Blower Operation

The Blower Operation SOP (SOP-BLO-001) outlines essential safety procedures for the operation of blowers in landscaping tasks. It addresses critical hazards such as eye and hearing injuries, respiratory risks, and fire dangers, ensuring workers are well-informed and protected. This document is crucial for employers and employees to maintain compliance with WHS legislation and create a safer working environment.

• Eye injury from ejected debris (stones, glass, metal fragments) → permanent vision loss
• Hearing damage from sustained exposure exceeding 100 dB(A)
• Inhalation of disturbed dust (silica, lead, mould, animal droppings) → respiratory illness
• Ignition of flammable debris (cardboard, dry grass, fuel-soaked rags) by hot exhaust → fire
• Burns from hot engine and exhaust on petrol blowers
• Struck-by ejected debris affecting third parties (pedestrians, vehicles, windows)
• Slip/trip injuries from blowing debris into walkway paths
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from prolonged use
• Fuel handling fire/spill hazards

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Plant; Part 4.1 Hazardous Chemicals
• AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics — Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1337 — Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715 — Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 2210.3 — Occupational protective footwear
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Guide to Managing the Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks (where vibration applies)
• Blower Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)