Product Overview

This Floor Restoration SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for floor restoration activities in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive document covering all key aspects of floor restoration safety and WHS compliance, including carpet and hard floor restoration and slippery surface treatments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assessment of existing carpet and hard floor conditions prior to restoration works
• Planning and sequencing of floor restoration activities to minimise disruption and safety risks
• Use of cleaning agents, chemicals, and solvents for carpet and hard floor restoration, including safe storage and handling
• Operation of floor scrubbers, polishers, buffers, and extraction machines
• Carpet and hard floor stain removal techniques, including spot treatments and pre-sprays
• Application of sealers, coatings, and finishes to hard floors, including curing and isolation controls
• Slippery surface treatment, including anti-slip coatings and non-slip treatments on tiles, vinyl, and other hard surfaces
• Management of wet floors, temporary barricading, and warning signage to prevent slips, trips, and falls
• Manual handling of equipment, hoses, chemicals, and floor coverings to reduce strain and musculoskeletal injury
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of electrical equipment, leads, and RCDs during floor restoration
• Noise and dust control measures during mechanical scrubbing, stripping, and polishing activities
• Ventilation and control of fumes and vapours from cleaning chemicals and sealers
• Waste management, including disposal of wastewater, contaminated materials, and empty chemical containers
• Housekeeping practices to maintain clear access ways and prevent trip hazards from tools, hoses, and leads
• Emergency response procedures for chemical exposure, spills, slips, or equipment failure

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for floor restoration contractors, commercial cleaners, facility maintenance teams, carpet and hard floor restoration specialists, and site supervisors overseeing floor treatment works.

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 – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for floor restoration tasks.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe access, egress, lighting, ventilation, and amenities during restoration works.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Chemicals – Safe storage, handling, and use of cleaning agents, solvents, and sealers used in carpet and hard floor restoration.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for slips, trips, and falls on wet or treated surfaces and use of barriers and signage.
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment – Guidance on inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment and leads used on site.
• AS/NZS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment – Requirements for safety and warning signage for wet floors and restricted areas.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017