This Brush Cutter & Whipper Snipper Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers the safe use of handheld brush cutters and line trimmers fitted with a metal blade or nylon line. It covers checking the guard, cutting head and controls, clearing debris, setting up an exclusion zone, choosing blade or line, blade thrust, safe cutting technique, refuelling a cool engine, and storing blades. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Landscaping and garden maintenance businesses
Lawn mowing contractors
Local councils and parks teams
Property and grounds maintenance teams
Farms and rural properties
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Stones, sticks and wire thrown at the operator or bystanders
Cuts from the rotating blade or moving line
Blade thrust when a metal blade strikes a stump, rock or post
Entanglement in long grass, wire, fencing or debris
Hand-arm vibration from prolonged use
Noise-induced hearing loss
Strain from the weight of the unit and awkward posture
Burns from a hot engine, muffler or exhaust
Fire from fuel spills or refuelling a hot engine
Slips and trips on uneven, wet or overgrown ground
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from the cutting attachment and guard to the shoulder strap, fuel lines, kill switch and clearing debris
A 13-step operating procedure covering attachment choice, exclusion zones, stance, blade thrust, hidden hazards and rest breaks
Isolation and energy control for stopping the engine or removing the battery before clearing, adjusting or refuelling
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for people struck by debris or the cutting attachment, and fuel or engine fires
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover mowers or hedge trimmers?
No. Ride-on and walk-behind mowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws each need their own SOP.
Does it cover battery-powered units?
Yes. It covers switching off and removing the battery on battery-powered units before clearing, adjusting or changing the cutting attachment.
Does it cover spraying weeds?
No. Mixing and applying herbicides or other chemicals is covered by the Chemical Mixing and Spray Application SOP.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
