Product Overview

Summary: This Stairway Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, consistent method for cleaning internal and external stairways without putting workers or building occupants at risk. It helps Australian businesses control slips, trips and falls while maintaining a professional presentation across multi-level workplaces, residential complexes and public facilities.

Stairways are one of the highest risk areas for slips, trips and falls in any building, especially when they are being cleaned or when wet cleaning residues are left behind. This Stairway Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step method for planning, isolating and carrying out cleaning tasks on stairs while actively managing WHS risks. It covers everything from pre‑inspection and signage placement to safe chemical use, controlled cleaning techniques on treads, risers and landings, and verification that the area is safe to reopen to foot traffic.

Developed for Australian workplaces, this SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation by documenting a defensible, repeatable process for stairway cleaning. It minimises disruption to tenants and the public, reduces the likelihood of injury claims and incident reports, and supports consistent training across in‑house and contract cleaning teams. By implementing this procedure, organisations can lift the standard of presentation in stairwells while ensuring that cleaning activities do not introduce new hazards to workers, visitors or residents.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slip, trip and fall incidents during and after stairway cleaning activities.
• Ensure consistent, defensible cleaning practices that align with Australian WHS duties and risk management requirements.
• Standardise training for cleaners and contractors, improving quality and reducing variability between shifts and sites.
• Minimise disruption to building occupants through clear controls for access, signage and timing of works.
• Improve the appearance and hygiene of stairwells, supporting asset value and tenant satisfaction.

Who is this for?

• Cleaning Supervisors
• Commercial Cleaners
• Facilities Managers
• Building Managers
• Strata Managers
• WHS Managers
• School and University Facilities Coordinators
• Hospital and Aged Care Environmental Services Managers
• Retail Centre Managers
• Local Government Property and Maintenance Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Slips on wet or freshly cleaned stair treads and landings
• Trips due to hoses, buckets, tools or cleaning equipment obstructing stairways
• Falls from stairs when working on edges, corners or higher steps
• Chemical exposure from cleaning agents (skin irritation, eye injury, inhalation of vapours)
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements, bending and awkward postures on stairs
• Manual handling injuries from carrying buckets, machines or waste up and down stairs
• Electrical hazards from powered cleaning equipment used near water
• Poor visibility in stairwells leading to missteps during cleaning
• Contact with biological contaminants such as bodily fluids or sharps in public stairwells

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Stairway Types (internal, external, fire stairs, public access)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Cleaners, Supervisors, Building Management)
• 4.0 Required Equipment, Chemicals and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 5.0 Pre‑Cleaning Risk Assessment and Area Preparation
• 6.0 Signage, Barricading and Access Control for Stairways
• 7.0 Safe Manual Handling and Equipment Transport on Stairs
• 8.0 Step‑by‑Step Stairway Cleaning Procedure (dry methods, wet methods, spot cleaning)
• 9.0 Specific Controls for High‑Risk Conditions (heavy contamination, poor lighting, external stairs, wet weather)
• 10.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution and Storage Requirements
• 11.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures for Stair Cleaning
• 12.0 Emergency Procedures (slip/fall incidents, chemical exposure, sharps discovery)
• 13.0 Post‑Cleaning Inspection, Drying Verification and Handover
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Supervision Requirements
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS 1657:2018 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment