This Stump Grinder Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to operate a self-propelled or towable stump grinder safely to grind tree stumps and major surface roots below ground level. It covers Before You Dig Australia plans, inspecting the cutting wheel, teeth and guards, clearing debris and setting exclusion zones, grinding in controlled passes and isolating the machine before clearing jams or changing teeth. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Arborists and tree services
Landscapers and garden maintenance businesses
Stump removal businesses
Council parks and gardens crews
Equipment hire businesses
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
Contact with the rotating cutting wheel or teeth
Thrown wood chips, stones, nails or wire
Underground gas, electricity, water or communications services
Noise and hand-arm vibration
Burns or fire from hot engine parts or chips igniting dry grass
Manoeuvring, loading or towing the grinder
Tip-over, slips and trips on uneven or sloped ground
Bystanders within the operating radius and wood dust
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from training and BYDA plans to cutting wheel, guards and interlocks, debris clearance and exclusion zones
An 8-step operating procedure covering positioning, PPE, controlled side-to-side grinding, root removal and stopping after strikes
Isolation and energy control for shutting down the engine and removing the key before clearing jams, changing teeth or refuelling
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for striking services, embedded objects or a person, including gas and electrical strikes
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 tree felling?
No. Tree felling, limbing and other arboricultural work, and excavation beyond grinding the stump itself, are covered by other procedures.
Do we need to check for underground services?
Yes. Before grinding below ground level, the SOP requires current Before You Dig Australia plans and the asset owner's instructions to be obtained.
Does it cover towable grinders?
Yes. It covers both self-propelled and towable stump grinders.
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.
