Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying hazards and implementing controls when using handheld landscaping power tools on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that combines multiple activities into one easy-to-use resource to support WHS compliance and effective risk management for all aspects of handheld landscaping tool operation.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of bark blower trucks, including loading, hose handling, and managing airborne dust and debris
• Use of handheld blowers for clearing leaves, grass and debris while controlling noise, vibration and flying particles
• Operation of blower vac units, including safe switching between modes and managing collected waste material
• Bush trimming using electric trimmers, with controls for electrical safety, cord management and cutting hazards
• Chainsaw operation for pruning and cutting, including kickback prevention, secure footing and exclusion zones
• Edging and whipping around paths, gardens and structures using line trimmers and whipper snippers
• Use of green trimmers and plastic strimmers for grass and weed control, including line replacement and guarding
• Hedge trimming with powered hedge trimmers and hedgers, focusing on two-hand controls and overhead work risks
• Use of hydraulic pruners and pole pruners for elevated branches, including drop zone management and manual handling
• Operation of lawn edgers and combined lawn edgers/trimmers along kerbs, driveways and garden borders
• Safe use of weed whackers for vegetation control around obstacles, posts and tight areas
• Selection, inspection and maintenance of handheld landscaping power tools prior to use
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage noise, vibration, dust, flying objects and cuts
• Manual handling techniques for lifting, carrying and transporting power tools and fuel or battery packs
• Safe refuelling, battery charging and storage of landscaping power tools to minimise fire and environmental risks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for landscapers, grounds maintenance crews, gardening contractors, local councils, facility managers and site supervisors responsible for handheld landscaping power tool activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice – guidance on controlling noise from powered landscaping tools
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice – relevant to elevated pruning and hedge trimming tasks
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice – applicable to fuels, oils and cleaning agents used with power tools
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice – framework for identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with handheld tools
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice – requirements for safe outdoor work environments and amenities
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – selection of suitable hand protection for cutting and vibration risks
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye protectors for industrial applications – eye protection against flying debris and dust
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – Hearing protectors – selection of hearing protection for powered equipment