Product Overview

Summary: This Driving Range Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for running a golf driving range safely, efficiently and in full alignment with Australian WHS expectations. It covers everything from ball collection and equipment use to public safety, traffic flow and incident response, helping you protect patrons, staff and your business reputation.

A driving range is a dynamic environment where members of the public, vehicles, machinery and projectiles all interact in the same space. Without a structured procedure, risks such as struck‑by incidents, slips and trips, plant collisions, and poor patron behaviour can quickly escalate into serious injuries or costly claims. This Driving Range Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for operating your range safely, from opening checks and lane allocation through to ball collection, equipment maintenance and end‑of‑day shutdown.

Developed for Australian golf facilities and standalone driving ranges, the SOP helps you embed WHS best practice into everyday operations. It sets out how to manage high‑risk tasks like using range vehicles and ball pickers, controlling access during collection runs, managing lighting and weather conditions, and dealing with intoxicated or non‑compliant patrons. By standardising your approach, you improve staff training, reduce the likelihood of incidents, and demonstrate that you are taking reasonably practicable steps to meet your WHS obligations under Australian law.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, safe approach to driving range operations across all shifts and staff levels.
• Reduce the risk of injury from flying golf balls, vehicle movements and equipment misuse.
• Streamline staff training and onboarding with clear, task‑based procedures and checklists.
• Demonstrate due diligence and support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and golf facility insurance requirements.
• Improve patron experience and behaviour through clear rules, signage and incident management processes.

Who is this for?

• Driving Range Managers
• Golf Club Managers
• Facility and Operations Managers
• Duty Managers
• Range Supervisors
• Grounds and Maintenance Staff
• WHS Coordinators
• Casual Range Attendants
• Golf Professionals overseeing practice facilities

Hazards Addressed

• Being struck by golf balls during ball collection or while on the range
• Vehicle and plant collisions involving ball pickers, utility vehicles or mowers
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, wet or poorly maintained surfaces
• Manual handling injuries from lifting ball baskets, mats and equipment
• Poor visibility and lighting leading to mis‑hits and collisions, particularly at night
• Adverse weather exposure including heat stress, lightning and severe storms
• Contact with moving parts of ball dispensing and collection equipment
• Patron aggression, intoxication or unsafe behaviour on the range
• Noise exposure for staff working near busy hitting bays or machinery
• Electrical hazards associated with lighting, ball machines and power leads

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Managers, Supervisors, Attendants, Grounds Staff)
• 4.0 Competency, Induction and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment
• 6.0 Pre‑Opening Inspections and Range Readiness Checklist
• 7.0 Patron Management, Rules of Use and Supervision
• 8.0 Safe Operation of Ball Dispensing and Collection Systems
• 9.0 Vehicle and Plant Use on the Range (Ball Pickers, Carts, Mowers)
• 10.0 Control of Public Access During Ball Collection Runs
• 11.0 Environmental Conditions: Heat, Lightning and Adverse Weather Procedures
• 12.0 Housekeeping, Surface Maintenance and Slip/Trip Prevention
• 13.0 Manual Handling of Balls, Baskets, Mats and Equipment
• 14.0 Noise and Lighting Management for Staff and Patrons
• 15.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting Procedures
• 16.0 Emergency Response (Injury, Severe Weather, Fire, Aggressive Patrons)
• 17.0 Cleaning, Maintenance and Tag‑Out of Faulty Equipment
• 18.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 1680 series: Interior and workplace lighting (for range and pathway illumination)
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)