Product Overview

Summary: This Weed Control Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for managing weeds in Australian workplaces and worksites. It focuses on controlling chemical, environmental and manual handling risks while helping organisations maintain compliant, tidy and hazard‑free grounds.

Uncontrolled weeds are more than just a visual nuisance – they can create trip hazards, harbour pests, obstruct access, damage infrastructure and impact environmental values. Many weed control activities also introduce significant risks, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, manual handling strains, slips on wet or uneven ground and environmental contamination. This Weed Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning and carrying out weed control tasks safely in line with Australian WHS and environmental obligations.

The procedure covers both chemical and non‑chemical methods, from spot spraying and boom spraying to mechanical removal, mulching and slashing. It guides workers and supervisors through pre‑start checks, weather and site assessments, selection and safe use of herbicides, PPE requirements, exclusion zones, signage, recordkeeping and post‑treatment monitoring. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of injuries and chemical incidents, and ensure weed control programs are effective, defensible and environmentally responsible across parks, roadsides, farms, construction sites and other workplaces.

Key Benefits

• Ensure weed control activities are conducted in line with Australian WHS and environmental legislation.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, spills and spray drift impacting workers, the public and sensitive environments.
• Standardise weed control methods across teams, improving consistency, efficiency and treatment outcomes.
• Minimise injuries related to manual handling, slips, trips, falls and equipment use during weed control tasks.
• Demonstrate due diligence through documented procedures, training guidance and treatment records that stand up to regulator or client scrutiny.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Supervisors
• Parks and Gardens Team Leaders
• Local Council Operations Managers
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Farm and Station Managers
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Landscape Contractors
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Environmental Officers
• Golf Course and Sports Turf Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals (herbicides, adjuvants and fuels)
• Inhalation of spray mist or vapours
• Skin and eye contact with concentrates and spray mixtures
• Spray drift affecting bystanders, neighbouring properties or waterways
• Environmental contamination of soil, stormwater drains and watercourses
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and operating equipment
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, vegetated or wet terrain
• Sun exposure, heat stress and dehydration during outdoor work
• Noise and vibration from powered equipment (brushcutters, slashers, pumps)
• Vehicle and mobile plant interaction in roadside or open space weed control
• Needlestick or sharps injuries from concealed litter in overgrown areas
• Bites, stings and contact with allergenic or poisonous plants

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 Weed Control Methods (Chemical and Non‑Chemical)
• 6.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 7.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 8.0 Selection, Handling and Storage of Herbicides
• 9.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 10.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Chemical Weed Control (Spot, Boom and Backpack Spraying)
• 11.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Mechanical and Manual Weed Control (Hand Pulling, Brushcutting, Slashing, Mulching)
• 12.0 Traffic and Public Safety Management for Roadside and Public Area Works
• 13.0 Environmental Protection Measures (Spray Drift, Buffer Zones, Weather Conditions, Waterways)
• 14.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 15.0 Spill Management and Emergency Response
• 16.0 Health Monitoring and Exposure Management (where applicable)
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Mapping and Treatment Documentation
• 18.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Follow‑Up Treatments
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant state or territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210: Occupational protective footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• Local state/territory pesticide control legislation and guidelines (e.g. NSW Pesticides Act, equivalent in other jurisdictions)
• Environment protection authority (EPA) guidelines for pesticide use near waterways and sensitive environments