Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out safe, compliant and practical procedures for using drones to support stump grinding operations on Australian worksites. It integrates WHS requirements with CASA drone rules to manage risks such as flying near plant, overhead services, public areas and airborne debris while capturing the aerial data your team needs.

Using drones around stump grinding plant offers powerful benefits for planning, monitoring and documenting vegetation removal, but it also introduces new safety and compliance risks. Rotating grinding heads, flying debris, uneven terrain, overhead powerlines, nearby traffic and the presence of the public all create a complex environment in which drone operations must be tightly controlled. This SOP provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for integrating drone use into stump grinding tasks without compromising worker safety, public safety or regulatory obligations.

The document guides businesses through pre‑flight risk assessment, communication protocols between the drone pilot and grinding crew, safe separation distances, and controls for operating near roads, structures and overhead services. It also addresses Australian‑specific requirements, including CASA rules for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), WHS duties for PCBUs, and consultation with workers and subcontractors on site. By adopting this procedure, organisations can confidently use aerial technology to improve visibility, planning and record‑keeping while demonstrating due diligence under Australian WHS law.

In addition to operational steps, the SOP supports consistent training, incident reporting and review of drone‑related near misses, ensuring lessons learned are captured and applied. It helps businesses avoid ad‑hoc drone use, reduce the risk of collisions with people or plant, and provide clear evidence of safe systems of work when audited by regulators, principal contractors or clients.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe integration of drone operations with stump grinding activities in line with Australian WHS and CASA requirements.
• Reduce the risk of collisions, near misses and debris‑related incidents involving drones, workers, plant and the public.
• Standardise communication, exclusion zones and work sequencing between drone pilots and stump grinding crews.
• Improve pre‑job planning, site assessment and documentation through structured aerial imaging and data capture.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers and clients through a documented, defensible safe work procedure.

Who is this for?

• Stump Grinding Operators
• Arborists and Tree Workers
• Grounds Maintenance Supervisors
• Civil and Landscaping Contractors
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Drone (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Pilots
• Operations Managers
• Local Government Parks and Gardens Coordinators
• Utility Vegetation Management Coordinators
• Construction Site Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Drone collision with workers, stump grinders, vehicles or other plant
• Loss of drone control due to wind, interference or pilot error
• Distraction of stump grinding operators caused by drone proximity or noise
• Contact with overhead powerlines, trees or structures by the drone
• Flying debris from stump grinding impacting the drone and causing uncontrolled descent
• Public exposure to low‑flying drones near footpaths, roads or adjacent properties
• Slips, trips and falls by drone pilots moving around uneven work sites
• Manual handling strains from transporting and setting up drone equipment
• Battery fire or thermal runaway during charging, storage or transport of drone batteries
• Privacy and security breaches due to uncontrolled aerial filming of neighbouring properties

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Drone, RPA, Remote Pilot, Stump Grinding Plant, Exclusion Zone)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Drone Pilot, Stump Grinding Operator, Spotter, Supervisor)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and CASA Requirements
• 5.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements for Drone Pilots and Workers
• 6.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment for Drone‑Supported Stump Grinding
• 7.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (including Overhead Services and Public Interface)
• 8.0 Equipment Requirements and Pre‑Use Checks (Drone, Batteries, Controllers, PPE)
• 9.0 Establishing Exclusion Zones and Communication Protocols Between Drone and Grinding Crews
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Operating Procedure for Drone Use During Stump Grinding
• 11.0 Operating Near Roads, Public Areas and Sensitive Receptors (Schools, Hospitals, Residences)
• 12.0 Environmental Conditions and Weather Limitations for Safe Drone Flights
• 13.0 Battery Management, Charging, Storage and Fire Safety
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures (Loss of Control, Crash, Powerline Contact, Injury, Fire)
• 15.0 Incident, Near Miss and Privacy Complaint Reporting
• 16.0 Record Keeping (Flight Logs, Risk Assessments, Maintenance, Training Records)
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Drone and Stump Grinding Operations

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and State/Territory equivalents)
• Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101 – Unmanned aircraft and rockets
• CASA Advisory Circulars relating to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the risk of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (for safe approach distances near electrical installations, as referenced by duty holders)
• State and Territory electrical safety legislation and guidelines for working near overhead and underground assets