SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

BRICK AND MASONRY CLEANING

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
All brick and masonry cleaning must be carried out in accordance with all relevant codes of practice and industry standards for the type of work being carried out.
2.
Work at heights must be always carried out in a manner which protects persons from risk of falling.
Task sequence
1. Site security

Identified hazards in task

Unauthorised entry

2. Safety of other persons

Pedestrian traffic
Exposure to hazardous
substances

3. Working at heights

Falls of persons
Over-exertion/strain injury
Falling objects

4. Selection of process

Damage to work

Internal work or enclosed

areas

5. Use of chemical agents

Exposure to hazardous
substances

Environmental damage
Disposal of waste chemicals
SWP301 Version 1.2

Key processes to be followed

Sites must be secured against unauthorised entry by use of appropriate
barricades, fences or other means which are relevant for the site.
Secure all plant, equipment and materials from unauthorised access.
Provide safe travel path separated from traffic past site for pedestrians.
Provide mesh or similar means of enclosing sites to prevent spray drift from
high pressure water cleaning affecting persons in adjoining areas.
Full enclosure to prevent drift of silica-containing dust from abrasive
cleaning work must be provided where required by local authority.
Provide suitable safe work platform for all work above ground level.
Work platforms where a person could fall more than 1.8m ( ) 0r 2.0m (other
states) must be provided with edge protection to prevent a person falling.
Use clamps or tie hoses and lines to platform to relieve operator of the
weight of the vertical portion of the hose or line when working at heights.
Provide kickboard around perimeter of platform to prevent objects falling.
Barricade area below platform to prevent persons entering hazard zone.
Accurate diagnosis of the cleaning task is essential to ensure that the work
will not be further damaged by the application of the incorrect cleaner.
Always refer to the code of practice to determine the most appropriate
method of cleaning brick and masonry.
Work to be carried out inside a building or in enclosed or poorly-ventilated
areas may require the use of alternative methods to prevent damage to other
building materials or fittings, and/or the use of specialised PPE due to
increased risk levels.
Current MSDS must be available on site for each chemical agent used.
Risk assessments which are relevant to the method of use and application of
the substance must be included with the MSDS for each substance.
Risk assessments must include the types and specifications of personal
protective equipment and clothing required for the use of each substance.
Prevent contamination of ground and waterways by use of impervious
sheeting and bunding to prevent runoff from site.
Dispose of all waste chemicals at an approved chemical waste disposal site.

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

Precautions / PPE required

Signs to prohibit unauthorised
entry must be posted at entrance.
Provide secure after-hours storage.
Keep path clear at all times.
Enclosures must be constructed to
be stable under all weather and
work conditions.
Use signs to prevent entry to site.
Scaffolding above 4.0m must be
erected by a certificated person.
Ensure that scissor lifts or EPVs
are located on a firm, level
surface, and prevented from
movement.
Wear head protection.
Competent person should inspect
work to determine appropriate and
safe work method.
Provide additional ventilation in
enclosed areas, or wear
appropriate respiratory protection
(incl. supplied-air if required).
Keep copies of MSDS in a dry,
safe location at work site.
Follow MSDS safety instructions.
Risk assessments must identify
risks in any particular task.
Refer to local authority for rules
regarding runoff from sites.
Do not dispose of in landfill.

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SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

BRICK AND MASONRY CLEANING
Task sequence
6. Abrasive cleaning

7. Handling and use of

acids

Identified hazards in task

Harmful dust

Noise
Chemical burns

8. Hand cleaning

Chemical exposure

9. High-pressure water
cleaning

Contaminated water spray

Noise
Use of chemical additives

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions are to
be observed, and suitable safety
and warning signs as indicated
displayed in areas where these
procedures are carried out.

SWP301 Version 1.2

Key processes to be followed

Enclose work area to prevent spread of respirable dust from work area.
Use suitable toxic dust mask or filter, or supplied air respirator.
Use dust proof goggles to prevent eye injury from dust.
Use hand, face and body protection to protect from reflected particles.
Monitor noise levels, and use hearing protection if noise exceeds safe level.
PPE must be worn at all times when handling acids. (Refer to MSDS to
determine types of PPE required for a particular product).
Additional protection should be worn when dispensing and mixing acids.
Always add acid to water slowly to avoid splashing and reactive eruption.
Clearly identify containers of diluted acid with type and concentration.
Avoid contact with chemicals during cleaning by use of appropriate
protective equipment to suit task being carried out.
Respiratory protection may be necessary when in close proximity to work or
when working in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas.
Use broom or similar appliance to reduce bending during application.
Enclose work area to prevent spread of water spray and mist.
Use suitable waterproof clothing and face shield or goggles when blasting.
Monitor noise levels, and use hearing protection if noise exceeds safe level.
Ensure that controls on spray unit operate correctly before starting work.
Do not direct high pressure water jet towards other persons.
Barricade area below work to prevent persons entering into hazard area.
Prevent entry of persons into area where they may be exposed to chemicals.
Use additional protective equipment to prevent contact with harmful
chemical cleaning agents.

General protection for cleaning

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

Toxic dust and use

of chemicals

Precautions / PPE required

Prevent entry to work area.
Wear respiratory protection,
goggles, gloves, face shield and
overalls or apron.
Wear hearing protection.
Wear eye and hand protection at
all times.
Wear face shield and apron.
Store acids in safe location.
Check containers for leaks.
Wear eye, hand and body
protection.
Wear appropriate gas filter
respirator.
Avoid splashing or dripping.
Prevent entry to work areas.
Wear waterproof clothing or
apron, face shield or goggles,
waterproof gloves and footwear.
Prevent entry to work area.
Wear appropriate gas filter
respirator.

Work at heights

Use of powered
cleaning equipment

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