Graffiti Removal Safe Work Method Statement

Chemical graffiti removal requires comprehensive PPE to prevent skin contact, eye splash, and vapour inhalation. Mandatory equipment includes nitrile or neoprene chemical-resistant gloves with 300mm extended cuffs covering wrists, safety glasses with side shields for general work or chemical splash goggles for overhead application, and chemical-resistant apron covering torso and upper legs during extensive application. Organic vapour respirators with Type A cartridges per AS/NZS 1716 are required when working in poorly ventilated areas, applying chemicals extensively over large areas, or when strong solvent odours are present. Steel-capped safety boots meeting AS/NZS 2210.3 protect feet from dropped containers and provide slip resistance on wet surfaces. High-visibility clothing is required when working adjacent to roads or in areas with vehicle movements. The specific chemicals being used must be checked against Safety Data Sheets which may specify additional PPE requirements. All PPE must be inspected before use and replaced if contaminated or damaged as chemical penetration through compromised PPE causes serious chemical burns and exposure.

Graffiti removal method selection depends on substrate material, graffiti type, surface value, and damage tolerance. Generally, citrus-based biodegradable removers are first choice for most surfaces as they have lowest damage risk whilst being effective on fresh graffiti. Painted surfaces, powder-coated metals, plastics, and soft metals require gentle chemical products as aggressive solvents will remove paint finishes along with graffiti. Concrete and brick can tolerate stronger hydrocarbon-based removers and higher pressure washing up to 3000 PSI. Timber requires low-strength chemicals and low-pressure washing to prevent grain raising and surface damage. Heritage buildings and architectural features require specialist assessment and may need professional conservators. The critical control is conducting test patches in inconspicuous areas before treating visible surfaces. Apply small amount of proposed chemical and monitor for 30 minutes checking for discoloration, paint softening, or surface dulling. If damage detected, select gentler method. For valuable surfaces, start with weakest method and escalate only if ineffective. Document test results and obtain approval from building owner before proceeding. Never use mechanical abrasion methods on finished surfaces unless surface will be refinished afterwards.

Pressure washer operation for graffiti removal presents several serious hazards requiring specific controls. High-pressure water injection injuries occur when pressure exceeding 1000 PSI penetrates skin injecting water, dissolved paint, and bacteria deep into tissue causing severe infections and tissue necrosis requiring surgical intervention. These injuries appear as minor puncture wounds externally but cause major internal damage. Never direct pressure washer at people, hold near body parts, or bring hands near active nozzle. Kickback forces from water recoil can cause loss of wand control, particularly when hitting solid surfaces at close range or using high-pressure settings. Workers must maintain firm two-handed grip at all times. Electrocution hazards arise when water spray contacts electrical outlets, fixtures, or wiring, or when operating pressure washer in wet conditions. All electrical equipment in work area must be protected with waterproof coverings and power to electrical systems shut off where possible. Falls from ladders occur when pressure washer recoil affects balance whilst working at height - elevated work platforms should be used instead of ladders for elevated graffiti removal with pressure washers. Surface damage from excessive pressure or incorrect nozzle types causes costly repairs - always use appropriate pressure settings and wide-angle fan nozzles never concentrated zero-degree nozzles.

Traffic management for graffiti removal adjacent to roads must match work duration, road speed, and traffic volume. For short-duration work (less than 30 minutes) on low-speed local roads with light traffic, basic controls include positioning traffic cones at 10-metre intervals creating 1.5-metre buffer zone, installing warning signs 50 metres in advance ('ROAD WORK AHEAD'), and all workers wearing Class D day/night high-visibility clothing per AS/NZS 1906.4. Longer duration work or work on higher-speed roads requires qualified traffic controllers implementing formal traffic management plan. Workers must face oncoming traffic when possible maintaining awareness of approaching vehicles. Assign dedicated spotter to monitor traffic and warn workers of approaching vehicles particularly when using pressure washers or applying chemicals requiring focused attention. Chemical spray drift toward passing vehicles must be prevented by working during calm conditions and using low-pressure pump spray application rather than aerosol methods. Water accumulation on roadway from pressure washing creates traction hazards requiring active management with squeegees or water truck. Night work requires enhanced lighting and traffic control as reduced visibility increases collision risk. Public notification before commencing work in residential areas prevents complaints about chemical odours and allows residents to close windows. Never allow traffic to pass through wet chemical-treated pavement - chemicals create extreme slip hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.

Graffiti removal personnel require several competencies beyond basic cleaning skills. Chemical safety training specific to graffiti removal products must cover Safety Data Sheet interpretation, hazard recognition, appropriate PPE selection and use, safe handling and application procedures, emergency response for chemical exposure including first aid and spill management, and proper waste disposal requirements. Pressure washer operation training addresses equipment setup and inspection, appropriate pressure settings for different surfaces, correct nozzle selection, safe operational procedures preventing injection injuries, maintenance requirements, and kickback management. If elevated access is required, working at heights training or specific EWP licences (WP licence class) are mandatory for work exceeding 2 metres height. Surface compatibility assessment training ensures workers can identify substrate materials, select appropriate removal methods, conduct proper test patches, and recognise surface damage requiring work cessation. If work occurs adjacent to roads, traffic awareness training or qualified traffic controller credentials may be required depending on traffic management complexity. Confined space training is necessary if graffiti removal occurs in underpasses, tunnels, or enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Site-specific inductions must cover emergency procedures, chemical storage and handling protocols, waste disposal procedures, and incident reporting systems. Supervisors require additional competencies in work planning, hazard assessment, method selection, and safety monitoring to ensure appropriate controls are implemented and maintained throughout graffiti removal operations.