FREE Cultivator SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Cultivator SOP Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of a Cultivator SOP
Cultivator SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for cultivator use. Cultivator 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
Cultivator 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 cultivator 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 cultivator SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Cultivator 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 a cultivator?
A cultivator is a farm implement used for secondary tillage, designed to stir and pulverize the soil, either before planting to aerate the soil and prepare a smooth, loose seedbed, or after the crop has begun growing to kill weeds.
What is a cultivator used for?
Cultivators are key in managing soil condition and weed control, with various models tailored for different types of crops and soil consistency.
What hazards are involved in cultivator use?
Some hazards that are involved in cultivator use include:
- Entanglement
- Flying debris
- Overturns
- Contact with blades
- Collisions
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during cultivator use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Shields and guards
- Operator training
- Regular maintenance
- Wearing PPE
Did you know?
Early cultivators were hand-held tools that farmers used to manually remove weeds and prepare the land for planting. With the advent of tractor-drawn and -powered cultivators, the efficiency of these tasks increased dramatically. Today’s cultivators can be outfitted with sophisticated technology, including GPS guidance systems that allow for precise weeding around crops without damaging the plants themselves.
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/>