What are rollover protective structures (ROPS)
What are rollover protective structures (ROPS)?
How much ROPS cost and where to get them
Common ROPS myths
Exemptions
What are rollover protective structures (ROPS)?
Rollover protective structures (ROPS) are life-saving devices that can prevent drivers from being crushed when a tractor rolls over. ROPS are mandatory on all tractors.
How much ROPS cost and where to get them
ROPS generally cost around $850 to $1,000 for larger machines. It takes around two hours to fit a ROPS.
You can purchase a ROPS from a farm machinery dealership or a ROPS supplier/manufacturer. Both should be able to supply you with any technical information you require. A catalogue of ROPS can be obtained by contacting Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915.
I don’t use my tractor frequently, so I don’t need ROPS.
You must install a ROPS no matter how often you use the tractor unless it is in an exempt category.
I don’t have time to install a ROPS.
It is mandatory to have a ROPS installed.
I am self-employed and don’t employ any workers. I don’t need to install a ROPS.
Under the ROPS regulation, tractors operated by a self-employed person and built after 1 January 1981 must be fitted with a ROPS unless used only in an exempt category.
Even if the tractor is built before this date Workplace Health and Safety Queensland strongly recommends you install ROPS.
I work in an orchard. I don’t need ROPS.
You must fit a ROPS if it will not impede the tractor’s operation in an orchard. Fold-down and single post ROPS are available for operating tractors in orchards. If you use the tractor anywhere else, you also need ROPS.
A tractor that does not have a ROPS fitted should not be used at a workplace except in the following ways:
- in a stationary position, or driven to or from a place where the tractor is used in a stationary position
- in a situation where the operation of the tractor would be obstructed if a rollover protective structure were to be fitted to the tractor, e.g. in an orchard or in or near a building
- if it is necessary to remove the tractor’s rollover protective structure to do maintenance, modification, service or repair.
Certain tractors may not require a fitted ROPS because the risk of rollover and/or injury from rollover is minimal if:
- the tractor weighs less than 560 kg or more than 15,000 kg when measured with a full fuel tank, coolant and lubricating oil.
For more detailed information on exemptions, refer to part 16, section 146 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
In the case of exemptions, employers, self-employed persons, contractors and people in control of workplaces should conduct a risk assessment on the likelihood of tractors overturning as outlined in section 2.1.1 of the Safe Design and Operation of Tractors Code of Practice 2005.
If an approved ROPS is unavailable from the manufacturer, a ROPS testing centre may supply an approved frame or test a home designed frame. See appendix 2 of the Safe Design and Operation of Tractors Code of Practice 2005.
An approved fold-down ROPS with a locking device may be more practical to use where a tractor is operating inside or close to buildings, or near trees.
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