Product Overview

Summary: This Leaf Blowing Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, efficient and environmentally responsible methods for operating leaf blowers in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses manage noise, dust, flying debris and public interaction risks, while maintaining tidy, compliant grounds and outdoor areas.

Leaf blowers are widely used across Australian workplaces to maintain clean, presentable grounds, but they also create a range of WHS and environmental risks if not controlled. This Leaf Blowing Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning, conducting and supervising leaf blowing tasks in a way that protects workers, building occupants, visitors and the public. It addresses common issues such as noise exposure, airborne dust and allergens, flying debris, manual handling, interaction with traffic and pedestrians, and considerate operation near sensitive receivers like schools, hospitals and residential areas.

The SOP translates Australian WHS obligations into practical on-the-ground controls that can be easily followed by new and experienced workers alike. It standardises how pre‑start checks, PPE selection, safe work zones, equipment handling, refuelling, and shutdown are managed across your sites. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of incidents and complaints, and provide defensible evidence of a systematic approach to managing leaf blower risks during audits, inspections or incident investigations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe use of leaf blowers across all sites and teams.
• Reduce the risk of injuries from flying debris, slips, trips, falls and manual handling.
• Minimise worker exposure to excessive noise, dust and exhaust emissions.
• Support compliance with WHS legislation and local council requirements for noise and nuisance.
• Improve public perception by setting clear rules for considerate, low‑impact operation near neighbours and pedestrians.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Gardeners and Landscapers
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Council Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• School Groundskeepers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• Cleaning and Maintenance Contractors
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Noise exposure from petrol and battery-powered leaf blowers
• Airborne dust, pollen and other respiratory irritants
• Flying debris causing eye or impact injuries
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven or obstructed ground
• Musculoskeletal strain from prolonged use or poor handling technique
• Contact with moving parts and hot engine surfaces
• Fire and explosion risks during refuelling or from fuel storage
• Interaction with vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in public or shared spaces
• Environmental nuisance including noise complaints and dust affecting neighbouring properties

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Equipment Types (petrol, battery, backpack, handheld)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Council Requirements
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Leaf Blowing Tasks
• 6.0 Required Training, Competency and Authorisation
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑start Inspection and Maintenance Checks
• 9.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Setup, Operation and Shutdown
• 10.0 Controls for Noise, Dust and Flying Debris
• 11.0 Working Near Traffic, Pedestrians and Sensitive Areas
• 12.0 Refuelling, Battery Charging and Fuel Storage
• 13.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Considerations
• 14.0 Environmental and Housekeeping Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 16.0 Monitoring, 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 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities
• AS/NZS 1269 series: Occupational noise management
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• Relevant local council environmental health and noise control guidelines for outdoor power equipment