Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures, hazards, and controls for Carpet Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning activities to help you manage risk and protect workers and clients. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document covering multiple aspects of carpet, upholstery, blinds, draperies and fabric cleaning to support strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites and in commercial premises.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe cleaning methods and handling techniques for blinds, curtains, and draperies in residential and commercial environments
• Systematic blind cleaning tasks, including removal, rehanging and working at low heights where required
• Cleaning carpets and upholstery using appropriate detergents, spotters and stain removal products
• Carpet maintenance using commercial vacuum cleaners, including cable management and noise and dust control
• Carpet shampooing operations, including dilution of chemicals, application, dwell time and extraction
• Carpet steam cleaning, including hot water extraction methods and safe use of heated equipment
• Deep carpet cleaning processes for heavily soiled areas, high-traffic zones and stubborn stains
• Operating portable carpet cleaners and extraction machines, including pre-start checks and safe shutdown
• Operating truck-mounted carpet cleaning machines, including hose routing, vehicle positioning and noise control
• Steam cleaning machinery operating, including management of hot surfaces, steam burns and condensate
• Use of ultrasonic cleaning equipment for delicate items, including blinds, draperies and small components
• Silk plants and artificial foliage cleaning, including safe handling of fragile decorative items and use of aerosols
• Selection, use and storage of cleaning chemicals, including SDS reference, decanting, labelling and spill response
• Manual handling of hoses, machines, chemical containers and furniture to minimise sprains and strains
• General site safety, including trip hazard control from hoses and leads, housekeeping and protection of client property

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpet cleaners, upholstery and fabric cleaning contractors, blind and drapery cleaning specialists, commercial cleaning companies, and site supervisors who manage or oversee these activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe and healthy work environment during cleaning operations
• Hazardous Chemicals (Safe Handling and Storage) Code of Practice: Requirements for the safe use, storage and handling of cleaning chemicals and detergents
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with carpet and fabric cleaning tasks
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Risk controls for chemical exposure during carpet, upholstery and fabric cleaning
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements for burns, chemical exposure and manual handling injuries
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017