Controls
• 17.0 Emergency Considerations and System Overrides
• 18.0 Document Control and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 4024.1 Safety of machinery (series)
• AS 1742 Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for integration with traffic management plans)
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (for restricted electrical zones, where applicable)
• Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) – in relation to location and personal data from wearables