Product Overview

Summary: This High Pressure Washer Use Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for operating pressure cleaners safely and efficiently in Australian workplaces. It helps control the serious risks associated with high-pressure water jets, electrical equipment and hazardous detergents while supporting compliance with WHS obligations across construction, facilities, manufacturing and commercial cleaning environments.

High pressure washers are widely used across Australian workplaces for cleaning plant, structures and hardstand areas, but they present significant risks if not controlled. High-velocity water jets can penetrate skin and eyes, dislodge debris at speed, damage surfaces, and create slips, electrical hazards and chemical exposure. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step approach to planning, setting up, operating and shutting down high pressure washers in line with WHS best practice.

The document translates legislative and Australian Standard requirements into practical instructions that can be used directly in the field for toolbox talks, inductions and refresher training. It covers pre-start inspections, hose and fitting checks, safe use of extension leads and RCDs, selection and use of chemicals, control of overspray and run-off, and housekeeping to prevent slips and trips. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of serious injury, and ensure that both in-house staff and contractors are working to the same safe, consistent method.

This procedure is particularly valuable for organisations with dispersed sites or mixed experience levels in their teams. It supports a defensible safety management system by documenting clear roles and responsibilities, required PPE, isolation and lock-out steps, and emergency response actions for injection injuries, electric shock and chemical exposure. The result is safer, more efficient cleaning operations that protect workers, the public and your assets while minimising downtime and rework.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injection injuries, eye damage and other serious harm from high-pressure water jets.
• Ensure consistent, safe operation of high pressure washers across all sites and shifts.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, electrical safety and hazardous chemicals requirements.
• Minimise equipment damage, leaks and unplanned downtime through structured pre-start and shutdown checks.
• Improve housekeeping standards by controlling overspray, run-off and slip hazards in work areas.

Who is this for?

• Maintenance Supervisors
• Cleaning Team Leaders
• Facilities and Operations Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Grounds and Landscaping Staff
• Workshop Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Plant and Equipment Operators
• Property and Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• High-pressure water injection injuries to skin and soft tissue
• Eye and face injuries from direct jet contact or flying debris
• Slip, trip and fall risks from wet and contaminated surfaces
• Electric shock from damaged cables, plugs or use near water
• Hose whip and failure of fittings under pressure
• Noise exposure from petrol-driven or industrial units
• Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals and detergents
• Contact with hot surfaces or steam from certain units
• Strains and sprains from awkward postures and manual handling of hoses and equipment
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled run-off of wash water and chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of High Pressure Washers
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Training Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 6.0 Pre-Start Inspection and Site Assessment Checklist
• 7.0 Chemical Selection, Mixing and Handling Requirements
• 8.0 Electrical Safety, RCD Use and Extension Lead Controls
• 9.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Step-by-Step Instructions
• 10.0 Controls for Slips, Trips, Overspray and Run-off
• 11.0 Working at Heights, in Confined Spaces or Public Areas (If Applicable)
• 12.0 Shutdown, Depressurisation and Storage of Equipment
• 13.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 14.0 Emergency Response – Injection Injury, Electric Shock and Chemical Exposure
• 15.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Tagging Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Record Keeping
• 17.0 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 Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS/NZS 4233.1: High pressure water jetting systems – Safe operation and maintenance
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment