Lawn Mower Operation

The Lawn Mower Operation SOP (SOP-LND-004) provides comprehensive guidelines for safely operating lawn mowers, addressing critical hazards such as projectile ejections, blade contact, and noise exposure. This document is vital for landscapers and heavy machinery operators to minimize risks and enhance workplace safety. Adherence to this SOP not only complies with relevant health and safety legislation but also safeguards employees from severe injuries and fatalities.

• Projectile ejection of stones, sticks, wire, and debris from the discharge → struck-by injury or fatality
• Contact with rotating blade during inspection or unblocking → severe laceration or amputation
• Ride-on rollover on slopes or uneven ground → crush fatality
• Run-over of bystanders, especially children, when reverse-mowing on ride-ons → fatality
• Noise exposure exceeding 90 dB(A) on petrol mowers → hearing damage
• Burns from hot engine, exhaust, or muffler → severe burns
• Petrol fire from refuelling a hot mower or fuel spill → fire and burns
• Battery thermal runaway on cordless units → fire

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Managing risks of plant
• AS/NZS 4024.1 series — Safety of machinery
• AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics — Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1337 — Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2210.3 — Occupational protective footwear
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Lawn Mower Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)