Product Overview

Summary: This Steam Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for using steam cleaning equipment across Australian workplaces. It helps control burn risks, chemical exposure and electrical hazards while improving hygiene, presentation and compliance with WHS and infection-control requirements.

Steam cleaning is widely used across Australian workplaces to achieve deep cleaning and sanitisation in kitchens, bathrooms, food production areas, accommodation, healthcare and public facilities. While highly effective, steam cleaners combine heat, pressure, water, electricity and (in some cases) chemicals, creating a mix of hazards that must be tightly controlled. This Steam Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework to ensure every operator uses the equipment safely, protects nearby workers and the public, and maintains the integrity of sensitive surfaces and equipment.

The SOP guides your team from pre-start checks and area preparation through to safe operation, shutdown, cleaning and storage of the steam cleaner. It embeds WHS risk management principles, specifying required PPE, ventilation, safe handling of hot hoses and attachments, and controls for slips, trips and electrical risks. By standardising how steam cleaning is planned and performed, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce incidents such as scalds and equipment damage, and present cleaner, safer environments for staff, customers, patients and visitors.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of burns, scalds and electrical incidents during steam cleaning activities.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality cleaning and sanitisation outcomes across all sites and shifts.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations and infection-control expectations in Australian workplaces.
• Extend the life of steam cleaning equipment and surfaces by specifying correct use, maintenance and limitations.
• Streamline staff training and onboarding with a clear, practical procedure that is easy to follow and audit.

Who is this for?

• Cleaning Supervisors
• Contract Cleaning Business Owners
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Hospitality and Accommodation Managers
• Healthcare Environmental Services Managers
• Food Manufacturing and Processing Supervisors
• School and Aged Care Maintenance Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Burns and scalds from hot steam, condensate and heated metal components
• Electrical shock or electrocution from damaged cords, plugs or use in wet areas
• Slips, trips and falls from wet, slick or uneven surfaces and trailing hoses
• Exposure to chemical sanitisers or detergents used in conjunction with steam
• Contact with biological contaminants and aerosols during cleaning of soiled areas
• Ergonomic and manual handling strains from moving machines, hoses and attachments
• Damage to heat-sensitive equipment, finishes or surfaces leading to secondary hazards (e.g. exposed wiring)
• Noise exposure from larger industrial steam cleaning units

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Steam Cleaning Equipment
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 7.0 Pre-Use Inspection and Area Preparation
• 8.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Portable Steam Cleaners
• 9.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Industrial/Fixed Steam Cleaning Systems
• 10.0 Chemical Handling and Integration with Steam Cleaning
• 11.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (Burns, Electrical, Slips, Ergonomics)
• 12.0 Cleaning, Shutdown and Storage Requirements
• 13.0 Maintenance, Tagging and Test & Tag Requirements
• 14.0 Environmental and Wastewater Management Considerations
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Procedures
• 16.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• 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
• AS/NZS 60335.2.79: Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Particular requirements for high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (where respiratory protection is required)
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• Relevant state and territory infection prevention or environmental cleaning guidelines (for healthcare and aged care settings)