Hazardous plants, trees and vegetation

How to control hazardous plants, trees and vegetation

1. Survey the site for hazardous plants, weeds, dead or unstable trees, and mark the areas to keep clear of.
2. Brief workers on how to identify the plants on site and the effects of contact with them.
3. Remove or fence off hazardous trees and plants, and use a qualified arborist for felling or work in dangerous trees.
4. Mark the clearing boundary and keep plant inside it, with permits for protected vegetation, and clean boots, tools and plant to stop the spread of weeds.
5. Dispose of weeds and plant matter at an approved facility, never on site or in bushland.
6. Wear long sleeves, gloves, boots and eye protection, and wash exposed skin after work, with first aid for any sap or contact reaction.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.

SWMS by trade

• Concreting8 templates
• Landscaping8 templates
• Landscaping7 templates
• Civil Works6 templates
• Concreting6 templates
• Earthmoving & Mobile Plant6 templates
• Pest Control4 templates
• Civil Works3 templates

Hazards that come up alongside it

• Adverse weather45 templates
• Emergencies45 templates
• Environmental contamination45 templates
• Hazardous chemicals45 templates
• Heat stress45 templates
• Mobile plant and vehicles45 templates
• Personal injury, property damage or environmental incident45 templates
• Unauthorised access45 templates

Legislation these templates cite

• WHS Act 201136 templates
• WHS Regulations 201136 templates
• OHS Act 2004 (Vic)31 templates
• Code of Practice: Construction work29 templates
• Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace29 templates
• Code of Practice: How to manage WHS risks29 templates
• Code of Practice: Work environment and facilities29 templates
• OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic)29 templates