Product Overview

Summary: This Cleaning and Sanitisation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step approach for maintaining hygienic, safe and compliant workplaces across Australian industries. It standardises how surfaces, equipment and shared spaces are cleaned and disinfected, helping you control infection risks, meet WHS obligations and reassure workers, clients and regulators.

Effective cleaning and sanitisation is a critical control for biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, mould and other infectious agents in the workplace. Inconsistent methods, ad‑hoc product selection and incomplete documentation can leave your business exposed to illness outbreaks, reputational damage and non‑compliance with Australian WHS requirements. This Cleaning and Sanitisation Safe Operating Procedure provides a robust, repeatable framework for how, when and by whom cleaning tasks are carried out, from routine daily wipes through to outbreak-level disinfecting.

Designed for a wide range of Australian workplaces—including offices, healthcare and allied health practices, aged care, hospitality, education, warehouses and manufacturing—this SOP translates regulatory guidance into practical, on-the-ground instructions. It clearly defines cleaning frequencies, product types and contact times, colour‑coding systems, waste handling, PPE requirements and verification checks, so your teams understand exactly what “clean and sanitised” means in measurable terms. By implementing this SOP, you reduce the risk of infection transmission, provide demonstrable evidence of due diligence to auditors and clients, and lift the overall standard and consistency of cleaning across your sites.

The document is written in plain, accessible language suitable for both in‑house and contracted cleaning staff, while still meeting the expectations of WHS professionals and regulators. It supports onboarding and refresher training, underpins contractor service agreements, and provides a defensible record that your business has identified hygiene risks and implemented reasonable control measures in line with Australian standards and guidance.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of infection transmission by standardising cleaning and sanitisation practices across all work areas.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS duties and public health guidance for managing biological hazards.
• Demonstrate due diligence to auditors, clients and regulators through clear, documented procedures and records.
• Improve consistency and quality of cleaning outcomes across shifts, locations and contracted providers.
• Support efficient staff training and onboarding with clear, step‑by‑step instructions and visual cues.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Infection Control Coordinators
• Facilities Managers
• Cleaning Supervisors
• Contract Cleaning Providers
• Aged Care Managers
• Practice Managers (Medical and Allied Health)
• Hospitality Venue Managers
• Childcare Centre Directors
• Manufacturing and Warehouse Supervisors
• School Business Managers
• Hotel and Accommodation Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces and equipment
• Cross‑contamination between clean and dirty areas due to poor cleaning practices
• Chemical exposure from incorrect selection, dilution or use of cleaning and disinfectant products
• Skin and eye irritation or respiratory issues from cleaning agents and aerosols
• Sharps or biohazard exposure when handling contaminated waste or body fluid spills
• Slip hazards from wet floors or incorrect use of cleaning equipment
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive cleaning tasks and poor manual handling techniques

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Cleaning, Sanitising, Disinfecting, Sterilising)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Organisational Policies
• 5.0 Hazard Identification – Biological and Chemical Risks
• 6.0 Required PPE and Personal Hygiene Requirements
• 7.0 Approved Cleaning and Disinfectant Products (Selection, Dilution and Storage)
• 8.0 Colour‑Coding and Zoning of Cleaning Equipment
• 9.0 Cleaning Frequencies and Area Risk Categories (High, Medium, Low Touch)
• 10.0 General Cleaning Procedure – Offices and Low‑Risk Areas
• 11.0 Cleaning and Sanitisation of High‑Touch Surfaces and Shared Equipment
• 12.0 Cleaning in Amenities, Kitchens and Food‑Related Areas
• 13.0 Cleaning and Disinfection in Clinical, Aged Care or High‑Risk Environments (if applicable)
• 14.0 Spill Management – Blood, Body Fluids and Other Biological Contamination
• 15.0 Waste Segregation, Handling and Disposal (Including Clinical/Biohazard Waste Where Relevant)
• 16.0 Safe Use, Handling and Storage of Cleaning Chemicals
• 17.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Considerations for Cleaning Tasks
• 18.0 Outbreak or Elevated Risk Cleaning Protocols (e.g. Pandemic Response)
• 19.0 Cleaning Verification, Inspections and Recordkeeping
• 20.0 Contractor Management and Communication of Requirements
• 21.0 Training, Induction and Refresher Requirements
• 22.0 Incident Reporting, Non‑Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 23.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure
• 24.0 Appendices – Checklists, Area‑Specific Cleaning Schedules and Sample Log Forms

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (NHMRC) – as applicable to workplaces providing health or personal care
• AS/NZS 4815: Office-based health care facilities – Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment (where relevant)
• AS/NZS 4146: Laundry practice (for workplaces with on-site laundering of contaminated items)
• TGA and state/territory health department guidance on disinfectants and sanitising agents