This Cleaning Equipment Use SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers using vacuums, polishers, burnishers and scrubbers for commercial cleaning. It sets out 10 activities, from making workers aware of hazards and the pre-start check to emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial and contract cleaning companies
Floor care and hard floor maintenance businesses
Facilities, building and property maintenance teams
Hotel, venue and shopping centre cleaning crews
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Informing workers about new or introduced hazards
Pre-start checks for manual handling, electrical and equipment damage risks
Using equipment: electrocution, worker visibility, manual handling and abrasions
Skin, eye and inhalation exposure when spraying or decanting chemicals
Electric shock from powered equipment in wet conditions
Finishing the task: electrical risks, slips, trips and falls
Spills and wastewater runoff onto floors, drains and public walkways
Chemical spills while using or refilling equipment
Working alone or after hours, including aggression and no phone coverage
Emergency response to chemical, electrical or injury incidents
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 10 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, from polishers and scrubbers to spill kits and wet floor signs
Materials list covering detergents, disinfectants, polishes, waxes and stripping solutions
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for using cleaning equipment?
Only when the cleaning is high risk construction work, for example cleaning on a construction site where powered mobile plant is moving, or work near energised electrical installations. Everyday commercial cleaning with vacuums and floor machines isn't, so a SWMS isn't mandatory. You still have to manage risks like electric shock in wet conditions and chemical exposure, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients often ask for one.
Which machines does it cover?
It lists vacuum cleaners, polishers, burnishers, polivacs and scrubbers with battery packs, along with spill kits, wet floor signs, safety barricades, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, 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.
