Product Overview

This Window Cleaning SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for professional window cleaning operations. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document covering multiple aspects of window cleaning at height and low-level work to support strong WHS compliance across Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe cleaning of high-rise windows using appropriate access equipment, anchorage, and fall protection systems
• Selection and use of extension poles to maintain safe working distances and minimise overreaching
• External window cleaning from ground level, elevated work platforms, or building perimeters
• Lowering and raising window sashes safely to prevent crush injuries, drops, and glass breakage
• Adjustment and inspection of sash cords, pulleys, and counterweights to control manual handling and entanglement risks
• Skylight cleaning and inspection, including controls for fragile roofing, roof access, and fall-through hazards
• Use of waterfed pole systems, including hose management, electrical separation distances, and slip hazard controls
• Low-level window cleaning in offices, retail, and residential environments, including public interface and trip hazard management
• Window cleaning at height using ladders, EWP, or building maintenance units with appropriate fall prevention measures
• Work on windowsills, ledges, and narrow surfaces, including edge protection and tool lanyarding
• Manual handling of buckets, squeegees, poles, and equipment to reduce strain, sprain, and repetitive motion injuries
• Use of cleaning chemicals and detergents, including decanting, labelling, PPE, and environmental controls
• Traffic and pedestrian management around work areas, including barricades, signage, and exclusion zones for falling objects

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for professional window cleaners, façade maintenance contractors, facilities managers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing internal and external window cleaning activities, including work at height.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on preventing falls when working at height, on roofs, and near edges during window and skylight cleaning
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of ladders, elevated work platforms, and other access equipment for window cleaning
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for safe handling, storage, and use of window cleaning chemicals and detergents
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures for window cleaning operations
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ensuring safe access, egress, and amenities around cleaning zones and public areas
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Selection, use, and maintenance of harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage systems for work at height
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding: Requirements for any temporary scaffolding or platforms used during window and façade cleaning
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders: Design and use of fixed access systems for reaching windows and skylights safely
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017