Product Overview

Summary: This Graffiti Removal from Signs Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, safe and compliant method for removing graffiti from traffic, safety and information signs. It helps workers manage chemical, traffic and work-at-height risks while protecting sign visibility, prolonging asset life and maintaining a professional public image.

Graffiti on signs is more than just an eyesore – it can obscure critical safety information, confuse road users and damage expensive infrastructure. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a consistent, risk-based approach for safely removing graffiti from regulatory, warning and information signs in public spaces, workplaces, car parks and private facilities. It addresses the full task lifecycle, from planning and traffic management through to chemical selection, application methods, waste disposal and post-clean inspection.

The procedure is designed specifically for Australian conditions and WHS requirements, where workers may be exposed to moving traffic, hazardous chemicals, work at height and environmental sensitivities. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of worker injury, avoid damage to sign substrates and reflective sheeting, and minimise environmental harm from run-off and overspray. It also supports consistent training of in‑house teams and contractors, ensuring graffiti removal is carried out efficiently, safely and with a defensible audit trail in the event of an incident or regulatory inspection.

Key Benefits

• Ensure graffiti removal activities are carried out in line with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements.
• Reduce the risk of injuries associated with traffic exposure, chemical use, manual handling and work at height.
• Protect the integrity, legibility and reflective performance of safety and traffic signs, avoiding premature replacement costs.
• Standardise graffiti removal methods across teams and contractors, improving efficiency and job quality.
• Minimise environmental impact by controlling run-off, overspray and disposal of chemical residues and contaminated materials.

Who is this for?

• Maintenance Team Leaders
• Field Maintenance Technicians
• Council Works Supervisors
• Roads and Infrastructure Managers
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Parks and Recreation Supervisors
• WHS Advisors and Safety Coordinators
• Contract Cleaning and Graffiti Removal Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to moving vehicles when working near roads, car parks and access ways
• Chemical exposure from solvents, graffiti removers and cleaning agents (inhalation, skin and eye contact)
• Work at height on ladders, step platforms or elevated work platforms to access elevated signs
• Manual handling injuries when lifting, carrying or repositioning heavy signposts or equipment
• Slips, trips and falls due to wet surfaces, hoses and equipment around the work area
• Damage to sign substrates and reflective sheeting leading to reduced visibility and road safety
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled chemical run-off and overspray
• Electrical hazards when working near overhead or underground services and illuminated signs
• Noise exposure from powered equipment such as pressure washers or generators

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Sign Types
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre-Task Planning and Risk Assessment
• 8.0 Traffic Management and Site Set-Up
• 9.0 Selection of Graffiti Removal Method and Chemicals
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Graffiti Removal Procedure
• 11.0 Working at Height and Access Equipment Controls
• 12.0 Environmental Protection and Waste Management
• 13.0 Post-Task Inspection, Sign Condition Assessment and Documentation
• 14.0 Incident Reporting and Non-Conformance Management
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for traffic sign requirements and temporary traffic management guidance)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• Local council or road authority guidelines for graffiti removal and sign maintenance (e.g. state road agency specifications)