Product Overview

This HVAC Cleaning Ductwork and Filter Replacement Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for safe cleaning and maintenance of air conditioning systems. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of HVAC cleaning, ductwork servicing, and filter replacement to support WHS compliance and effective risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Changing HVAC filters in indoor units, including isolation of power, safe access, and correct filter handling
• Chemical cleaning of evaporator and condenser coils, including safe chemical selection, dilution, and application methods
• External condenser cleaning, including clearance of debris, fin protection, and managing water and chemical run-off
• DX coil cleaning procedures, including lock-out/tag-out, guarding of moving parts, and prevention of exposure to aerosols and mist
• Filter changes on rooftop units, including safe roof access, edge protection, and manual handling controls
• HVAC duct cleaning activities, including access panel opening, use of vacuums and rotary brushes, and dust exposure controls
• Replacement of air conditioning filters, including correct sizing, fitting, and disposal of contaminated filters
• Selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for dusts, mould, chemicals, and sharp edges within ductwork
• Safe use of ladders, mobile scaffolds, and elevated work platforms (EWPs) to access ceiling spaces and high-level plant
• Electrical isolation and verification of de-energisation before working on or near HVAC plant and associated controls
• Manual handling of filters, duct sections, and equipment to minimise strains, sprains, and crush injuries
• Management of confined or restricted spaces in ceiling voids and plant rooms, including ventilation and heat-stress controls
• Housekeeping, waste management, and disposal of contaminated filters, dust, and chemical residues in line with environmental requirements

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for HVAC technicians, air conditioning and mechanical services contractors, duct cleaners, maintenance personnel, and site supervisors responsible for HVAC cleaning and filter replacement activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on safe access to roofs, ladders, and elevated work areas while servicing HVAC equipment
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for ventilation, temperature, and safe access in plant rooms and ceiling spaces
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling filters, duct components, and cleaning equipment
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with HVAC cleaning and maintenance
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use, storage, and handling of coil cleaners and other chemical agents
• AS/NZS 3666.2 Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control – Operation and maintenance: Guidance on managing microbial contamination in HVAC systems
• AS 1668.2 The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings: Relevant principles for safe operation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017