Download our free Agricultural Equipment SOP Template:

• Agricultural Equipment SOP.doc file (Word Document)
• Agricultural Equipment SOP.pdf file (PDF)

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Purpose of an Agricultural Equipment SOP

Agricultural equipment SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for agricultural equipment use. Agricultural equipment SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.

How to Use

Agricultural equipment SOPs should be communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use agricultural equipment SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.

NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:

• Relevant legal requirements have been met,
• Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
• Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.

When to Use

Workers should read and agree to comply with agricultural equipment SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.

Who Should Use

Agricultural equipment SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.

Legal Considerations

There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:

• s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
• s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
• s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
• s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training and Instruction
• s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)

The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.

FAQ’s

What is agricultural equipment?

Agricultural equipment encompasses a wide array of machinery and tools used in farming to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety. This includes tractors, ploughs, harrows, combines, seeders, sprayers, and irrigation systems, among others.

What is agricultural equipment used for?

Agriculture equipment plays a crucial role in various stages of crop production, from soil preparation and planting to crop care and harvesting.

What hazards are involved in agricultural equipment use?

Some hazards that are involved in agricultural equipment use include:

• Entanglement
• Overturns
• Falls
• Crushing
• Collision
• Cuts/lacerations

What are some safety controls that can be utilised during agricultural equipment use?

Some safety controls that can be utilised include:

• Installing guards
• Rollover protection (ROPS)
• Emergency stops
• Operator training
• Wearing PPE

Did you know?

Modern agricultural equipment is so technologically advanced that some tractors and combines are equipped with autonomous driving technology, allowing for precision farming with minimal human intervention. These machines can be programmed to follow exact routes within a field, turn at precise points, and avoid obstacles, all while adjusting operations on the fly based on real-time data, vastly increasing efficiency and crop yields while reducing labour costs.

Article Sources and Further Reading

• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
• Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
• The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
• What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>