Hydro Seeding Safe Work Method Statement

Implementation

1. Provide slip-resistant safety boots with deep multi-directional tread patterns designed for wet terrain work, avoiding worn footwear with smooth soles providing inadequate traction 2. Issue full-body fall arrest harnesses to AS/NZS 1891.1 for work on slopes exceeding 1:2 grade (approximately 27 degrees) or when working within 2 metres of unprotected edges 3. Install temporary anchor points at slope tops using earth anchors, ground stakes, or vehicle-mounted anchor systems allowing workers to attach lanyards before descending slopes 4. Use energy-absorbing lanyards rated for fall arrest limiting impact forces to acceptable levels, with lanyard length selected to prevent striking lower ground or obstacles during fall arrest 5. Fit workers in correct harness sizes ensuring proper adjustment of leg, chest, and shoulder straps, with regular checks during shifts as straps can loosen during active work 6. Train workers in fall arrest equipment use including pre-use inspection, correct attachment points on harness and anchors, and self-rescue techniques if suspended after fall 7. Inspect fall protection equipment daily before use checking for cuts, abrasion, chemical contamination, or UV damage, removing damaged equipment from service immediately 8. Establish rescue procedures for workers suspended in harnesses after falls, recognising that suspension trauma can develop within 10-20 minutes requiring rapid rescue response 9. Consider additional PPE including knee pads for workers frequently kneeling on slopes during hose management or equipment adjustment, protecting from impact injuries and improving stability 10. Replace PPE according to manufacturer service life recommendations, with fall protection equipment typically requiring retirement after 5 years or immediately after arresting a fall

Implementation

1. Obtain and review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used including seed treatments, fertilisers, and additives, making SDS available to all workers and highlighting key hazards and control requirements 2. Implement closed mixing systems where concentrated chemicals are added to tanks through sealed connections reducing worker exposure to dusts, vapours, and splashes during mixing operations 3. Provide chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) with gauntlet cuffs extending to mid-forearm protecting during chemical handling, seed pouring, and equipment cleaning operations 4. Issue chemical-resistant coveralls or aprons protecting body from chemical splashes and treated seed dust during mixing and loading operations 5. Supply respiratory protection including P2 particulate respirators for workers mixing treated seed or handling dusty materials, with half-face respirators and organic vapour cartridges for concentrated liquid chemical handling 6. Establish chemical storage procedures requiring secure containers with proper labelling, separation of incompatible materials, bunding to contain spills, and protection from weather and unauthorised access 7. Provide eyewash stations within 10 seconds travel time from chemical handling areas (typically portable eyewash bottles on hydroseeder units) allowing immediate irrigation if eye contact occurs 8. Implement hygiene procedures requiring hand washing with soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking, preventing ingestion of chemicals from contaminated hands 9. Ban food and drink consumption in work areas where chemical exposure may occur, establishing designated clean areas for break periods 10. Dispose of empty chemical containers and contaminated materials according to regulations, avoiding reuse of containers that may lead to incorrect material identification or exposure incidents

Implementation

1. Inspect pressure hoses daily before use checking for cuts, abrasion, bulges, or exposed reinforcement indicating developing failures requiring immediate replacement 2. Replace hoses according to manufacturer service life recommendations or earlier if damage observed, with high-wear sections (first 10 metres from pump) requiring more frequent replacement 3. Protect hoses from traffic by routing away from vehicle paths, using hose bridges where crossings are unavoidable, or positioning workers to stop traffic when hoses must cross active routes 4. Use proper couplings and fittings rated for system pressure (minimum 150 psi working pressure), ensuring secure connection by double-checking coupling engagement before pressurising 5. Implement pressure relief procedures requiring pump shutdown and pressure relief valve opening before connecting or disconnecting hoses, with pressure gauge verification showing zero pressure 6. Position safety shields at coupling points providing physical barrier protecting operators if coupling fails during initial pressurisation after connection 7. Maintain safe spray distances requiring operators to maintain minimum 3-metre clearance between spray nozzle and personnel, using extended wands if closer work is required for detail areas 8. Install pressure relief valves set at maximum system working pressure plus 10% preventing over-pressurisation from pump control malfunctions or line blockages 9. Secure nozzle control with locking devices preventing inadvertent spray activation, requiring deliberate action to commence spraying 10. Provide operators with face shields protecting against inadvertent spray contact during connection work or nozzle adjustments, worn in combination with safety glasses as primary eye protection

Implementation

1. Conduct noise monitoring at operator positions during typical operations measuring time-weighted average exposures and identifying areas exceeding 85 dB(A) requiring hearing protection 2. Establish hearing protection mandatory zones marked around operating hydroseeder equipment extending minimum 5 metres from operating pumps and agitators 3. Provide Class 4 or 5 earplugs or earmuffs achieving minimum 20 dB noise reduction rating (SLC80), with multiple options allowing worker selection of comfortable effective protection 4. Conduct baseline hearing tests for all workers before commencing hydro seeding work establishing reference audiograms, with repeat testing every two years identifying early hearing damage allowing intervention 5. Train workers in proper earplug insertion technique as incorrect insertion reduces protection by 50-75%, using fit testing to verify adequate sealing and protection 6. Implement job rotation protocols limiting individual operator time at high-noise positions (equipment operator platform) to maximum 4 hours per shift, rotating to lower-noise tasks including ground crew duties 7. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer schedules with particular attention to pump bearings, belt drives, and mounting systems where wear causes vibration and noise increases 8. Install acoustic enclosures on pump systems or operator platforms where feasible, potentially reducing exposure by 10-15 dB improving hearing protection effectiveness 9. Prohibit removal of hearing protection while in mandatory zones even for brief periods, recognising that short high-level exposures contribute significantly to daily dose 10. Review audiogram results annually identifying trends or threshold shifts indicating inadequate protection, investigating causes and implementing improved controls before permanent damage occurs

Implementation

1. Conduct site inspection before positioning equipment identifying slope angles, ground bearing capacity, overhead clearances, and proximity to edges or drop-offs that could affect stability 2. Position hydroseeder on level ground (maximum 5-degree slope) with adequate bearing capacity to support loaded weight (typically 10-25 tonnes) without sinking or lateral movement 3. Establish minimum setback distances maintaining equipment minimum 2 metres from unprotected edges, excavations, or tops of batters to prevent edge collapse and equipment roll-over 4. Use outriggers or stabilisers if equipment is fitted with these systems, ensuring proper ground contact and load distribution before commencing pumping operations 5. Deploy wheel chocks preventing equipment roll if parked on sloping ground, positioning chocks both front and rear of wheels with park brake applied 6. Plan hose routes avoiding crossing active traffic paths where possible, using hose bridges or elevated supports where crossings are unavoidable allowing vehicle passage without hose damage 7. Coordinate with site traffic management identifying safe access routes to seeding areas, establishing exclusion zones while seeding operations are active, and communicating with other plant operators 8. Assign dedicated spotter for reversing operations guiding driver with continuous radio contact or hand signals, maintaining visual contact throughout reverse movements 9. Secure chemical storage tanks and equipment on hydroseeder platform using chains or straps preventing displacement during transport or operation on uneven ground 10. Review site conditions after rain events before positioning equipment, as ground bearing capacity may be reduced and slopes more prone to instability requiring alternative access routes or work postponement

Implementation

1. Install temporary access steps or ladders on steep batters allowing workers to ascend and descend safely without traversing unstable slopes carrying equipment 2. Grade small level platforms into steep batters at 10-15 metre vertical intervals providing stable work positions for operators managing spray hoses without standing on full slope 3. Apply erosion control blankets or matting to slopes before hydro seeding providing texture for improved footing, with blankets anchored with stakes or staples preventing movement under traffic 4. Delay hydro seeding until slopes have been track-rolled or compacted improving surface stability and reducing slip potential, coordinating with earthworks contractors for appropriate compaction timing 5. Install safety catch benches at slope bottom collecting workers who slip and fall before they slide long distances, designed as minor grade breaks redirecting falling personnel 6. Use rope handrails or cable systems installed across slope faces providing support for workers to maintain balance while managing hoses or traversing to work positions 7. Schedule operations during dry periods when ground provides better traction, avoiding seeding immediately after rainfall when clay surfaces become most slippery 8. Apply tackifier or binder chemicals at higher concentrations on steep slopes creating adhesive surface layer that provides some grip even when wet, applied by prior spray pass before main seeding 9. Consider alternative application methods for extremely steep slopes including aerial application by helicopter or long-throw spray equipment allowing application from slope bottom without requiring worker access to steep faces 10. Install safety netting at slope edges catching falling workers before they reach level ground below, used in high-risk areas such as road embankments adjacent to travelled lanes or waterways

Implementation

1. Identify environmentally sensitive areas during site assessment including waterways, wetlands, stormwater inlets, and water quality monitoring points requiring protection from chemical runoff 2. Install sediment fencing or silt barriers at downstream locations capturing any contaminated runoff from seeding areas before it enters natural drainage systems or waterways 3. Position mixing and loading operations minimum 50 metres from waterways with ground sloping away from watercourses preventing direct drainage if spills occur during chemical handling 4. Use bunded mixing areas or drip trays beneath equipment collecting any spilled chemicals or contaminated water during mixing operations for proper disposal rather than ground infiltration 5. Schedule seeding to avoid periods immediately before forecast rainfall when establishment time is inadequate and chemical washoff risk is elevated, consulting Bureau of Meteorology forecasts 6. Apply fertilisers and chemicals at specification rates avoiding over-application that increases environmental risk without improving establishment success, calibrating equipment to deliver consistent rates 7. Wash equipment at designated washdown areas with proper drainage to sewer or collection for disposal, avoiding field washing that discharges chemicals directly to environment 8. Dispose of excess mixed slurry appropriately by applying to designated areas at light rates or disposing as liquid waste if application is not possible, never dumping into drainage systems 9. Store empty chemical containers in secure areas with labels intact until disposal at licensed waste facilities or return to suppliers under container return programs where available 10. Report any chemical spills exceeding 25 litres or any discharge to waterways immediately to environmental authorities as required by regulations, implementing containment and cleanup actions