Product Overview

Summary: This Anti-mould Treatments for Plastered Walls SOP provides a clear, WHS-aligned process for safely identifying, treating and preventing mould growth on internal plaster surfaces. It protects workers, occupants and your business by controlling exposure to mould spores, harsh chemicals and moisture-related structural damage while ensuring a consistent, professional treatment standard.

Mould growth on plastered walls is more than a cosmetic issue – it is a health and safety concern that can trigger respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, and indicate underlying moisture or building integrity issues. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, risk-based approach for assessing mould-affected plaster surfaces, selecting appropriate anti-mould treatments, and carrying out the work in a way that protects both workers and building occupants. It is designed for Australian workplaces that manage residential, commercial, strata or public buildings and need a defensible, repeatable method for remediation.

The SOP addresses the full lifecycle of anti-mould treatment, from initial inspection and moisture diagnosis, isolation of affected areas, and PPE selection, through to cleaning, chemical application, drying and post-treatment verification. It embeds WHS best practice by controlling exposure to airborne spores and cleaning agents, managing manual handling and working-at-height risks, and ensuring safe re-occupation of treated areas. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS law, reduce complaints and call-backs, and extend the life of building finishes by treating the underlying causes of mould, not just the visible staining.

Key Benefits

• Reduce health risks to workers and occupants from mould spores and cleaning chemicals.
• Ensure consistent, professional anti-mould treatment outcomes across all sites and teams.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and relevant public health guidance.
• Minimise repeat mould issues, rework and tenant or client complaints through root-cause focused controls.
• Streamline training and onboarding by providing clear, step-by-step instructions and safety requirements.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Team Leaders
• Commercial Cleaners
• Property Managers
• Restoration and Remediation Technicians
• Residential Builders
• Renovation Contractors
• Strata Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne mould spores and microbial contaminants
• Respiratory irritation and allergic reactions
• Skin and eye contact with biocides, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals
• Slip, trip and fall risks from wet floors and work areas
• Falls from low heights when using step ladders or platforms to reach wall surfaces
• Manual handling injuries when moving furniture, equipment and materials
• Electrical hazards when working near power points, light switches or damp electrical fittings
• Poor indoor air quality during and after treatment due to inadequate ventilation
• Use and storage of hazardous chemicals and generated waste

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Mould, Visible Growth, Water Ingress, Remediation)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Pre-work Assessment and Mould Identification
• 6.0 Moisture Source Investigation and Control Measures
• 7.0 Required Tools, Materials and Anti-mould Products
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 9.0 Site Preparation, Isolation and Ventilation Controls
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Treatment Procedure for Plastered Walls
• 11.0 Working at Heights and Manual Handling Controls
• 12.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution, Labelling and Storage
• 13.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Contaminated Materials
• 14.0 Post-treatment Inspection, Drying and Clearance Criteria
• 15.0 Communication with Occupants and Re-occupation Requirements
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Exposure, Spills, Adverse Reactions)
• 17.0 Environmental Considerations and Run-off Control
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS 3740: Waterproofing of domestic wet areas (for moisture control context)
• Relevant state and territory public health or mould remediation guidance (e.g. NSW Health mould guidelines)