Product Overview

Summary: This High-Rise Window Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, step-by-step requirements for carrying out façade and window cleaning at height safely and efficiently. It helps Australian businesses manage the extreme risks associated with working at height, ensuring compliance with WHS laws while protecting workers, the public, and property.

High-rise window cleaning is one of the most high-risk activities in the property and facilities sector, combining work at significant heights, suspended access systems, rope access, and exposure to changing weather conditions. Without a clear, enforceable procedure, businesses are exposed to the risk of falls from height, dropped objects, equipment failure, and serious breaches of WHS legislation. This High-Rise Window Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure provides a comprehensive, practical framework for planning and executing window cleaning on multi-storey buildings in a controlled and compliant way.

Developed with Australian WHS expectations in mind, this SOP guides your team through pre-start planning, site-specific risk assessment, equipment inspection, safe use of rope access and building maintenance units (BMUs), and controlled work methods on ledges, balconies and platforms. It sets out how to manage exclusion zones, communicate with building occupants, respond to changing weather, and handle emergencies such as a suspended worker rescue or equipment malfunction. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, standardise training, and significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents while maintaining a professional, efficient window cleaning service.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and working at height requirements for high-risk activities.
• Reduce the likelihood of falls, dropped objects, and equipment failures through structured planning and pre-use checks.
• Standardise work methods across teams and contractors, improving consistency, efficiency, and quality of service.
• Strengthen your safety culture by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for high-rise work.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators, and insurers with a documented, defensible system of work.

Who is this for?

• High-Rise Window Cleaners
• Rope Access Technicians
• Building Maintenance Managers
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers (Cleaning and Maintenance)
• Construction and Property Managers
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Strata and Building Owners Corporation Representatives

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height when working from ropes, BMUs, elevated platforms, ledges or balconies
• Falling tools, equipment or glass striking workers or members of the public below
• Rope, harness or anchor point failure due to damage, incorrect use or inadequate inspection
• Adverse weather conditions such as high winds, lightning, rain or extreme heat affecting stability and visibility
• Suspension trauma for workers left hanging in harnesses after an incident
• Electrical hazards from overhead powerlines, building services or nearby electrical infrastructure
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning equipment and water-fed systems
• Slips, trips and falls at ground level around hoses, ropes and equipment
• Entrapment or crush injuries associated with building maintenance units, davit arms or powered platforms
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals and run-off affecting workers, building occupants and the environment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Application
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Legislative Context
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site-Specific Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Access Methods (Rope Access, BMUs, EWP, Ledges and Balconies)
• 6.0 Equipment Requirements, Inspection and Maintenance
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Fall-Arrest Systems
• 8.0 Anchor Points, Rigging and Rope Management
• 9.0 Establishing Exclusion Zones and Public Protection Controls
• 10.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Step-by-Step Work Sequence
• 11.0 Weather Monitoring and Environmental Conditions
• 12.0 Chemical Handling, Water Management and Environmental Controls
• 13.0 Communication Protocols and Coordination with Building Management
• 14.0 Emergency Response, Rescue Procedures and Suspension Intolerance Management
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Training, Competency, Induction and Refresher Requirements
• 17.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variations)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (particularly provisions relating to falls and high risk work)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 4488: Industrial rope access systems (Parts 1 & 2)
• AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Building maintenance units
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines