FREE Pressure Washer SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
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Purpose of Document
Pressure Washer SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for pressure washer use. Pressure Washer SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
Pressure Washer SOPs should be communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use Pressure Washer SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with Pressure Washer SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Pressure washer SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ
What is a pressure washer?
A pressure washer is a high-pressure mechanical sprayer that can be powered by electricity or gas.
What is a pressure washer used for?
It’s used for cleaning surfaces by blasting away dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants.
What hazards are involved in using a pressure washer?
Some hazards that are involved in Pressure Washer use include:
- High-pressure spray
- Chemical exposure
- Electric shock
- Slips and falls
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during pressure washer use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- High-pressure spray
- Chemical exposure
- Electric shock
- Slips and falls
Did you know?
The pressure washer, a modern marvel for outdoor cleaning, has a fascinating historical background. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1920s, when Frank W. Ofeldt II invented the high-pressure steam cleaner, which later evolved into the pressure washer we know today. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Alfred Kärcher, a German inventor, introduced the hot-water high-pressure cleaner, revolutionizing the industry. Since then, pressure washers have become indispensable tools for cleaning surfaces ranging from buildings to vehicles, offering efficiency and effectiveness in removing dirt, grime, and stains with ease.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety)<https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>