Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, safe and efficient process for cleaning evaporator and condenser coils in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It helps Australian workplaces protect technicians from chemical, electrical and working-at-heights risks while maintaining system performance, energy efficiency and compliance with WHS obligations.

Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning is a critical maintenance activity for HVAC and refrigeration systems, but it brings a mix of safety and operational risks: chemical exposure, live electrical components, sharp metal fins, confined plant rooms and often work at height on roofs. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step method to plan, isolate, clean and recommission equipment in a way that protects workers and minimises disruption to building operations. It is written specifically for Australian conditions, taking into account common plant configurations, climatic factors and WHS expectations.

By implementing this SOP, businesses gain a consistent, auditable process that supports compliance with WHS legislation while improving asset performance. The procedure addresses safe selection and use of coil cleaning chemicals, control of water run‑off, electrical isolation and lockout, access to rooftop condensers, and the correct use of PPE and tools. It also incorporates quality checks, documentation requirements and communication protocols so that facility managers and clients can be confident that systems are cleaned thoroughly, energy efficiency is optimised, and warranty and regulatory obligations are met.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, electrical shock and falls during coil cleaning activities.
• Improve HVAC and refrigeration efficiency, lowering energy costs and reducing equipment downtime.
• Standardise coil cleaning practices across sites, ensuring consistent quality and WHS compliance.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation, manufacturer recommendations and environmental expectations.
• Provide clear training material for new and existing technicians, strengthening competency and due diligence.

Who is this for?

• HVAC Technicians
• Refrigeration Mechanics
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Facility Managers
• WHS Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• Operations Managers
• Service Delivery Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Building Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to corrosive or irritant coil cleaning chemicals (skin, eye and respiratory irritation)
• Electric shock or arc flash from contact with live electrical components
• Falls from height when accessing rooftop or elevated condensers
• Slips, trips and falls due to wet, slippery surfaces and hoses
• Cuts and puncture wounds from sharp fins, sheet metal and fasteners
• Musculoskeletal injuries from awkward postures and manual handling of equipment
• Inhalation of aerosols, mists and biological contaminants (mould, bacteria) released during cleaning
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled discharge of chemical-laden wastewater

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Standards and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Definitions and Equipment Types (Evaporators, Condensers, Package Units, Splits)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Technicians, Supervisors, WHS Personnel)
• 5.0 Required Tools, Materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Job Planning
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and Hazard Controls (JSA/SWMS Integration)
• 8.0 Isolation, Lockout and Tagout of Electrical and Mechanical Systems
• 9.0 Access and Working at Heights Requirements (Roof and Plant Platform Access)
• 10.0 Environmental Controls and Wastewater Management
• 11.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure – Evaporator Coil Cleaning
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure – Condenser Coil Cleaning
• 13.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution, Application and Contact Times
• 14.0 Rinsing, Clean‑up and Site Restoration
• 15.0 Post‑Maintenance Checks, Testing and System Recommissioning
• 16.0 Quality Assurance, Performance Verification and Documentation
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Chemical Exposure, Electrical Incident, Fall from Height)
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 5149: Refrigerating systems and heat pumps – Safety and environmental requirements
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 3666: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance