Product Overview

Summary: This Roof Cleaning and Maintenance Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, step-by-step method for working at height on roofs across Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control fall risks, manage fragile and weather‑affected surfaces, and ensure compliant, professional roof cleaning and maintenance activities that protect workers, property and the public.

Roof cleaning and maintenance is inherently high-risk work, combining work at height, slippery surfaces, fragile roofing materials and exposure to weather. Without a structured procedure, even routine tasks such as removing debris, treating mould, or inspecting flashings can quickly escalate into serious incidents, including falls from height, through-roof falls, chemical exposure or dropped-object injuries to people below. This SOP provides a clear, practical framework to plan, authorise and carry out roof cleaning and maintenance activities safely and consistently across your organisation.

Developed for Australian conditions, the procedure covers pre-start planning, roof access and edge protection, safe use of ladders and fall arrest systems, management of pressure washers and cleaning chemicals, and systematic inspection and maintenance steps. It helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, while also extending the life of roofing assets by embedding regular, well-documented maintenance practices. By implementing this SOP, you reduce the likelihood of injuries, unplanned downtime, water ingress claims and costly rework, and provide your teams with an easy-to-follow, defendable method of work that aligns with current Australian standards and guidance.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height and through fragile roofing by standardising safe access and work methods.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS requirements for working at heights, roof access and use of fall protection systems.
• Extend roof life and prevent leaks by embedding structured inspection, cleaning and preventative maintenance routines.
• Improve consistency and quality of roof cleaning outcomes across different teams, contractors and sites.
• Streamline induction and competency-based training for workers undertaking roof cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Who is this for?

• Roof Maintenance Technicians
• Roof Cleaners
• Facility and Maintenance Managers
• Construction and Roofing Supervisors
• Property Managers and Strata Managers
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Building and Grounds Coordinators
• Small Business Owners in Roof and Exterior Cleaning

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height at roof edges, through skylights and other fragile surfaces
• Falls through brittle roofing materials such as asbestos cement or aged metal sheeting
• Slips and trips on wet, mossy, mouldy or debris-covered roof surfaces
• Structural failure or collapse of damaged roof sections or access points
• Incorrect use or failure of ladders, roof access systems and fall arrest equipment
• Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals, biocides and detergents
• High-pressure water injection injuries and loss of control of pressure washers
• Electrical hazards from overhead powerlines, solar panels and roof-mounted services
• Dropped tools or materials striking people or property below
• Heat stress, dehydration and UV exposure during outdoor roof work
• Adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain and storms affecting stability and footing
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving equipment, hoses and debris

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Roof Access, Edge Protection and Fall Prevention Controls
• 7.0 Safe Use of Ladders, Platforms and Roof Access Systems
• 8.0 Identification and Control of Fragile Roofing and Skylights
• 9.0 Weather, Environmental and Site Condition Requirements
• 10.0 Chemical Handling, Mixing and Application for Roof Cleaning
• 11.0 Safe Operation of Pressure Washers and Mechanical Equipment
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Roof Cleaning Procedure
• 13.0 Step-by-Step Roof Inspection and Maintenance Procedure
• 14.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Environmental Controls
• 15.0 Emergency Response, Rescue and First Aid Procedures
• 16.0 Post-Task Inspection, Sign-Off and Documentation
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Part 4.4 Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 1892.1: Portable ladders
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (as applicable)