This Floor Scrubber & Polisher Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to run ride-on and walk-behind floor scrubbers, polishers and buffers safely for commercial floor cleaning. It covers pre-use checks, signage and pedestrian routes, safe operating speed, ramps, cleaning solutions, isolating the machine for pad or brush changes, and shutdown and storage. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial cleaning contractors
Facilities and building maintenance teams
Shopping centres and retail stores
Schools, hospitals and aged care facilities
Warehouses and factories with large floor areas
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
Slips, trips and falls on wet, soapy or freshly polished floors
Pedestrians being struck by a moving ride-on or walk-behind machine
Entanglement of hands, hair or clothing in the brush, pad or drive
Electric shock, acid burns, short circuits and fire from cords or batteries
Skin and eye irritation from cleaning solutions and strippers
Manual handling injury from moving the machine, tanks or pad packs
Loss of control, tip-over or collisions on ramps and uneven floors
What's included
5 pre-operational checks, from training and power cords to brakes, emergency stop and chemical dilution
A 7-step operating procedure covering signage, safe speed, ramps, pedestrians and topping up solution
Isolation and energy control for jams, pad or brush changes and maintenance on mains and battery machines
4 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for electric shock, chemical spills, fire and people struck by the machine
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 ride-on and walk-behind machines?
Yes. It covers ride-on and walk-behind scrubbers, polishers and buffers, both battery-electric and mains-electric.
Does it cover installing new floor coverings?
No. Floor covering installation is covered by a separate SOP. This one is for routine cleaning, scrubbing and polishing.
Does it include changing pads and brushes?
Yes. It explains how to switch off and isolate the machine, by unplugging it or disconnecting the battery, before changing a pad or brush or clearing a jam.
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.
