Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides clear, step-by-step guidance for safely cleaning and sanitising electric vehicles (EVs) without compromising electrical systems, battery integrity, or worker safety. It supports Australian businesses to deliver hygienic, customer-ready vehicles while meeting WHS obligations and protecting high-voltage assets.

Electric vehicles introduce new safety and operational considerations when it comes to routine cleaning and sanitation. High-voltage components, sensitive electronics, battery packs and charging interfaces can be damaged or made unsafe if incorrect chemicals, excessive water, or poor cleaning techniques are used. This SOP sets out a structured, repeatable method for cleaning and disinfecting EV interiors and exteriors in a way that protects workers, passengers and the vehicle’s critical systems.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, the procedure integrates WHS risk management principles with practical detailing workflows. It covers pre-clean safety checks, isolation of the vehicle where appropriate, selection and use of compatible cleaning agents, management of moisture around high-voltage areas, and safe handling of disinfectants and chemicals. The SOP helps organisations demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce the risk of electrical incidents or costly damage, and provide consistently clean, hygienic vehicles for staff and customers—whether in car share fleets, rideshare, local government, mining, logistics, or dealership operations.

By standardising the cleaning and sanitation process for EVs, businesses can reduce variability between workers, improve turnaround times, and support clear training pathways for new staff. The document is designed to integrate easily into existing safety management systems and cleaning schedules, with clear roles, checklists and record-keeping requirements that stand up to internal audits and external regulatory scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe cleaning practices around high-voltage systems, charging ports and battery components.
• Reduce the risk of electrical faults, corrosion or damage caused by inappropriate cleaning agents or methods.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties through a documented, risk-based cleaning process.
• Standardise EV cleaning and sanitation across sites, contractors and shifts for consistent hygiene outcomes.
• Support efficient staff training and onboarding with clear, step-by-step instructions and checklists.

Who is this for?

• Fleet Managers
• Vehicle Detailers
• Workshop Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• EV Service Technicians
• Car Rental and Car Share Operations Managers
• Public Transport Operations Managers
• Cleaning Contractors servicing EV fleets
• Dealership Service Managers
• Local Government Fleet Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from high-voltage components when cleaning around battery systems and charging interfaces
• Short-circuiting or damage to electrical systems due to water ingress or high-pressure washing
• Chemical exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products (skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory irritation)
• Slip, trip and fall hazards from wet floors, hoses and cleaning equipment around vehicles
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive cleaning tasks and awkward postures inside vehicles
• Fire risk associated with incorrect use or storage of flammable cleaning agents near EV batteries or charging areas
• Cross-contamination and infection risk from inadequately sanitised high-touch surfaces (e.g. steering wheels, touchscreens, handles)
• Damage to sensitive sensors, cameras and ADAS components from abrasive or incompatible cleaning products

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and EV System Overview
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Manufacturer Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Management and Hazard Identification
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Approved Cleaning Agents
• 7.0 Pre-Clean Safety Checks and Vehicle Preparation
• 8.0 Isolation and Control of High-Voltage Systems (where applicable)
• 9.0 Interior Cleaning and Sanitation Procedure
• 10.0 Exterior Cleaning and Sanitation Procedure
• 11.0 Special Considerations for High-Voltage Components, Charging Ports and Electronics
• 12.0 Chemical Handling, Labelling and Storage Requirements
• 13.0 Waste Management, Greywater and Environmental Controls
• 14.0 Post-Clean Inspection, Testing and Sign-Off
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Fault Escalation and Unsafe Vehicle Management
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Supervision Requirements
• 17.0 Record Keeping, Audit and Review of Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 3010: Electrical installations – Generating sets (relevant to safe connection/charging environments)
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules) – for general electrical safety context around EV infrastructure
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• Manufacturer EV service and cleaning guidelines (OEM specifications for specific vehicle models)