Product Overview

Summary: This Edge Trimming Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for trimming lawn and garden edges using powered and manual equipment. It supports Australian businesses to control line‑of‑fire, noise, and environmental risks while lifting the quality and efficiency of grounds maintenance work.

Edge trimming is a routine task across councils, schools, aged care facilities, strata properties, and commercial sites, yet it exposes workers and bystanders to high‑speed projectiles, noise, vibration, and manual handling risks. This Edge Trimming Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step method for planning, preparing, and carrying out edge trimming using line trimmers, brushcutters, and manual edging tools in line with Australian WHS expectations. It outlines how to assess the work area, select appropriate equipment, and implement effective controls for hazards such as flying debris, slips and trips, and contact with moving parts.

By implementing this SOP, organisations can standardise how edge trimming is performed across all sites and teams, ensuring consistent quality of presentation while protecting workers and the public. The document helps duty holders demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, supports induction and refresher training, and reduces the likelihood of property damage, noise complaints, and injuries. It is designed to be easily integrated into existing WHS management systems and safe work method statements (SWMS) used in horticulture, facilities management, and outdoor services.

Key Benefits

• Ensure edge trimming tasks are carried out in line with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practice.
• Reduce the risk of injuries from flying debris, contact with moving parts, and slips, trips and falls.
• Standardise edge trimming methods across crews and sites, improving consistency and presentation quality.
• Support faster onboarding and competency assessment for new grounds and landscaping staff.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators, and auditors through documented safe work procedures.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Landscape Gardeners
• Parks and Gardens Teams
• Facilities and Property Maintenance Staff
• Local Council Outdoor Workers
• School Groundskeepers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Maintenance Teams
• WHS Advisors in Horticulture and Grounds Services
• Landscape Supervisors and Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Impact from flying debris (stones, sticks, litter) striking workers or bystanders
• Contact with moving cutting heads, nylon line, or blades
• Noise exposure from petrol and battery-powered trimmers
• Hand–arm vibration from prolonged equipment use
• Musculoskeletal strain from awkward postures, repetitive movements, and manual handling of equipment
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, wet, or sloped ground
• Exposure to dust, pollen, and plant material that may trigger respiratory or allergic reactions
• Contact with hidden services or obstacles (sprinklers, edging, garden lighting, tree roots)
• Environmental hazards such as working near roads, car parks, or public walkways
• Burns or fire risk from hot engine parts, refuelling, and fuel storage (for petrol equipment)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Equipment
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 6.0 Equipment Selection, Inspection and Pre‑Use Checks
• 7.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Powered Edge Trimmers and Brushcutters
• 8.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Manual Edging Tools
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 10.0 Working Around the Public, Traffic and Sensitive Areas
• 11.0 Refuelling, Battery Handling and Environmental Considerations
• 12.0 Post‑Operation Shutdown, Cleaning and Storage
• 13.0 Incident, Near Miss and Equipment Fault Reporting
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing