Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for preventing fires on arboriculture worksites, from suburban street trees to bushfire‑prone rural properties. It helps tree businesses control ignition sources, manage vegetation fuel loads, and meet Australian WHS and fire authority expectations while operating chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders and other high‑risk equipment.

Arboriculture worksites often bring ignition sources into direct contact with dry vegetation, mulch piles, overhead electrical infrastructure and sensitive bushland interfaces. Hot exhaust systems, friction from cutting equipment, fuel handling, and chipper blockages can all create conditions for fast‑moving fires that threaten workers, nearby properties and the public. This Fire Prevention in Arboriculture Worksites SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning and conducting tree work with fire risk front of mind, whether you are pruning street trees in summer, mulching storm‑damaged limbs, or conducting clearance around powerlines on catastrophic fire danger days.

The document translates Australian WHS duties and state fire authority requirements into clear, field‑ready instructions tailored to arboriculture. It covers pre‑start fire risk assessments, equipment selection and maintenance, hot‑work controls, vegetation fuel management, and work restrictions during declared Total Fire Ban or Fire Danger Periods. It also embeds practical controls such as minimum fire‑fighting equipment on site, safe refuelling practices, emergency communication protocols and crew training requirements. By implementing this SOP, arboriculture businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of work‑caused fires, and protect workers, clients, and surrounding communities from preventable fire incidents.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of work‑related fires caused by arboriculture equipment, hot surfaces and fuel handling.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and state and territory fire authority requirements during Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Bans.
• Standardise fire risk assessments and control measures across all tree crews and worksites.
• Protect workers, the public and nearby assets from fire and smoke impacts arising from arboriculture activities.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, insurers and regulators through documented, repeatable fire prevention practices.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew Members
• Tree Crew Leaders
• Arboriculture Business Owners
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Local Government Tree Management Officers
• Utility Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Landscape and Parks Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of dry vegetation, mulch or woodchip piles from hot exhausts and machinery
• Fire outbreaks from fuel spills and unsafe refuelling of chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders
• Sparks or heat generated by cutting, grinding or contact with metallic objects in dry conditions
• Fires spreading along tree canopies, grass or leaf litter into nearby bushland or structures
• Electrical arcing and fire ignition when working near overhead or underground powerlines
• Reduced visibility and respiratory irritation from smoke during a fire event
• Burns and heat stress to workers during fire response or in extreme heat conditions
• Delayed emergency response due to poor communication, location identification or access constraints

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Crew Leaders, Workers)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Fire Authority Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Fire Risk Assessment for Arboriculture Worksites
• 6.0 Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and Work Restrictions
• 7.0 Planning Work Near Bushland, Grassland and High‑Risk Interfaces
• 8.0 Equipment Requirements and Fire‑Fighting Resources on Site
• 9.0 Safe Use of Chainsaws, Chippers and Stump Grinders to Prevent Fire
• 10.0 Fuel Storage, Handling and Refuelling Procedures
• 11.0 Management of Mulch, Chip Piles and Vegetation Debris
• 12.0 Controls for Hot Work and High‑Heat Activities in Arboriculture
• 13.0 Electrical Hazard and Powerline Fire Risk Controls
• 14.0 Housekeeping, Vehicle Parking and Access for Emergency Services
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 16.0 Emergency Response, Communication and Evacuation Procedures
• 17.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Fire Prevention Measures
• 19.0 Document Control and Record‑Keeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (for temporary power on worksites)
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• Relevant state and territory fire authority guidelines (e.g. CFA, FRV, RFS, CFS, DFES) on Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Periods
• Utility vegetation management standards and guidelines where working near electrical assets