UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SOP No: 031
Workplace: University-wide Page: 1 of 3

TASK/ OPERATION: Slasher - Tractor Mounted

Operating Procedure Developed by: OHSW Services Approved By: Date: 13/05/2002
Senior Consultant OHSW
Review Completed by: Approved By: Date:

Sequence of Job Steps Potential Standard Operating Procedure Personal

(What to do in the right order) Hazards/Risks of (How to do it) Protective
Each Step Equipment
SPECIAL NOTE NO PERSONNEL ARE TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO:
• READING AND FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
• READING THE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
• UNDERGOING THOROUGH PRACTICAL TRAINING WHILE
PROPERLY SUPERVISED

Pre-Start Maintenance Flying Machine Parts Ensure the slasher is checked prior to use and is in good working condition. Overalls
Checks Severe Bodily Injury Safety Boots
Check the oil level and top up if necessary. Gloves

Check the blade, skid plates, safety chains, etc.

Ensure that all parts are safely secured to prevent them coming loose and
striking the operator or other people.

Ensure PTO shaft and universal joints are all in good condition.

Universal joints could collapse and PTO shaft break and parts strike operator.

Check PTO (Power Take Off) cover and replace if damaged to prevent
operator’s clothing becoming caught.
SPECIAL NOTE Flying Debris WHERE THE TRACTOR BEING USED DOES NOT HAVE AN ENCLOSED
CAB - SYLON OR OTHER PROTECTIVE MATERIAL SHOULD BE FITTED
TO STOP FLYING DEBRIS HITTING THE OPERATOR.
 Sequence of Job Steps Potential Standard Operating Procedure Personal
(What to do in the right order) Hazards/Risks of (How to do it) Protective
Each Step Equipment
Start Up Machine Flying Machine Parts As an added safety precaution, when visual assessment of the machine has Eye
Severe Bodily Injury been completed, perform a test run prior to commencing field operations. Protection
Overalls
Engage the PTO and check the slasher from tractor cab. High Visibility
Safety Vest
If all OK, disengage PTO prior to travelling to the job site. Safety Boots

Travelling To Job Site Accident/ Veer Off Ensure the slasher Is at maximum height when travelling at road speed as Eye
Course the slasher could strike the road or other objects and cause the tractor to veer Protection
Tip Over/ Risk of off course. Overalls
Being Crushed High Visibility
Periodically check that the slasher is still at maximum height. Safety Vest
Safety Boots

Commence Slashing Flying Debris Clear the entire area of any people before commencing slashing. Eye
Operation Eye Injury Protection
Bodily Injury Survey the area to be slashed. Overalls
Tip Over/ Risk of High Visibility
Being Crushed Check the slope of the land, if applicable. Safety Vest
Cuts/ Gashes Safety Boots
Fire Clear the area to be slashed of any obvious hazards, eg large stones, large Gloves
Hearing Damage twigs/ boughs from trees, wire. Hearing
Protection
Select the correct height adjustment for the slasher for the task at hand.

Should wire or other objects become caught in the blades - apply the
brakes to tractor and switch off the motor.

WHEN THE SLASHER IS LIFTED TO REMOVE OBJECT/S FROM THE

BLADE, IT MUST BE SUPPORTED BY SAFETY STANDS OR THE
EQUIVALENT.

Continually perform visual checks of the area and the slasher throughout the
entire operation as there could be a possibility of starting a fire.
 Sequence of Job Steps Potential Standard Operating Procedure Personal
(What to do in the right order) Hazards/Risks of (How to do it) Protective
Each Step Equipment
SPECIAL NOTE THOROUGHLY CHECK THE SLASHER EVERY 2 HOURS.

TRACTOR GEAR MUST BE IN NEUTRAL, THE MOTOR SWITCHED OFF

AND PTO DISENGAGED.

Finish Slashing Operation Accident/ Veer Off When returning to the storage shed, ensure the slasher is at maximum Eye
Course height when travelling at road speed as the slasher could strike the road or Protection
Tip Over / Risk of other objects and cause the tractor to veer off course. Overalls
Being Crushed High Visibility
Periodically check that the slasher is still at maximum height. Safety Vest
Safety Boots

Clean Up Cuts/ Gashes Thoroughly check the equipment for any damage. Eye
Burns Protection/
Slipping Report any equipment damage to the Manager. Face Shield
Overalls
Place Safety Tag (DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE) on the equipment until Safety Boots
repaired, indicating fault/s on tag. Gloves

Once the equipment is repaired, TAG IS NOT TO BE REMOVED - OR

EQUIPMENT OPERATED - UNTIL SANCTIONED BY APPOINTED
SAFETY OFFICER AND/OR MANAGER.

On completion of repairs and service, clean the slasher thoroughly (with high
pressure cleaner - if available - ensuring proper care Is taken and the correct
protective clothing/ equipment is being worn).

1SOP Eye 2 3 4SOP Hearing 5SOP Hand 6SOP Foot 7SOP Protective 8SOP Face
protection protection Protection Protection Clothing Protection