This Post Hole Auger Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to safely use a handheld two-person petrol auger or a machine, tractor or skid-steer mounted auger to bore holes for fencing and other posts. It covers Before You Dig Australia enquiries, guard and control checks, briefing both operators, engaging the drive gradually, handling strikes on rock or roots, clearing spoil, isolating the drive before clearing jams and responding to service strikes. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Fencing contractors
Landscapers and garden construction businesses
Farmers and rural property owners
Signage and post installation contractors
Builders and deck and pergola installers
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
Entanglement in rotating flighting or the drive shaft
Kickback or violent twisting when striking rock or roots
Striking underground electrical, gas, water or communications services
Manual handling of heavy two-person petrol augers
Hand-arm vibration and musculoskeletal strain
Noise-induced hearing loss from engine and gearbox noise
Ejected soil, stones or debris
Unstable machine-mounted augers or unstable ground
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from training and a Before You Dig Australia enquiry to site hazards, flighting and guards, fluids and hoses, controls, operator briefing and loose clothing
A 10-step operating procedure covering positioning, two-person grip and stance, engaging the drive, obstructions, kickback, clearing spoil, bystanders and machine-mounted augers
Isolation and energy control for stopping the engine or isolating the PTO or hydraulic drive before clearing jams or maintenance
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for jammed augers, kickback, underground service strikes and entanglement or crush injuries
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 Fencing 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 machine-mounted augers?
Yes. It covers handheld two-person petrol augers and machine, tractor or skid-steer mounted auger attachments.
Does it include checking for underground services?
Yes. A Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry is required before boring at any new location, along with a visual check of the work area.
Does it cover setting the post?
No. The SOP finishes once the hole is bored. Setting, plumbing and concreting the post are covered by the Post Setting and Concreting 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.
