This Carpet Extraction Machine Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers the safe use of commercial hot-water carpet extraction machines. It covers lead, hose and RCD checks, diluting chemicals to the SDS, routing cords and hoses away from walkways, working in overlapping passes, avoiding oversaturation, emptying the recovery tank, and disposing of wastewater to sewer rather than stormwater. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Carpet cleaning businesses
Commercial cleaning contractors
Hotels and accommodation providers
Facilities and building maintenance teams
Restoration and flood recovery businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Electric shock from damaged cords or wet conditions without RCD protection
Burns or scalds from hot water, solution or machine parts
Chemical splash or irritation from concentrated or wrongly diluted solution
Slips on wet carpet and trips from hoses and cords
Strain from pushing, lifting and moving the machine over steps
Wastewater contaminating stormwater or waterways
Hearing damage from motor and vacuum noise
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from current training and lead inspection to RCD protection, hoses, chemical dilution and wet floor signage
A 9-step operating procedure covering RCD connection, filling the tank, routing hoses, overlapping passes, oversaturation and tank levels
Isolation and energy control for switching off and unplugging before clearing blockages, changing chemicals or maintenance
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps, including wastewater disposal
Emergency actions for electric shock, chemical splashes to eyes or skin, and slips
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Cleaning SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover dry carpet cleaning?
No. It covers hot-water extraction machines only. Dry cleaning methods need their own procedure.
Where can wastewater go?
To an approved sewer or trade waste connection only. The SOP says never to discharge it to stormwater drains, gutters or the ground.
Can workers fix electrical faults on the machine?
No. A licensed electrician must isolate and repair any electrical fault. A damaged machine, cord or RCD is tagged out until a competent person has inspected and repaired it.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
