FREE Grader SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Grader SOP Template:
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Purpose of a Grader SOP
Grader SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for grader use. Grader 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
Grader 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 grader 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 grader SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Grader 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 grader?
A grader is a construction machine with a long adjustable blade used for creating a smooth and level surface across soil or gravel.
What is a grader used for?
Graders are primarily used for road construction to level the base course of roads before paving, for land grading to ensure proper drainage, and in snow removal to clear roadways.
What hazards are involved in grader use?
Some hazards that are involved in grader use include:
- Overturning
- Collision
- Visibility
- Crushing
- Noise
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during grader use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Operator training
- Maintenance
- Wearing PPE
Did you know?
The first motor graders, dating back to the early 1920s, were attachments for tractors and other farm machinery, designed to maintain dirt and gravel roads crucial for rural communities. By the 1930s, advancements led to the development of the first true self-propelled graders, which became vital in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the interstate highway system, shaping modern roadways around the world.
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/>