Product Overview

Summary: This Plant and Landscaping Maintenance SOP sets out safe, consistent methods for maintaining grounds, gardens, and outdoor plant equipment in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control WHS risks from powered equipment, chemicals and outdoor work, while presenting a professional, well-maintained site for staff, visitors and clients.

Plant and landscaping activities often appear low‑risk, yet they combine a range of hazards: powered equipment, hazardous chemicals, uneven terrain, public interaction, and exposure to the elements. This Plant and Landscaping Maintenance Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning, carrying out and reviewing maintenance tasks such as mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, irrigation checks and minor repairs to associated plant. It is designed specifically for Australian conditions, taking into account local WHS legislation, environmental considerations and the realities of working in public and semi‑public spaces.

By implementing this SOP, organisations establish a consistent, defendable system of work that protects workers, volunteers, students, residents and visitors. The procedure addresses safe use and maintenance of powered plant (such as mowers, blowers, brushcutters and chainsaws used for minor works), manual handling of soil and green waste, chemical handling for fertilisers and herbicides, and controls for noise, dust and flying debris. It also supports better asset presentation and longevity, reducing unplanned downtime, complaints and rework. Whether you manage a school campus, local park, aged care facility or commercial complex, this SOP helps you demonstrate due diligence, streamline training and embed a culture of safe, tidy and professional grounds maintenance.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements for grounds and landscaping work.
• Reduce the risk of injuries from powered equipment, manual handling, slips, trips and outdoor environmental conditions.
• Standardise maintenance methods across staff and contractors, improving consistency, quality and presentation of grounds.
• Streamline induction and refresher training for new grounds staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Minimise disruption to building users and the public through planned, well‑controlled maintenance activities.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Parks and Gardens Team Leaders
• Landscapers and Horticulture Workers
• School and University Maintenance Staff
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• Property and Strata Managers
• Local Government Parks Coordinators
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Contractor Management Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Contact with moving parts on mowers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and other powered plant
• Flying debris, projectiles and dust generated during mowing, edging and blowing
• Noise exposure from powered plant and equipment
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, wet or obstructed ground surfaces
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and loading soil, plants, mulch and green waste
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers
• Sun exposure, heat stress and dehydration during outdoor work
• Contact with sharp tools, branches, thorns and edging materials
• Interaction with vehicles, mobile plant and members of the public in shared spaces
• Bites and stings from insects, spiders, snakes and other fauna common in landscaped areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Competency, Training and Licensing Requirements
• 5.0 Planning and Scheduling of Plant and Landscaping Maintenance
• 6.0 Pre‑Start Site Assessment and Risk Control (JSEA/SWMS Integration)
• 7.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 8.0 Safe Use of Powered Plant (Mowers, Brushcutters, Blowers, Hedge Trimmers, Small Chainsaws for Minor Works)
• 9.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Practices for Landscaping Tasks
• 10.0 Chemical Handling, Mixing, Application and Storage (Fertilisers, Herbicides, Pesticides)
• 11.0 Traffic, Public and Pedestrian Management Around Work Areas
• 12.0 Environmental Controls (Noise, Dust, Waste, Run‑off and Flora Protection)
• 13.0 Working in Outdoor Conditions (Sun Safety, Heat Stress, Weather and Wildlife)
• 14.0 Step‑by‑Step Maintenance Procedures (Mowing, Edging, Pruning, Mulching, Irrigation Checks, Clean‑up)
• 15.0 Plant Inspection, Maintenance and Tag‑Out Requirements
• 16.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Injury, Chemical Exposure, Wildlife Encounters, Severe Weather)
• 18.0 Documentation, Records and Review of the SOP

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 Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• AS/NZS 4024 series: Safety of machinery
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 2210.3: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (where relevant to elevated work)