This PTO Guarding & Implement Changeover SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives farm workers a clear method for inspecting and fitting power take-off (PTO) shaft guards and for hitching, unhitching and changing implements on tractors. It covers guard and shaft checks, matching shaft length and spline size, shutting down and isolating the tractor before approaching, connecting linkage and drawbars, engaging the PTO at the correct speed, and responding to entanglement. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Farmers and graziers
Agricultural contractors
Orchards, vineyards and horticulture businesses
Turf farms and landscape contractors
Council parks and rural property maintenance teams
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 of hands, clothing, hair or jewellery in a rotating PTO shaft
Being caught between the tractor and implement during hitching
Implements or three-point linkage lowering, tipping or falling unexpectedly
Being run over when the tractor isn't braked and shut down
Universal joints and couplings still turning after disengagement
Manual handling injuries fitting implements, shafts, guards, pins and drawbars
Cuts from sharp edges, broken guards and shear bolts
Slips, trips and falls from mud, grease and uneven ground
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and guard condition to shaft length and spline size, pins and chains, linkage, ground conditions and tractor controls
A 12-step operating procedure covering positioning, isolating the tractor, reversing with a spotter, connecting linkage, fitting the shaft and guards and engaging the PTO
Isolation and energy control for disengaging the PTO, lowering or supporting implements, applying the park brake and isolating the ignition
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for a person entangled in a PTO shaft or caught in moving machinery
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 Agriculture & Farming 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 general tractor operation?
No. General tractor operation, road transport and paddock work are covered by your broader farm machinery and tractor safety procedures.
Does it include checking the guard itself?
Yes. Workers check the PTO shaft guard, master shield and universal joint guards for damage, and confirm the guard tube and cones turn freely and independently of the shaft.
Must the tractor be shut down for hitching?
Yes. The tractor is shut down and isolated, with the PTO disengaged and the park brake on, before anyone approaches the hitch point.
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.
