Product Overview

Summary: This Irrigation System Operation Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, step-by-step instructions for safely starting, operating, monitoring, and shutting down irrigation systems in Australian workplaces. It helps control risks associated with pressurised water, electrical components, chemicals and field access, while supporting efficient water use and compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Irrigation systems in agriculture, horticulture, turf and open space management are increasingly complex, combining pumps, pipework, valves, filtration, fertigation units and automated controls. When these systems are not operated to a clear standard, businesses face safety risks such as exposure to moving mechanical parts, high-pressure water, buried services and hazardous chemicals, as well as costly water wastage and crop or turf damage. This Irrigation System Operation SOP provides a structured, practical framework so workers know exactly how to operate equipment safely and consistently, whether they are starting a pump set, flushing lines, adjusting zones or applying liquid fertilisers.

Developed for Australian conditions, this procedure supports compliance with WHS legislation and environmental expectations around water efficiency and chemical use. It guides users through pre-start inspections, isolation and lock-out steps, safe pressurisation and depressurisation, chemical handling controls, and routine monitoring of system performance in the field. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce incidents, standardise training across seasonal and casual workers, demonstrate due diligence to regulators and clients, and extend the life of their irrigation assets through correct day-to-day operation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injuries associated with pressurised water, rotating equipment and electrical components during irrigation operations.
• Ensure consistent, safe and efficient operation of pumps, valves, sprinklers and drip systems across all sites and shifts.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties, chemical handling requirements and environmental expectations for water use.
• Streamline induction and refresher training for permanent, seasonal and contractor personnel involved in irrigation work.
• Optimise water distribution and system performance, minimising breakdowns, crop loss, turf damage and unnecessary maintenance call-outs.

Who is this for?

• Farm Managers
• Irrigation Supervisors
• Horticulture and Viticulture Managers
• Greenkeeping and Turf Managers
• Parks and Gardens Coordinators
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Irrigation Technicians
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Local Government Open Space Managers
• Facilities and Grounds Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Contact with moving and rotating parts on pumps and drive systems
• Exposure to high-pressure water jets and sudden line failures (hose or fitting bursts)
• Electrical hazards from pump motors, control panels and automated systems
• Chemical exposure from fertigation and injection systems (fertilisers, wetting agents, pesticides)
• Slips, trips and falls around wet, uneven or muddy ground and open channels
• Manual handling strains from handling hoses, sprinklers, valves and access covers
• Contact with underground services when operating or adjusting buried components
• Heat stress, dehydration and UV exposure while monitoring systems in hot field conditions
• Noise exposure from pump sets and associated plant
• Biological hazards from stagnant water, algae and contaminated run-off

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and System Overview
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Plant and Equipment Covered (Pumps, Pipes, Valves, Controllers, Fertigation Units)
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Training and Authorisations
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Safety and Operational Checks
• 9.0 Isolation, Lock-out and Tag-out for Irrigation Equipment
• 10.0 Start-Up Procedure for Irrigation Systems
• 11.0 Normal Operating Procedure and Field Monitoring
• 12.0 Chemical Injection and Fertigation Operation
• 13.0 Flushing, Depressurising and Shut-Down Procedure
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 15.0 Working in the Field – Access, Traffic and Environmental Considerations
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Leaks, Bursts, Electrical Faults, Chemical Spills)
• 17.0 Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Routine Maintenance Interface and Operator Housekeeping
• 19.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

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 – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 4024.1: Safety of machinery (series) – for pump and mechanical equipment guarding
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules) – for electrical safety of pump and control systems
• AS 3788: Pressure equipment – In-service inspection – as guidance for pressurised components
• AS 4687: Temporary fencing and hoardings – where applicable to exclusion zones around plant
• Relevant state and territory environmental and water use regulations (e.g. irrigation and run-off controls)