Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for High Pressure Cleaner operations is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and document effective control measures for high and ultra-high-pressure water cleaning tasks. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document covering multiple aspects of high-pressure cleaning to support WHS compliance and safe work practices across a wide range of sites and surfaces.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of high-pressure cleaners for carpark and pathway pressure washing in public and private areas
• Cleaning with high-pressure water, including control of water jets, splashback, and flying debris
• Concrete demolition using ultra-high water pressure, with controls for structural integrity and exclusion zones
• Inspection, maintenance, and replacement of high-pressure hoses, fittings, and couplings to prevent bursts and leaks
• External wall pressure washing, including work at height interfaces and protection of windows, services, and finishes
• Use of petrol-powered high-pressure cleaners, including fuel handling, refuelling, and exhaust fume management
• High-pressure cleaning of construction and industrial sites, including segregation from other trades and public access
• Operation of hot jet street cleaners for roadways, kerbs, and gutters, with traffic and pedestrian management controls
• Hot water pressure washing, including burn prevention, temperature controls, and safe handling of heated components
• Performing water-blasting activities for surface preparation, graffiti removal, and heavy contaminant removal
• General use of pressure washers on hard surfaces such as concrete, pavers, and asphalt, including slip risk management
• Use of hot water blasters for degreasing oily or contaminated surfaces, including wastewater and environmental controls
• Using high-pressure water jets around sensitive services, electrical installations, and building penetrations
• Using pressure washers for cleaning tiles, stone, and decorative surfaces while minimising damage to substrates
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, face, hearing, and cut-resistant protection

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial cleaners, pressure washing contractors, civil and construction crews, facility maintenance teams, councils, and site supervisors responsible for managing high-pressure water cleaning activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of pressure cleaning plant and equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, amenities, and environmental conditions during pressure cleaning work.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling, repetitive movements, and awkward postures associated with operating high-pressure cleaners.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Guidance on managing noise exposure from petrol and diesel-powered pressure cleaning equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Applicable where high-pressure cleaning is undertaken in pits, tanks, or other confined or poorly ventilated areas.
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (relevant parts): Principles for guarding, emergency stops, and safe design of machinery used in high-pressure cleaning operations.
• AS/NZS 4233 High Pressure Water Jetting Systems (relevant parts): Requirements and guidance for safe high and ultra-high-pressure water jetting activities.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017