Ride-on Mower Safe Work Method Statement

Maximum safe slope angles vary by equipment type and manufacturer specifications. Residential ride-on mowers typically limit safe operation to slopes under 15 degrees, whilst commercial zero-turn and wide-area mowers with lower centres of gravity may handle slopes up to 20-25 degrees. Always consult the operator manual for your specific mower model to identify manufacturer specifications. These limits apply to mowing up and down slopes - operating across slopes (traversing) presents significantly higher rollover risk and should be avoided entirely on slopes exceeding 10 degrees regardless of equipment specifications. Never rely on visual estimation to assess slope angles as operators consistently underestimate actual slope measurements by 30-50%. Use smartphone inclinometer applications or slope measurement tools to obtain accurate angle measurements during site assessment. Remember that ground conditions affect safe operating angles - wet grass, loose soil, or recently disturbed construction site ground may require reducing safe operating angles by 25-50% compared to firm, dry conditions. If any doubt exists about slope safety, use alternative maintenance methods such as line trimmers or hand-held equipment rather than risking rollover incidents.

If you sense the mower beginning to tip or roll, immediately take specific actions depending on whether ROPS and seatbelt are fitted. For ROPS-equipped mowers with seatbelt fastened: remain in seat, grip steering wheel firmly, brace feet against footrests, and allow ROPS to provide protection - the rollover protective structure creates survival space preventing crush injuries if rollover completes. Never attempt to jump clear from ROPS-equipped mower as this leads to operator landing beneath overturning machine resulting in fatal crush injuries. For mowers without ROPS or if seatbelt not fastened: attempt to dismount away from direction of roll if time permits, pushing clear of machine whilst protecting head and vital organs - though this provides poor outcomes and emphasises why ROPS and seatbelt use is mandatory. After any tip or rollover event, do not restart or move mower until competent person inspects machine for structural damage, particularly ROPS frame integrity, brake function, steering components, and fuel system integrity. ROPS frames that sustain impact loading during rollover may have compromised structural strength requiring professional engineering assessment before further use. Report rollover incidents immediately to supervisor and complete incident report documentation. Seek medical assessment even if no injuries immediately apparent as shock can mask injury symptoms. Many rollover incidents indicate underlying hazards requiring site assessment and control implementation before resuming mowing operations.

Grass blockages occur when wet grass clumps beneath cutting deck or when attempting to cut grass exceeding appropriate height for mower specifications. Never attempt to clear blockages whilst engine running or immediately after shutdown. Follow this mandatory procedure: disengage blade engagement lever, reduce throttle to idle speed, shut off engine, remove ignition key, and wait minimum 10 seconds for blade rotation to cease completely due to momentum. For persistent or difficult blockages requiring close inspection or reaching beneath deck, disconnect spark plug lead to absolutely prevent accidental engine start during clearing procedure. Use wooden stick, rake handle, or garden fork to dislodge grass clumps whilst maintaining hands clear of blade edges - even stationary blades remain razor sharp. Never reach directly beneath cutting deck or into discharge chute with hands as blade contact causes immediate catastrophic injury. For severely packed blockages, tilt mower deck to maximum height setting and use water hose to flush grass accumulation whilst maintaining hands clear of blade zone. After clearing blockage, inspect blades for damage and verify all guards and discharge deflector remain securely attached. Reconnect spark plug lead, restart engine, and test blade engagement at idle speed before resuming mowing operations. To prevent future blockages: avoid mowing wet grass, increase cutting height when tackling overgrown areas, reduce ground speed to allow adequate grass discharge, and clean beneath deck after each use.

Ride-on mower operation requirements depend on equipment weight and construction site classification. For construction sites classified as 'construction work' under WHS regulations (typically sites with building work valued over $250,000), all personnel including mower operators require general construction induction training (White Card). Ride-on mowers weighing under 560kg do not require high-risk work licences, though operators should complete documented competency assessment covering equipment-specific controls, ROPS function, slope limitations, and emergency procedures. For mowers weighing over 560kg or when towing implements, operators may require specific mobile plant training depending on state WHS requirements. Employers must verify operator competency through documented assessment rather than assuming experience alone demonstrates safe work capability. Competency assessment should address: pre-start inspection procedures, slope angle assessment and safe operating limits, bystander exclusion requirements, blade engagement safety protocols, rollover response procedures, refuelling safety, and emergency shutdown procedures. Assessment must be documented with records maintained as evidence of systematic training. Operators working alone or in remote locations should complete first aid training appropriate to injury types associated with mowing operations including severe bleeding control, burn management, and communications protocols for emergency response. Refresher training should occur annually or following incidents, introduction of new equipment types, or identification of recurring errors indicating knowledge gaps.

Operating ride-on mowers in reverse gear presents significant hazards from striking pedestrians, pets, or obstacles in rear blind zones not visible to operator. Many modern mowers feature reverse operation systems (ROS) that automatically disengage blades when reverse gear selected, preventing blade contact injuries during backing manoeuvres. However, some operators disable these safety systems to avoid repeated blade re-engagement, creating severe hazards. Never modify, bypass, or disable reverse operation safety systems. When reverse operation necessary: perform 360-degree scan before selecting reverse gear, travel at slowest possible speed in reverse (maximum 2-3 km/h), continuously scan rear and side blind zones whilst reversing, use mirrors if fitted to monitor blind zones, engage dedicated observer to provide clearance confirmation when reversing near pedestrians or work areas, and immediately stop if any uncertainty exists about clearance. Consider these alternatives to minimise reverse operation requirements: plan mowing patterns allowing forward-only operation, reposition mower using forward travel and multiple-point turns rather than reversing, and use zero-turn mowers that spin in place eliminating most reverse operation needs. Never reverse mower with blades engaged unless absolutely necessary and only after confirmation exclusion zone clear of all personnel. Construction sites should establish policies prohibiting reverse operation in areas with poor visibility or high pedestrian activity. Where frequent reverse operation required, fit audible reversing alarms and engage observers to control pedestrian movement during reversing manoeuvres.

Several weather conditions warrant immediate suspension of mowing operations. Cease mowing during rain or within 4-6 hours after rainfall when grass remains wet - wet grass significantly reduces tyre traction on slopes whilst creating slippery conditions that decrease safe operating angles by 30-50%. Wet grass also causes excessive clumping beneath cutting decks leading to frequent blockage clearing requirements and poor cutting quality. Suspend operations when thunderstorms forecast or observed approaching - lightning presents fatal electrocution risk to operators on open mowing areas. High wind conditions exceeding 30 km/h create hazards from falling tree branches, flying debris, and difficulty controlling debris discharge from mower chutes. During extreme heat events with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius or when Bureau of Meteorology issues heat health warnings, reschedule mowing to early morning or late afternoon periods, implement increased break frequency (10 minutes every 45 minutes), ensure adequate hydration supplies available, and monitor operators for heat stress symptoms including dizziness, nausea, confusion, or cessation of sweating. Reduce continuous operation time from 4-6 hours to 2-3 hours during extreme heat. In smoky conditions from bushfires reducing visibility below 50 metres, cease operations due to pedestrian detection difficulties and respiratory hazards. Before resuming operations after weather delays, reassess site conditions as rain may have altered terrain stability, created hidden depressions from ground subsidence, or washed debris into mowing areas creating new foreign object hazards.