This High-Pressure Washer Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers using electric, petrol and diesel commercial or domestic-scale pressure washers for surface cleaning, vehicle and equipment washdown, and cleaning building exteriors and paving. It sets out checks on hoses, trigger locks, nozzles and RCDs, asbestos checks before washing building surfaces, safe operating technique, and relieving pressure before disconnecting. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial cleaning contractors
Exterior and building washing businesses
Vehicle and fleet washdown operations
Farms, depots and plant yards
Councils and facilities maintenance teams
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
Injection injury from the water jet penetrating skin
Whipping hoses when a pressurised hose or fitting fails
Electric shock from electric units used around water
Kickback or loss of control of the trigger gun
Slips, trips and falls on wet or soapy surfaces
Eye and skin injury from flying debris or detergent spray
Noise from petrol or diesel units
Strain from repetitive trigger use or awkward posture
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from hoses and couplings to RCDs, fuel, the trigger lock, nozzle choice and asbestos
A 10-step operating procedure covering start-up, safe aiming, working distance, kickback, electrical fittings and injection injuries
Isolation and energy control for isolating power or fuel and relieving trapped pressure before disconnecting
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for injection injuries, hose failure and electric shock
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 and Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover drain jetting equipment?
No. Industrial high-pressure water jetting for drain or pipe clearing works at much higher pressure and needs specialist equipment and training.
Can it be used on older buildings?
Yes, with a check first. Before washing building fabric, roofing, eaves or cladding, the asbestos register is checked or the material assessed, and high-pressure water is never directed at known or suspected asbestos.
What should a worker do after a jet injury?
Stop, isolate the equipment and get urgent medical attention, even if the wound looks small or painless.
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.
