Free Safe Operating Procedure (Playground Rake Over) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Playground Rake Over) Template

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Playground Rake Over) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the steps required to safely maintain playground soft fall surfaces. Raking over materials like bark, sand, or rubber crumb is a critical task for ensuring playground safety and hygiene.

The primary purpose of this SOP is to control risks associated with the job, including manual handling injuries, exposure to sharps like needles or broken glass, biological hazards, and environmental factors like sun exposure.

By implementing a formal procedure, organisations can ensure consistency in how the task is performed, provide a clear basis for worker training, and demonstrate due diligence in managing workplace risks. A well-defined SOP helps workers recognise and mitigate hazards before they cause harm.

Effective procedures are a key component of a robust WHS management system, helping to create a safer environment for both employees and the public.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Playground Rake Over) Template

To use this Safe Operating Procedure for playground rake overs, simply download the DOCX file and adapt it to your specific operational context. The template is logically structured, covering sections for required PPE, pre-operational checks, step-by-step instructions, and post-task clean-up.

You should review each section and add, remove, or modify content to align with the equipment used, the specific playground environment, and your organisation's existing safety protocols.

Important: This document is a template and must be customised. We have created it as a strong starting point, but it is your responsibility to ensure the final SOP reflects the unique hazards and control measures relevant to your workplace.

This process should involve consultation with the workers who actually perform the task. If you require assistance with this customisation, consider our WHS consulting services.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP should be used whenever a worker is required to rake over or level playground soft fall surfaces. Its application is crucial for several scenarios, including:

• Routine Maintenance: As part of a scheduled maintenance program (e.g., daily or weekly checks).
• Post-Incident: After an incident or near miss has been reported, requiring the area to be inspected and made safe.
• Following Heavy Use: After weekends, school holidays, or community events that lead to displacement of soft fall material.
• After Weather Events: Following strong winds or heavy rain that can shift surfacing materials or wash in debris.
• Responding to Reports: When a member of the public or staff reports potential hazards like buried objects or uneven surfaces.

While this SOP is specific to raking, other grounds maintenance tasks may require separate procedures. For instance, creating new garden beds or drainage channels near a play area would necessitate a different process, such as the one outlined in our free Trencher SOP.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This procedure is designed for any person or worker (PCBU) responsible for the maintenance and safety of playgrounds. This includes:

• Local council groundskeepers and maintenance teams.
• School principals, business managers, and facilities staff.
• Childcare centre directors and maintenance personnel.
• Property maintenance contractors hired to service playgrounds.
• Managers responsible for developing and implementing safety systems.

It serves as both an instructional guide for workers and a management tool for supervisors to verify that tasks are being completed safely. Adherence to the SOP should be periodically verified through processes like WHS compliance auditing to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

Similarly, if the task involves replenishing the soft fall material from bulk bags or piles, a separate procedure may be needed. You may find our free Spreader SOP template useful for documenting the safe use of that type of equipment. For an extensive selection of other templates, feel free to browse our complete free WHS resources library.