Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, risk controls, and safe work methods for the use of floor maintenance and cleaning machinery, helping you achieve and demonstrate WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Floor Maintenance and Cleaning Machinery, from everyday janitorial tasks through to heavy-duty industrial cleaning operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe cleaning of slippery surfaces to minimise slip, trip, and fall risks for workers and the public
• Dry and wet vacuuming procedures, including cable management and safe handling of collected waste
• Creation of etched floor patterns using appropriate machinery, chemicals, and PPE controls
• Operation of floor polishers, including pad selection, noise control, and manual handling techniques
• Use of walk-behind floor scrubbers, including filling, emptying, and safe chemical dosing
• Operation of pedestrian-type floor sweepers, including safe manoeuvring in congested areas
• Use of ride-on floor sweepers, including pre-start checks, operator positioning, and traffic management
• Floor waxing and sealing activities, including ventilation controls and flammable product handling
• Removal of grease from floors and surfaces using mechanical equipment and compatible cleaning agents
• Hard surface scrubbing, including control of splash, aerosols, and ergonomic risks
• Industrial vacuum operation, including dust control, filter maintenance, and confined space considerations where applicable
• Janitorial tasks involving powered cleaning machinery in workplaces, public areas, and commercial facilities
• Operation of automated cleaning equipment, including programmed routes, guarding, and emergency stop systems
• Use of heavy-duty industrial vacuum cleaners for bulk debris and fine dust collection
• Safe operation of ride-on sweepers in warehouses, carparks, and industrial environments with shared traffic

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial cleaners, industrial cleaning contractors, facility managers, shopping centre and warehouse operators, and site supervisors responsible for floor maintenance and cleaning machinery.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on maintaining safe floors, surfaces, and access ways
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework for machinery and chemical use
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for pushing, pulling, lifting, and handling cleaning equipment and consumables
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for inspection, maintenance, guarding, and safe operation of cleaning machinery
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use, storage, and handling of detergents, degreasers, waxes, and other chemicals
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risk of Slips, Trips and Falls at Work: Controls for slippery and contaminated floor surfaces
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Testing and tagging of electrically powered cleaning machinery
• AS/NZS 60335 series – Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety: Safety requirements relevant to commercial floor cleaning machines
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017