Product Overview

Summary: This Cleaning and Maintenance of Brickwork SOP sets out a clear, safe and consistent approach for inspecting, cleaning and preserving brick surfaces across Australian workplaces. It helps businesses protect workers, prevent damage to structures and ensure brickwork is maintained in line with WHS obligations and industry best practice.

Brickwork is a long‑life building element, but without the right cleaning and maintenance practices it can quickly deteriorate, harbour mould and contaminants, and create avoidable safety risks. High‑pressure water, acidic cleaners and working at height all introduce hazards that must be controlled under Australian WHS legislation. This SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step method for planning and carrying out brick cleaning and maintenance so that both the workforce and the asset are protected.

Developed for Australian conditions, the procedure covers routine inspections, selection of appropriate cleaning methods (including low‑pressure washing, chemical cleaning and manual methods), safe access arrangements, and the identification and repair of defects such as spalling, efflorescence, mortar degradation and water ingress. It helps organisations standardise how brickwork is assessed and maintained across multiple sites, ensuring consistent quality, reduced rework and clear documentation to demonstrate due diligence. By implementing this SOP, businesses can minimise damage to brickwork, reduce slip and trip hazards from algae and mould, and manage the risks associated with chemicals, manual handling and working at height.

Key Benefits

• Ensure brick cleaning and maintenance activities are carried out safely and consistently across all sites.
• Reduce the risk of worker injury from hazardous chemicals, high‑pressure water and working at height.
• Extend the service life of brickwork by preventing avoidable damage from inappropriate cleaning methods.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant building and maintenance standards.
• Streamline training and onboarding for maintenance and cleaning personnel with a clear, step‑by‑step process.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Building and Grounds Maintenance Staff
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Property Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Commercial Cleaning Contractors
• Council and Local Government Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals (acids, alkalis, detergents)
• High‑pressure water injection injuries and flying debris
• Falls from height when accessing elevated brickwork (ladders, scaffolds, EWPs)
• Slips, trips and falls from wet, mossy or uneven surfaces around brickwork
• Manual handling injuries from handling hoses, equipment and masonry materials
• Respiratory exposure to dust, mould spores and debris during cleaning or grinding
• Eye injuries from splashes, dust and particles
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled chemical runoff and wastewater

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Required Licences, Competencies and Training
• 5.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Risk Assessment
• 8.0 Brickwork Inspection and Condition Assessment
• 9.0 Selection of Cleaning Method (Manual, Low‑Pressure, Chemical, Mechanical)
• 10.0 Safe Work Method for Surface Preparation and Protection of Adjacent Areas
• 11.0 Step‑by‑Step Cleaning Procedure for Ground‑Level Brickwork
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Cleaning Procedure for Elevated Brickwork (Ladders, Scaffolds, EWPs)
• 13.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution and Application Controls
• 14.0 Rinsing, Wastewater Management and Environmental Protection
• 15.0 Brickwork Maintenance and Minor Repairs (Mortar Joints, Cracks, Efflorescence)
• 16.0 Housekeeping and Site Restoration
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Chemical Exposure, Falls, High‑Pressure Injuries)
• 18.0 Monitoring, Inspection Records and Maintenance Schedules
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall‑arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 4024.1201: Safety of machinery – General principles for design – Risk assessment and risk reduction (where powered equipment is used)