Product Overview

Summary: This Decontamination Process Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step method for safely removing hazardous contaminants from people, equipment and work areas. Designed for Australian workplaces, it helps you control exposure risks, maintain hygiene standards and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations when dealing with biological, chemical or other hazardous substances.

Decontamination is a critical control measure wherever workers may be exposed to biological agents, chemicals, hazardous dusts or contaminated surfaces. Without a consistent, well-documented process, organisations are exposed to increased health risks, cross-contamination, reputational damage and potential breaches of Australian WHS legislation. This Decontamination Process Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible method for planning, conducting and verifying decontamination activities across a wide range of workplaces, from healthcare and laboratories to manufacturing, warehousing and field operations.

The SOP guides users through the entire lifecycle of a decontamination event: from initial risk assessment and selection of appropriate methods and disinfectants, through to safe donning and doffing of PPE, waste handling, documentation and clearance. It clearly distinguishes between routine cleaning, disinfection and full decontamination, helping businesses apply the right level of control for the hazards present. By implementing this procedure, organisations can standardise practice across shifts and sites, reduce reliance on informal knowledge, and provide clear, practical instructions for workers and contractors who carry out decontamination tasks.

Developed with Australian WHS expectations in mind, the document supports compliance with duty-of-care requirements, infection prevention principles and hazardous chemicals management. It is particularly valuable for businesses that handle bodily fluids, infectious materials, hazardous dusts (such as silica or asbestos residues), chemical spills or potentially contaminated tools and plant. The SOP also embeds record-keeping, training and review requirements so that decontamination processes remain effective, auditable and aligned with evolving best practice.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, step-by-step approach to decontamination across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the risk of worker exposure, cross-contamination and infection transmission.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS and infection control requirements during audits and inspections.
• Standardise training for staff and contractors who undertake decontamination activities.
• Minimise downtime and disruption by providing clear procedures for both routine and incident-driven decontamination.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Infection Prevention and Control Coordinators
• Laboratory Managers
• Healthcare Facility Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Emergency Response Team Leaders
• Cleaning and Environmental Services Managers
• Manufacturing and Production Supervisors
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Coordinators
• Facilities and Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi and other biological hazards)
• Contact with bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
• Chemical contamination from spills, residues and aerosols
• Hazardous dust and particulate contamination (including silica and other respirable dusts)
• Residual contamination on tools, equipment, PPE and work surfaces
• Cross-contamination between clean and dirty zones
• Skin and eye irritation or burns from disinfectants and cleaning agents
• Inhalation of vapours, mists or aerosols generated during decontamination
• Manual handling risks associated with moving contaminated equipment and waste
• Environmental contamination from incorrect disposal of contaminated materials

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Cleaning, Disinfection, Decontamination, Zones, Contaminants)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Decontamination Planning
• 6.0 Zoning and Area Control (Clean, Transition and Contaminated Zones)
• 7.0 Required PPE, Tools, Chemicals and Equipment
• 8.0 Pre-Decontamination Checks and Site Preparation
• 9.0 Decontamination Procedures for Personnel
• 10.0 Decontamination Procedures for Equipment, Tools and Plant
• 11.0 Decontamination Procedures for Surfaces, Rooms and Work Areas
• 12.0 Management of Spills, Incidents and High-Risk Contamination Events
• 13.0 Waste Segregation, Packaging, Labelling and Disposal
• 14.0 Post-Decontamination Verification, Testing and Clearance
• 15.0 Documentation, Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Refresher Requirements
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Exposure Response
• 18.0 Inspection, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 References and Supporting Documents
• 20.0 Revision History and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Hazardous chemicals and hazardous atmospheres provisions
• 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
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (NHMRC)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2243.3: Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use