Product Overview

Summary: This Window Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, safe methods for cleaning windows at ground level and at height, tailored to Australian WHS requirements. It helps your team deliver a professional, streak‑free finish while controlling fall risks, chemical exposure, and public safety on every job.

Window cleaning work, particularly at height or in public areas, presents significant risks if not managed correctly. Slips, trips, falls from ladders or elevated work platforms, glass breakage, and exposure to cleaning chemicals can all result in serious injury, property damage, or reputational harm. This Window Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning and carrying out window cleaning tasks safely, whether on single‑storey retail premises, multi‑storey commercial buildings, or residential complexes across Australia.

The SOP guides workers and supervisors through pre‑start inspections, site risk assessments, selection and use of access equipment, safe handling of chemicals, and protection of building occupants and the public. It standardises how your business manages high‑risk tasks such as working near edges, over awnings, or adjacent to trafficable areas, while also setting expectations for quality, efficiency, and client communication. By implementing this procedure, your organisation can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS laws, reduce incident rates, and maintain consistent, professional service delivery across all sites and teams.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and working at heights requirements for window cleaning activities.
• Reduce the risk of falls, glass breakage, and chemical exposure through structured hazard identification and control measures.
• Standardise window cleaning methods across all sites to improve service quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Streamline worker onboarding and refresher training with a clear, step‑by‑step procedure and defined responsibilities.
• Minimise disruption to building occupants and the public by setting out controls for access, signage, and exclusion zones.

Who is this for?

• Window Cleaners
• Cleaning Team Leaders
• Facilities Managers
• Property and Strata Managers
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers (Cleaning Contractors)
• Site Supervisors
• Building Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from ladders, steps, and elevated work platforms
• Falls from height when working near edges, balconies, and rooflines
• Slips and trips on wet surfaces, hoses, and equipment
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements and awkward postures
• Manual handling injuries from moving extension poles, buckets, and access equipment
• Chemical exposure to skin, eyes, and respiratory system from cleaning agents
• Glass breakage and cuts from damaged or poorly handled glazing
• Contact with live electrical installations when working near power lines, lights, or electrical fittings
• Struck‑by hazards from falling tools, poles, or equipment onto people below
• Interaction with vehicles and mobile plant in car parks, loading docks, or adjacent roads
• Public safety risks where work is undertaken in or over public walkways and entry points
• Adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, and extreme heat impacting stability and worker health

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 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Risk Assessment
• 9.0 Selection and Use of Access Equipment (Ladders, EWPs, Roof Access)
• 10.0 Safe Work Method – Ground‑Level Window Cleaning
• 11.0 Safe Work Method – Elevated and High‑Rise Window Cleaning
• 12.0 Chemical Handling, Dilution and Storage Procedures
• 13.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls
• 14.0 Public and Occupant Safety (Signage, Barricades and Exclusion Zones)
• 15.0 Adverse Weather and Environmental Considerations
• 16.0 Housekeeping and Waste Management
• 17.0 Incident, Near‑Miss and Hazard Reporting
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Rescue Considerations for Work at Height
• 19.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Storage of Equipment
• 20.0 Review, Audit 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 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• 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/NZS 1892 series: Portable ladders
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (relevant where EWPs or building maintenance units are used)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection