Product Overview

This Vehicle and Fleet Cleaning Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures and risk controls required to safely clean, sanitise and maintain vehicles and transport fleets while meeting your legal obligations. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of vehicle and fleet cleaning operations to support strong WHS compliance and risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe aircraft interior and exterior cleaning, including access, chemical use and working around ground support equipment
• Bus interior sanitisation, including high-touch surfaces, handrails, seats and driver areas
• Bus toilet cleaning and maintenance, including waste disposal, odour control and exposure to biological hazards
• Cargo space cleaning in vans, trucks and freight vehicles, including removal of debris, spills and contaminated materials
• Depot cleaning duties such as wash bay operations, floor cleaning, drain management and waste segregation
• Public transport deep cleaning, including disinfection after suspected contamination or outbreaks
• Sweeping out trailers and truck bodies, including control of dust, slips, trips and manual handling risks
• Selection, safe use and storage of cleaning chemicals, sanitisers and disinfectants in line with Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Use of pressure washers, steam cleaners and mechanical cleaning equipment around vehicles and plant
• Manual handling of hoses, vacuum units, portable equipment, buckets and waste containers to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Managing slip, trip and fall risks from wet surfaces, hoses, leads and cleaning residues in and around vehicles
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, respirators and protective clothing
• Traffic management and vehicle movement controls in depots, wash bays and public transport facilities
• Environmental controls for wastewater, chemical run-off and waste disposal to meet site and regulatory requirements

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for vehicle detailing businesses, public transport operators, aircraft and aviation cleaning contractors, freight and logistics companies, depot and yard operators, and site supervisors responsible for vehicle and fleet cleaning activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Principles for identifying, assessing and controlling risks during vehicle and fleet cleaning activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for wash bays, depots, amenities and safe access to vehicles
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on controlling musculoskeletal risks from repetitive cleaning and handling equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Controls for selection, use, storage and disposal of cleaning agents and disinfectants
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace – Requirements for first aid arrangements for chemical exposure, slips, trips and other injuries
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – Where respiratory protection is required for mists, aerosols or chemicals
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – Guidance on appropriate hand protection for cleaning and sanitising tasks
• AS 1319: Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment – Requirements for safety signage in wash bays, depots and restricted areas
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017