Product Overview

Summary: This Pressure Washing Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for carrying out pressure cleaning tasks safely, efficiently, and in full alignment with Australian WHS expectations. It controls the risks associated with high‑pressure water, chemicals, slips, noise, and flying debris, while helping your team deliver consistent, professional cleaning results on every job.

Pressure washing is widely used across Australian workplaces to clean building exteriors, hardstands, plant, vehicles, and public areas. While it seems straightforward, uncontrolled pressure washing can lead to serious injection injuries, chemical burns, slips, electrical contact, and property damage. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS‑aligned method for planning and carrying out pressure washing tasks, from pre‑start inspections and site setup through to shutdown and waste disposal.

The document gives your organisation a repeatable system that operators and supervisors can follow job after job. It covers equipment selection, safe hose and lance handling, managing bystanders and public interfaces, working around traffic and plant, and the correct use of detergents and degreasers. It also embeds risk assessment, PPE requirements, environmental controls, and emergency response steps into everyday work. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, support consistent training, and significantly reduce the likelihood of injury, damage, and environmental non‑compliance.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe operation of high‑pressure water equipment, reducing the risk of injection injuries and lacerations.
• Reduce slips, trips, falls, and electrical hazards associated with wet work areas and water overspray.
• Standardise pressure washing practices across sites, improving consistency, productivity, and training outcomes.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and environmental obligations during cleaning activities.
• Minimise damage to surfaces, fixtures, and nearby assets through clear guidance on pressure, nozzles, and chemicals.

Who is this for?

• Pressure Washing Operators
• Cleaning and Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Grounds and Maintenance Staff
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Property and Strata Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Civil and Infrastructure Maintenance Teams

Hazards Addressed

• High‑pressure water injection injuries to hands, feet, and other body parts
• Lacerations and impact injuries from flying debris and dislodged materials
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet or contaminated surfaces
• Electric shock from contact with electrical equipment, outlets, or overhead services
• Chemical exposure from detergents, degreasers, and surface treatments
• Noise exposure from pressure washers and associated plant
• Manual handling strains from moving machines, hoses, and accessories
• Exposure to airborne contaminants, mists, and biological growths (mould, mildew)
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled wash‑water, sediment, and chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Plant and Equipment Description (Pressure Washers and Accessories)
• 6.0 Required Training and Competency
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Site Assessment
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls
• 10.0 Safe Work Method – Step‑by‑Step Operating Procedure
• 11.0 Working Around the Public, Traffic and Other Trades
• 12.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution and Application
• 13.0 Environmental Controls and Management of Wash‑Water Run‑off
• 14.0 Shutdown, Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures (Injury, Chemical Exposure, Electrical Contact)
• 16.0 Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 17.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Chemicals Managing Risks at the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 4024 series: Safety of machinery (relevant to pressure cleaning plant)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210 series: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• Local council and state environmental protection requirements for management of wash‑water and run‑off