Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures, risk controls, and PPE requirements for safe biohazard trauma and restoration cleaning activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of biohazard clean-up, crime scene and meth lab remediation, COVID-19 deep cleaning, and fire damage restoration to support robust WHS compliance and risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Biohazard clean-up involving blood, bodily fluids, sharps, and other potentially infectious materials
• Safe broken glass clean up and controlled removal of shattered glazing from floors, furniture, vehicles, and structures
• Cleaning and decontamination of crime scenes, including forensic cleaning of sensitive or restricted areas
• Systematic COVID-19 deep cleaning of workplaces, vehicles, and public areas using approved disinfectants
• Disinfection of contaminated sites following biological, chemical, or smoke exposure incidents
• Fire damage clean-up including soot removal, odour control, and handling of fire-affected building materials
• Meth lab clean and remediation, including surface decontamination and safe handling of chemical residues
• Meth lab screening and assessment activities to identify contamination and determine required controls
• Safe handling and disposal of broken glass, sharps, and other laceration hazards in biohazard environments
• Selection, handling, and storage of sanitising agents, disinfectants, and cleaning chemicals
• Safe handling and dilution of harsh detergents and corrosive cleaning agents to minimise exposure risks
• Inspection, use, and maintenance of sanitisation equipment such as foggers, sprayers, extraction units, and HEPA vacuums
• Use of appropriate PPE including respiratory protection, eye and face protection, gloves, and protective clothing
• Decontamination procedures for tools, equipment, and waste containers prior to removal from site
• Segregation, packaging, labelling, and disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste in accordance with regulatory requirements

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for biohazard and trauma cleaning technicians, forensic and crime scene cleaners, meth lab remediation contractors, fire and water damage restoration specialists, and site supervisors responsible for managing high-risk decontamination work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing safe and healthy workplaces during cleaning and decontamination operations.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling contaminated materials, equipment, and waste.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling biohazard and chemical risks.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for handling, storing, and using harsh detergents, disinfectants, and other hazardous chemicals.
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provisions for first aid arrangements relating to exposure, cuts, sharps injuries, and chemical splashes.
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment: Guidance for choosing and maintaining respirators used during biohazard and chemical cleaning tasks.
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices: Performance requirements for respiratory protection used in contaminated environments.
• AS/NZS 2161 (series): Occupational protective gloves: Requirements for selection and use of gloves for biological and chemical protection.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017