FREE Grain Cart SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
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Purpose of a Grain Cart SOP
Grain cart SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for grain cart use. Grain cart 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
Grain cart 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 grain cart SOPs during the induction or onboarding process. 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 grain cart SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Grain cart 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 grain cart?
A grain cart is a type of agricultural equipment, essentially a mobile hopper with a large capacity, equipped with a conveyor or auger system that allows it to receive, store, and transport grain harvested by a combine.
What is a grain cart used for?
Grain carts are used to support combines during harvest, enabling continuous operation by offloading the grain from the combine into the cart, which can then transport the grain to storage areas or directly into trucks.
What hazards are involved in grain cart use?
Some hazards that are involved in grain cart use include:
- Entanglement
- Overturn
- Spills
- Collisions
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during grain cart use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Installing shields and spill guards
- Stability checks
- Traffic control protocols
- Wearing PPE
- Operator training
- Regular maintenance
Did you know?
Innovations in the grain cart design have led to the development of tracks instead of wheels on some models, which help distribute the weight of the cart more evenly and reduce soil compaction.
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/>