This Turf Laying & Soil Preparation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives landscaping crews a clear method for preparing soil and laying turf by hand, with help from a light cultivator and walk-behind roller. It covers checking the site for services and obstructions, barricading uneven ground, safe lifting, spreading and levelling soil, using the cultivator, cutting and laying turf, rolling, sun protection and isolating powered equipment. 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
Turf suppliers who also install
Builders and developers finishing new homes
Council parks and gardens crews
Schools, sports grounds and golf course 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
Manual handling and strain from lifting turf rolls, soil and top dressing
Sunburn, dehydration and heat illness
Slips and trips on uneven, wet or freshly turned ground
Cuts from turf knives, edging tools and hand tools
Entanglement or crush from cultivator tines
Thrown stones, debris and soil clods
Noise and vibration from cultivators and rollers
Dust, mould and biological hazards in soil and compost
Insect bites, stings, ticks and spiders
Runaway equipment on slopes and vehicles or pedestrians in public areas
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and weather to services, barricading, equipment condition, sun protection and drinking water
A 12-step operating procedure covering lifting, levelling, cultivator use, buried objects, laying and cutting turf, watering and rolling
Isolation and energy control for stopping cultivators and rollers, spark plug leads and parking on slopes
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for heat illness, buried service strikes and cuts, 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 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 ride-on or earthmoving plant?
No. It covers manual work, light cultivators and walk-behind rollers. Ride-on plant, excavators and heavy earthmoving equipment need their own SOPs.
Does it cover herbicides or fertilisers?
No. Chemical use is outside the scope of this 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.
