Product Overview

This Building Facade Cleaning Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety planning document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for all stages of façade cleaning and related works. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled SWMS covering multiple aspects of building façade cleaning operations to support strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for safe building façade cleaning, including site assessment and access requirements
• Conducting façade cleaning using appropriate tools, equipment, and cleaning agents for various external surfaces
• Safe external façade cleaning at height, including use of elevated work platforms (EWPs), scaffolds, or rope access systems
• Management of risks associated with falling objects, overspray, and run-off to protect workers and the public
• Selection, inspection, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including fall-arrest systems where required
• Safe methods for partial or full replacement of façades, cladding panels, or external decorative elements
• Handling, removal, and disposal of damaged façade materials in accordance with environmental and waste requirements
• Isolation of work areas, barricading, and signage to control pedestrian and vehicle movements around the façade work zone
• Use of ladders and temporary work platforms for localised façade access and minor cleaning or replacement tasks
• Manual handling of façade panels, cleaning equipment, and materials to minimise strain and musculoskeletal injury
• Electrical safety when using powered cleaning equipment, including extension leads, pressure washers, and lighting
• Emergency response procedures for falls, equipment failure, chemical exposure, and adverse weather conditions

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial and residential façade cleaning contractors, rope access companies, building maintenance teams, cladding installers, and site supervisors responsible for managing façade cleaning and replacement works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling fall risks when working at height on building façades.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, amenities, and general work environment during façade works.
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Risk management principles for façade cleaning and façade replacement as construction activities.
• How to Safely Remove and Handle Asbestos Code of Practice: Applicable where older façade materials may contain asbestos (if identified by survey).
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling façade panels and cleaning equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Use, storage, and handling of façade cleaning chemicals and detergents.
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Selection and use of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor systems for façade access.
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding: Requirements for scaffolding used to access façades for cleaning or replacement.
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (where applicable): Guidance for powered lifting equipment used to position façade panels or access equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017