FREE Grain Drill SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template

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Download our free Grain Drill SOP Template:

• Grain Drill SOP.doc file (Word Document)
• Grain Drill SOP.pdf file (PDF)

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Purpose of a Grain Drill SOP

Grain drill SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for grain drill use. Grain drill 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 drill 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 drill 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 grain drill SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.

Who Should Use

Grain drill 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 drill?

A grain drill is a farming implement that precisely places seeds in the soil at the correct depth and with consistent spacing.

What is a grain drill used for?

The grain drill is used for the purpose of planting a variety of crop seeds, such as wheat and barley, efficiently across large fields with minimal waste and maximum germination potential.

What hazards are involved in grain drill use?

Some hazards that are involved in grain drill use include:

• Entanglement
• Crushing
• Pinching
• Slips, Trips
• Collisions

What are some safety controls that can be utilised during grain drill use?

Some safety controls that can be utilised include:

• Shields
• Safety training
• Kill switch installation
• Maintenance protocols
• Wearing PPE

Did you know?

The invention of the grain drill is attributed to Jethro Tull in the early 18th century, and it was the first substantial advancement in planting technology that offered farmers control over seed placement and depth. This innovation significantly boosted crop yields by improving germination rates and reducing waste. Today's grain drills can come with electronic monitoring systems that allow farmers to precisely control seed flow and density, adapting to different soil conditions and types of seeds, marking a huge technological leap from Tull's initial mechanical seed drill.

Article Sources and Further Reading

• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia)
• Plant (Safe Work Australia)
• The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety)
• What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety)

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