Post-Construction Cleaning — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for builders cleans and final cleans on new and renovated buildings, covering dust and debris removal, glass and frame cleaning, acid and chemical use, and working on a site where trades and plant may still be active.
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Post-construction cleaning is not High Risk Construction Work in itself, and a SWMS is not legally required for a standard builders clean done at floor level. It is still good practice, and most builders require one before cleaners come on site. The job becomes HRCW if cleaners work where they could fall more than 2 metres (high windows, atriums, stair voids, balconies before balustrades are fixed), use an EWP or scaffold, work where powered mobile plant is still moving, or work near energised services that are being commissioned. If any of these apply, add them to the SWMS and list them as HRCW.
Construction dust is not ordinary dust. Plaster sanding, concrete, tile and fibre cement cutting leave fine dust that can contain crystalline silica. Dry sweeping and blowing it out with a leaf blower or compressed air puts it straight back into the air you breathe. Use a vacuum with an H-class filter, damp wipe, and wear a P2 respirator during the first dust removal pass.
Chemicals are the next risk. Brick and tile cleaners often contain hydrochloric acid, and some glass and stainless steel products contain other strong acids or alkalis. Mixing acid products with chlorine bleach releases chlorine gas, which is dangerous in a small bathroom. Keep each product in its labelled container, read the SDS, ventilate, and wear gloves and eye protection suited to the product.
Builders cleans happen on sites that are not finished. Expect sharp debris, nails and screws, unfinished floors and stairs, open service pits and penetrations, and power still being tested. Do not remove barricades, covers or tags, and report anything unsafe to the site supervisor rather than working around it. Window cleaning above ground level should be done from inside where possible or with extension poles, not by leaning out or standing on sills.
Customise this template with the site induction details, the areas and levels being cleaned, any work at height and the access equipment, the chemical products and SDS references, the vacuum and dust controls, whether trades or plant are still active, sign-in and sign-out arrangements, and how rubbish is removed from site.
Personal Protective Equipment
Risk Assessment
1.Site induction and hazard check
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unfinished stairs, open voids or penetrations | High | Complete the site induction. Walk the area with the site supervisor before starting. Do not remove barricades, covers or edge protection. Report open voids or missing balustrades and stay out until fixed. | Low | Cleaning Supervisor |
| Struck by plant or vehicles still operating on site | High | Follow the site traffic management plan. Wear high-visibility clothing. Stay in pedestrian areas. Ask the supervisor to confirm no plant is moving where you will clean. | Low | Cleaner |
2.Removal of debris and builders rubbish
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuts and punctures from screws, nails, glass and metal offcuts | Moderate | Cut-resistant gloves and boots. Pick up sharps with a tool or by hand in gloves, not by sweeping into bags. Use rigid containers for broken glass. | Low | Cleaner |
| Back injury carrying full bags and bins | Moderate | Do not overfill bags. Use trolleys and the site hoist or lift. Two people for heavy loads. | Low | Cleaner |
3.Dust removal from floors, walls and fixtures
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inhaling silica and plaster dust | High | Vacuum with an H-class filter vacuum, then damp wipe. No dry sweeping, leaf blowers or compressed air. P2 respirator for the first pass in each area. | Low | Cleaner |
| Electric shock from vacuum leads or wet cleaning near new outlets | Moderate | Leads tested and tagged and plugged into an RCD. Check with the electrician that outlets are complete before using them. Do not wet-clean around exposed wiring or open switchboards. | Low | Cleaner |
4.Use of acid and chemical cleaners
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine gas from mixing acid cleaners and bleach | High | Never mix products. Use one product at a time and rinse before using another. Keep products in labelled original containers. Ventilate bathrooms and small rooms. | Low | Cleaner |
| Chemical burns to skin and eyes | High | Read the SDS. Dilute to the label instructions, adding acid to water. Goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Eyewash bottle available. | Low | Cleaner |
5.Cleaning windows, frames and high surfaces
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from ladder or through an open window | High | Use extension poles from the floor where possible. Stepladders only on a level floor, not on top steps. Do not stand on sills or lean out of windows. Any work with a fall over 2 m needs an EWP or scaffold and must be added to this SWMS as HRCW. | Low | Cleaner |
| Cuts from scraping paint and residue off glass | Moderate | Use a holder for scraper blades, cut away from the body and dispose of blades in a sharps container. | Low | Cleaner |
6.Floor cleaning and polishing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slips on wet floors | Moderate | Wet floor signs. Clean in sections and let dry. Non-slip footwear. | Low | Cleaner |
| Strain and vibration from floor scrubbers | Moderate | Trained operators only. Adjust handle height. Rotate tasks. | Low | Cleaner |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.