- Home
- About
- WHS & Insurance
- WHS Resources
- Standard Operating Procedure Resources
Standard Operating Procedure Resources
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a clear, step-by-step guide that explains how a task in the stable or on the track should be done safely and consistently.
It sets out the correct way to carry out routine activities such as handling horses, saddling, grooming, cleaning stalls, using equipment and responding to emergencies, so everyone follows the same safe process.
An SOP helps reduce risk, improve safety, and make sure workers understand what is expected of them when performing their duties.
Browse standard operating procedure (SOP) training resources by topic.
Horse Handling
Safe Horse Handling TechniquesGuidance on safely catching, leading and tying horses in stable and track environments. | Reading and Responding to Horse BehaviourGuidance on blind spots, flight behaviour, body cues and safe handler response. |
Mounting and DismountingSafe rider positioning, assistant support and control during mounting and dismounting. | Tacking a HorsePreparation and fitting of saddle, bridle, girth, breastplate and protective gear. |
Washing and Grooming HorsesGuidance for controlled horse washing, drying, grooming and abnormality checks. | Horse SwimmingSafe handling and supervision procedures for leading and swimming horses at approved facilities. |
Transportation of HorsesGuidance for preparing, loading, unloading and transporting horses safely. |
Horse Health & Welfare
Management of Equine Injury, Disease and IllnessProcedures for responding to horse injury, illness and biohazard events, including quarantine and reporting. | Cleaning of Stalls and SurroundsStructured stall cleaning and deep-cleaning procedures to support hygiene and horse welfare. |
Safety & Emergency
Use and Maintenance of Personal Protective EquipmentGuidance on the correct use, inspection, maintenance and replacement of personal protective equipment. | Fire and Emergency ResponseProcedures for emergency preparedness, fire response, medical emergencies, spills and severe weather. |
Chemical Management and StorageGuidance on safe chemical transport, storage, use and disposal in racehorse environments. | Operating Mobile PlantSafe operation of tractors, utility vehicles, horse floats and other mobile plant. |
Workplace & Wellbeing
Fatigue Management of EmployeesProcedures to manage fatigue risks through scheduling, breaks, reporting and workplace review. | Managing Bullying, Harassment and Psychosocial HazardsGuidance for identifying, assessing and controlling psychosocial hazards in the workplace. |
Need Help?
This page is designed to give you quick access to SOP resources. If you have questions, please contact the Risk and Insurance team on 07 3869 9777.
Disclaimer
These Standard Operating Procedures, Job Task Analyses, Work Health and Safety policies, guidelines and related materials (“Materials”) are issued by Racing Queensland for the purpose of providing industry‑level guidance, minimum expectations and reference material relevant to thoroughbred racing activities in Queensland.
The Materials are of a general nature only and have been developed on the basis of typical racing activities and risks. They do not take into account the specific circumstances of any individual race club, training facility, workplace, event, contractor, participant or other third party, including variations in track design, facilities, systems of work, environmental conditions, staffing, experience or risk profile.
The Materials are not intended to ensure, and do not of themselves ensure, compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), the Racing Act 2002 (Qld), or any Codes of Practice approved under those Acts. They do not constitute legal advice, workplace‑specific safety advice, or a substitute for site‑specific risk management and consultation.
To the extent permitted by law, Racing Queensland makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, currency or application of the Materials to any particular workplace or activity, and accepts no liability for any injury, loss, damage, penalty, prosecution or claim arising from reliance on, or use of, the Materials where they have not been appropriately assessed, adapted and implemented by the relevant duty holder having regard to their own statutory obligations.
Nothing in this disclaimer limits or affects any duty, obligation or liability imposed by law that cannot be excluded.
