Product Overview

Summary: This Hedge Trimming Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, safe and efficient method for maintaining hedges in Australian workplaces and public spaces. It focuses on controlling risks associated with powered hedge trimmers, working at height and public interface, helping you meet WHS obligations while presenting a professional, well-maintained site.

Hedge trimming is a routine task across councils, schools, aged care facilities, commercial properties and strata complexes, yet it involves significant safety risks when carried out with powered equipment, ladders, traffic and the public in close proximity. This Hedge Trimming Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning and carrying out hedge trimming activities so they are safe, consistent and compliant with Australian WHS requirements. It covers everything from pre‑start inspections and site assessment through to equipment shutdown, clean‑up and communication with site occupants.

The procedure helps organisations move away from informal “this is how we’ve always done it” practices and towards a documented, defensible system of work. It addresses typical pain points such as injuries from contact with blades, strains from awkward postures, noise exposure, debris striking pedestrians or vehicles, and damage to underground or above‑ground services. By implementing this SOP, businesses can standardise training for new and existing staff, demonstrate due diligence in the event of an incident, and ensure hedge trimming work is completed to a professional standard with minimal disruption to operations or the public.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements for powered garden equipment use.
• Reduce the risk of lacerations, eye injuries, manual handling strains and falls during hedge trimming activities.
• Standardise hedge trimming practices across teams and sites, improving consistency and presentation of grounds.
• Streamline induction and refresher training for grounds staff and contractors using a clear, documented procedure.
• Minimise disruption to building occupants, traffic and the public by incorporating planning, barricading and communication controls.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Gardeners and Horticulture Staff
• Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Facilities and Property Managers
• School Groundskeepers
• Local Council Operations Managers
• Landscape Contractors
• WHS Advisors in Grounds and Maintenance
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• Sports Turf and Grounds Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Contact with moving hedge trimmer blades causing cuts or amputations
• Flying debris and plant material causing eye and facial injuries
• Noise exposure from powered hedge trimmers leading to hearing damage
• Manual handling strains from repetitive movements and awkward postures
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven ground, wet grass or cuttings
• Falls from ladders or working at height to reach tall hedges
• Contact with overhead or underground electrical services
• Exposure to vibration from prolonged use of powered equipment
• Inhalation of dust, pollen or allergens during trimming
• Public interface risks, including members of the public entering the work zone
• Environmental hazards such as bees, wasps, snakes or hidden objects in hedges
• Fuel handling and refuelling risks for petrol‑powered equipment
• Fire risk from hot engines near dry vegetation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Locations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 5.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Site Assessment
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 9.0 Traffic, Pedestrian and Public Safety Controls
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Hedge Trimming Procedure
• 11.0 Working at Height and Ladder Use (if applicable)
• 12.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Practices
• 13.0 Environmental Considerations and Waste Management
• 14.0 Equipment Shutdown, Cleaning and Maintenance
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 16.0 Documentation, Records and Review Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks 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 4024 series: Safety of machinery
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall‑arrest systems and devices (where ladders or height access equipment are used)