Product Overview

Summary: This Soil Stabilisation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step method for planning and carrying out soil stabilisation works safely and efficiently on Australian sites. It helps construction and civil teams control dust, plant interaction, chemical additives and ground instability risks while maintaining compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Soil stabilisation is a critical activity in civil construction, roadworks, subdivisions and major infrastructure projects across Australia. Whether using lime, cement, foamed bitumen or other binders, the process involves heavy mobile plant, chemical additives, dust, vibration and work on potentially unstable ground. Without a structured procedure, businesses face increased risk of worker injury, environmental harm, premature pavement failure and non-compliance with WHS and contractual requirements. This Soil Stabilisation Safe Operating Procedure provides a consistent, defensible framework for managing these risks on any job, from small remediation works to large-scale road upgrades.

The SOP walks your team through pre-start planning, site assessment, traffic and exclusion zone controls, handling and application of stabilising agents, moisture and compaction control, quality checks and documentation. It embeds Australian WHS expectations, including hierarchy of control, plant and pedestrian separation, safe chemical management and dust control. By implementing this procedure, organisations can lift on-site safety performance, improve the quality and durability of treated soils, and demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators and principal contractors.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, repeatable soil stabilisation works that meet project specifications and client requirements.
• Reduce WHS risks from heavy plant, dust and chemical stabilising agents through clear control measures.
• Improve pavement performance and reduce rework by standardising testing, moisture control and compaction requirements.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, environmental conditions and contract obligations.
• Streamline onboarding and training for new operators and subcontractors with a single, practical reference document.

Who is this for?

• Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Civil Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Plant Operators
• Stabilisation Crew Leaders
• WHS Advisors
• Environmental and Sustainability Officers
• Road Maintenance Supervisors
• Contract Administrators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to cement, lime and other stabilising agents causing skin, eye and respiratory irritation or burns
• Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica and nuisance dust during spreading, mixing and trimming activities
• Mobile plant and vehicle interactions, including rollovers, collisions and struck-by incidents
• Ground instability and working on soft, sloping or recently treated surfaces
• Manual handling injuries from handling bags, hoses, testing equipment and ancillary tools
• Noise and vibration exposure from stabilising machines, rollers and trucks
• Chemical spills, uncontrolled run-off and contamination of nearby waterways or drainage systems
• Heat stress and dehydration during outdoor works in hot Australian conditions
• Reduced visibility from dust clouds impacting both workers and public road users

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and References
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Licensing Requirements
• 6.0 Plant, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 10.0 Traffic Management and Exclusion Zones
• 11.0 Handling, Storage and Mixing of Stabilising Agents
• 12.0 Soil Preparation, Spreading and Mixing Procedure
• 13.0 Moisture Conditioning, Compaction and Trimming
• 14.0 Environmental Controls (Dust, Run-off and Waste Management)
• 15.0 Quality Control, Testing and Inspection Requirements
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 17.0 Housekeeping and Demobilisation
• 18.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Document Control and Record Keeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS 3798: Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments
• AS 1289: Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for temporary traffic management around works)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 4602.1: High visibility safety garments