SWMS template · General Construction
Pressure Cleaning — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for high-pressure water cleaning of driveways, paths, walls, decks and building exteriors, covering injection injuries, electrical hazards near water, engine exhaust, cleaning chemicals, asbestos and lead paint surfaces, and wastewater control.
- Category
- General Construction
- HRCW
- Not HRCW
- Job steps
- 6
- Hazards rated
- 17
- PPE items
- 6
Pressure cleaning at ground level is not High Risk Construction Work, so a SWMS is not legally required for a standard driveway, path or wall clean. It is still good practice, and builders, strata managers and commercial clients often require one before you start. The job becomes HRCW if you work where you could fall more than 2 metres, such as roofs, upper walls from a ladder, balconies or an EWP, or near energised electrical installations such as switchboards and outdoor equipment. Add those to the SWMS where they apply. Roof cleaning before painting is covered by the roof restoration template.
The hazard most people underestimate is the water jet itself. A high-pressure jet can cut skin and inject water, dirt and chemicals deep into the hand or foot. The wound can look small but often needs urgent surgery. Never point the lance at anyone, never clean your boots or hands with it, keep the trigger lock on when not spraying, and get medical help straight away for any injection injury, telling the doctor what happened.
Water and electricity are the next risk. Electric pressure cleaners must run through an RCD, and leads and plugs must stay out of water. Do not spray outdoor power points, lights, air conditioner units, meter boxes or switchboards. Petrol and diesel units give off carbon monoxide, so never run them in a garage, basement car park or other enclosed space.
Check the surface before you clean it. The model WHS Regulations prohibit using high-pressure water spray on asbestos-containing material, which rules out pressure cleaning old fibro walls, eaves, fences and roofs unless the material has been tested and confirmed asbestos-free. Old paint may contain lead, and blasting it off spreads lead chips and slurry. Many cleaning chemicals are bleach or acid based and should never be mixed. Wastewater carrying chemicals, paint or mud must be kept out of stormwater drains; check your local council or environmental regulator's requirements.
Customise this template with the surfaces to be cleaned and their condition, any asbestos or lead test results, the pressure cleaner type and rated pressure, the chemicals and SDS references, power and water supply arrangements, how wastewater will be contained, any work above ground level and how it will be accessed, and how the public or occupants will be kept clear.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Face shield over safety glasses
- Waterproof steel-capped safety boots
- Waterproof gloves (chemical-resistant when using cleaners)
- Hearing protection (petrol and diesel units)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Long-sleeve shirt, hat and sunscreen
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Site inspection and surface check
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spraying asbestos-containing material | High | Identify fibro sheeting, eaves, fences and roofs before quoting or starting. Do not pressure clean any suspected asbestos material unless a test confirms it is asbestos-free. | Low | Operator |
| Spreading lead paint chips and slurry | Moderate | Test old painted surfaces on older buildings for lead before cleaning. If lead is found, do not pressure clean. Use lead-safe methods instead. | Low | Operator |
| Water entering electrical equipment | High | Identify outdoor outlets, lights, meter boxes, air conditioners and pool equipment. Cover them or keep the spray well away. Ask the owner to isolate circuits where water exposure cannot be avoided. | Low | Operator |
Step 2Setting up the pressure cleaner, hoses and water supply
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from electric units and leads | High | Unit and leads tested and tagged. Plug into an RCD (portable RCD if the circuit is not protected). Plugs and lead joins kept off the ground and away from water. | Low | Operator |
| Carbon monoxide from petrol or diesel units | High | Run engine-driven units outdoors only, away from doors, windows and vents. Never run them in garages, basements or enclosed car parks. | Low | Operator |
| Fire when refuelling a hot engine | Moderate | Stop the engine and let it cool before refuelling. Refuel away from ignition sources. Carry fuel in an approved container. | Low | Operator |
| Trips over hoses and leads | Moderate | Run hoses along edges, not across walkways. Use hose ramps where they must cross a path. | Low | Operator |
Step 3Chemical pre-treatment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toxic gas from mixing chlorine and acid products | High | Never mix products. Rinse the surface and equipment between products. Keep chemicals in labelled original containers. | Low | Operator |
| Chemical burns to skin and eyes | High | Read the SDS. Dilute to the label rate. Chemical-resistant gloves and face shield. Apply at low pressure, standing upwind. Clean water on hand to flush skin and eyes. | Low | Operator |
| Harm to plants, pets and people from overspray | Moderate | Wet down plants first. Keep pets and people out of the area. Avoid spraying on windy days. | Low | Operator |
Step 4High-pressure cleaning of surfaces
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-pressure injection injury | High | Never point the lance at any person or body part. Trigger lock on whenever not spraying. Two hands on the lance. Seek urgent medical attention for any skin penetration, even if it looks minor. | Low | Operator |
| Loss of control from lance kickback | Moderate | Stand with feet apart on stable ground. Start with a wide nozzle and the lance angled away from the body. Do not use from a ladder. | Low | Operator |
| Flying debris striking the operator or others | Moderate | Face shield over safety glasses. Keep others at least 5 m away or behind a barrier. Avoid zero-degree nozzles on loose surfaces. | Low | Operator |
| Slips on wet and algae-covered surfaces | Moderate | Clean from the top of slopes downwards. Wear boots with good tread. Take care on steps and deck edges. | Low | Operator |
Step 5Containing wastewater
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals, paint and mud entering stormwater | Moderate | Block or bund stormwater pits near the work. Collect wastewater with a recovery unit or direct it to a lawn or approved point as allowed by local council. Never wash chemical residue into drains. | Low | Operator |
Step 6Pack-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injury from hose or lance still under pressure | Moderate | Turn off the unit, then squeeze the trigger to release pressure before disconnecting hoses or nozzles. | Low | Operator |
| Back strain loading the unit and hose reels | Moderate | Use ramps or a two-person lift. Roll hoses onto reels rather than carrying coils. | Low | Operator |
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.
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