Product Overview

Summary: This Root Removal Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely removing tree roots and underground vegetation on Australian worksites. It helps control the significant risks associated with excavation, underground services, plant use and manual handling, while supporting compliance with WHS legislation and environmental obligations.

Root removal work often involves mechanical excavation, stump grinding, hand digging and chemical treatment in close proximity to underground services, structures and public areas. Without a structured procedure, businesses face increased risks of service strikes, plant incidents, environmental damage and injuries from manual handling or flying debris. This Root Removal Safe Operating Procedure establishes a consistent, defensible method for planning and carrying out root removal tasks safely across construction, landscaping, utilities and council operations.

The SOP walks your team through the entire lifecycle of a root removal task: from site assessment, Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) / Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) service location checks and selection of appropriate equipment, through to traffic and pedestrian management, safe operation of machinery, and controlled disposal of root material. It embeds risk management and WHS duties into everyday practice, providing practical controls for common hazards such as underground service contact, plant rollovers, noise, vibration, flying wood chips and exposure to herbicides. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce incidents, improve productivity, and demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS and environmental requirements.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of underground service strikes by embedding systematic service location and exclusion zone controls.
• Ensure safe use of excavation and stump grinding equipment through clear pre-start, operating and shutdown steps.
• Improve consistency and quality of root removal works across crews, contractors and multiple sites.
• Support compliance with WHS legislation, local council requirements and environmental protection obligations.
• Minimise manual handling injuries by defining mechanical aids, work positioning and load-handling techniques.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Landscaping Team Leaders
• Local Council Works Supervisors
• Plant Operators (Excavators, Skid Steers, Stump Grinders)
• Grounds and Parks Maintenance Workers
• Utilities and Infrastructure Maintenance Teams
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Facilities and Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Contact with underground utilities (electricity, gas, water, telecommunications)
• Struck-by and entanglement injuries from rotating cutting heads and augers
• Plant rollovers and vehicle movement incidents in uneven or confined areas
• Flying debris, wood chips and projectiles causing eye and facial injuries
• Manual handling strains and sprains from digging, lifting and handling heavy roots or stumps
• Noise-induced hearing loss from powered plant and stump grinders
• Hand–arm vibration exposure from powered hand tools
• Chemical exposure and environmental contamination from herbicides used for root treatment
• Trips, slips and falls around excavations, uneven ground and spoil piles
• Collapse of excavations or undermining of nearby structures, paths or roadways

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 6.0 Service Location, BYDA Checks and Permit Requirements
• 7.0 Required Competencies, Training and Licensing
• 8.0 Tools, Plant and Equipment (Selection, Inspection and Maintenance)
• 9.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 10.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Root Removal Procedure (Hand Tools, Mechanical and Chemical Methods)
• 12.0 Traffic, Pedestrian and Public Safety Management
• 13.0 Environmental Management and Waste Disposal
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Excavation Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (where lifting equipment is used)
• Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) – Duty of Care Guidelines for Working Near Underground Assets
• Local council and state environmental protection authority (EPA) guidelines for vegetation removal and waste disposal