Product Overview

Summary: This Graffiti Removal Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, consistent method for removing graffiti from buildings, public spaces and infrastructure across Australian workplaces. It helps you control chemical, height and environmental risks while protecting workers, the public and your assets, and supporting rapid, professional clean-up of vandalism.

Graffiti removal often occurs in challenging environments – near traffic, on footpaths, at height, and on a wide variety of surfaces – using chemicals and equipment that can seriously harm workers and the public if not controlled. This Graffiti Removal Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and carrying out graffiti removal tasks safely and efficiently, whether in public spaces, commercial premises, schools, transport hubs or residential complexes. It guides workers from initial site assessment and selection of suitable removal methods through to waste disposal and site reinstatement, all within an Australian WHS context.

The procedure addresses the real-world challenges faced by councils, facility managers and contractors: unplanned call-outs, work near roads and pedestrians, unknown substrates and coatings, and the risk of property damage or environmental harm from run-off. By implementing this SOP, your organisation can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of chemical exposures, slips, falls and manual handling injuries, and ensure a consistent standard of finish that protects building surfaces. It also supports faster onboarding of new staff and contractors by providing a documented, defensible method of work that integrates risk controls, PPE requirements, signage, traffic and pedestrian management, and incident response.

Key Benefits

• Ensure graffiti removal tasks are carried out in line with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, slips, trips, falls and other injuries during graffiti removal activities.
• Protect building surfaces and public assets by standardising the selection of appropriate removal methods and products.
• Streamline training and induction for in‑house teams and contractors with a clear, step‑by‑step procedure.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and the community through documented, repeatable work practices.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• Local Government Operations Managers
• Cleaning and Maintenance Supervisors
• Graffiti Removal Technicians
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Parks and Recreation Coordinators
• Strata and Building Managers
• Contract Cleaning Company Owners
• Infrastructure Maintenance Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals in graffiti removers, solvents and detergents (skin contact, inhalation, eye injury)
• Working at height on ladders, elevated work platforms or roofs to access graffiti
• Slips and trips from wet, slippery or uneven surfaces during washing and rinsing
• Manual handling injuries from handling water blasters, hoses, ladders and access equipment
• Noise exposure from pressure washers and other powered equipment
• Flying debris, high‑pressure water jet contact and impact injuries during pressure cleaning
• Traffic and pedestrian interaction when working near roads, car parks or busy public walkways
• Environmental contamination from chemical run‑off entering stormwater drains, soil or waterways
• Electrical hazards when using powered equipment near power outlets, lighting or overhead services
• Biological hazards from graffiti locations contaminated with bodily fluids, sharps or waste

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Applicable Standards
• 3.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Chemicals
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 10.0 Selection of Graffiti Removal Method and Products
• 11.0 Traffic and Pedestrian Management (where applicable)
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Graffiti Removal Procedure
• 13.0 Working at Height Requirements (Ladders and EWPs)
• 14.0 Environmental Protection and Run‑off Management
• 15.0 Waste Handling, Storage and Disposal
• 16.0 Post‑Task Inspection, Surface Protection and Sign‑off
• 17.0 Incident, Exposure and Near Miss Reporting
• 18.0 Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage of Equipment
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and mirror 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
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1891: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (for temporary electrical equipment)
• Local council and state environmental protection authority (EPA) requirements for wash‑water and chemical run‑off management