Cleaners clean schools, construction sites, commercial, industrial and
domestic premises, industrial machinery and vehicles using portable cleaning
equipment.
Cleaners work on all kinds of jobs from general cleaning
in homes, offices, shops and schools to more specialised work such as
cleaning upholstery and carpets, and industrial cleaning of the outsides of
buildings. They also clean cars, as well as passenger transport vehicles
like buses and trains.
Carpet Cleaner:
811931:A carpet cleaner uses steam-clean and pile-lift machines to clean, scrub and
brush carpets. They may also clean upholstered furniture and remove stains
from carpets.
Domestic Cleaner:
811231A domestic cleaner cleans and tidies homes, performing tasks such as
cleaning floors, walls and windows, emptying rubbish bins, and tidying
rooms. They may also make beds, iron clothes and wash dishes.
Hospital/Hostel Cleaner:
A hospital/hostel cleaner undertakes sterilisation and antiseptic protocols
and procedures using specialised chemicals.
Industrial
/ Commercial Cleaner811131:
An industrial cleaner may remove rubble and surplus building materials from
construction sites or dismantle and clean machinery. They may use heavy-duty
cleaning equipment, such as pressure hoses and ride-on powered scrubbing
machines.
Industrial Plant Cleaner:
811131 An industrial plant cleaner keeps working areas in production departments of
industrial establishments clean and orderly.
Roof Gutter Cleaner: 811932:
Cleans gutters on residential and commercial buildings.
Steam, Pressure and Chemical Cleaner:
A steam, pressure and chemical cleaner works indoors and outdoors with
high-pressure or chemical cleaning equipment to strip paint, dirt or grease
from buildings and machines.
Window Cleaner:
811933A window cleaner cleans interior and exterior window surfaces. Cleaning
exterior surfaces on multistorey buildings involves cleaners using a 'cherry
picker' or hoist system. They may also clean stone walls, metal surfaces and
window frames.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
enjoy practical work
the ability to follow job and safety instructions
maths skills for measuring out cleaning fluids
the ability to work alone without supervision or as
part of a team
sweep, mop, scrub and polish floors; shampoo carpets
and rugs; and strip wax and polish from floors
clean walls and windows
clean and disinfect laundry, kitchen, toilet and
bathroom fixtures and floors
empty and clean ashtrays and waste containers
clean areas surrounding buildings, such as paths and
entrances
remove graffiti
cleaning carpets and upholstery
stripping and re-sealing hard floor coverings
cleaning premises where food is prepared
industrial cleaning of new buildings
cleaning hospital wards
project home cleaning
cleaning cars or passenger vehicles
cleaning at heights, using either ladders or mobile
access equipment
clearing up after fires, floods or building work
crime scene cleaning.work from plans and specifications
You would need to know which cleaning chemicals to use for
each task, and follow safety procedures, for example when using solvents to
remove graffiti or oils.
You may have to do some simple maintenance of the equipment you use, and
check the stock levels of cleaning materials.
Working Conditions
Cleaners often work irregular hours in shifts and may be employed as
full-time, part-time or casual staff.
Cleaners are often responsible for the security of the building in which
they work. This responsibility includes ensuring that lights and electrical
appliances are turned off, that the building is locked and secure and that
any security breaches are reported to building owners or managers.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a cleaner without formal
qualifications. You would probably get some training on the job.If you are self-employed, you may be required to demonstrate
previous experience as a cleaner.
Depending on your work setting, some employers may require you to
undergo a National Police Check.
Did You Know?
Vinegar and Baking Soda are terrific for cleaning!
Commercial cleaners wash, dust, vacuum, polish and tidy the spaces that
people work and live in. From offices in our many city skyscrapers to
regional hospitals and schools, these cleaners are responsible for ensuring
that work spaces are clean and fit for use. They clean lights, windows,
walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures. The spaces they clean may include
toilets and ablution areas, manufacturing and display areas, staff and
computer rooms, and even the exteriors of buildings.
OSCAID & Description: 811131:Cleans offices, residential complexes,
hospitals, schools, industrial work areas, industrial machines, construction
sites and other commercial premises using heavy duty cleaning equipment.
Alternative names: Cleaner, Industrial Cleaner, Office
Cleaner
Specialisations: Aircraft Cabin Cleaner, Carpet Cleaner,
Domestic Cleaner, Hospital/Hostel Cleaner, Industrial Plant Cleaner, School
Cleaner, Steam, Pressure and Chemical Cleaner
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A cleaner needs:
to enjoy practical work
to be able to tolerate working in often untidy and
sometimes unhygienic conditions
an eye for detail
to adopt a thorough and methodical approach
to be honest and reliable
to be willing to work late or early hours.
Duties and Tasks
Sweeping and mopping the floors
Garbage Clearing away
Furniture Dusting
Cleaning the toilets
Restocking towels and toilet paper rolls
Cleaning the windows
Vacuuming and cleaning the carpets
Working conditions
Commercial cleaners work in a range of private, commercial and industrial
locations, using commercial cleaning equipment and cleaning agents for a
range of jobs. They may be required to work in particularly dirty
conditions, and often come into contact with waste products. They often work
late at night or early in the morning as the work can be noisy and
disruptive.
Tools and technologies
Commercial cleaners use domestic cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaners
and mops, and larger industrial machines such as scrubber-dryers,
high-pressure hoses, and even sandblasting equipment. They also use smaller
cleaning implements like cleaning rags and dusters. They are often required
to use chemical cleaning agents.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a commercial cleaner without formal qualifications and get
training on the job.
You may improve your employment prospects if you complete a traineeship. A
cleaning operations traineeship usually takes between six and 12 months to
complete.
Houses & Buildings
Domestic cleaners tidy and clean the private homes of
their clients. Their duties usually include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping,
mopping and emptying bins, sanitising bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and
maintaining cleanliness in other areas of the household as defined by their
client. The specific cleaning tasks they undertake will depend on their
clients’ needs and requirements.
Domestic cleaners may provide cleaning services for a range of residential
clients, such as people with busy lifestyles or who work long hours, the
elderly or people with disabilities.
OSCAID &
Description:811231: Cleans and tidies private dwellings
such as houses, units, flats, apartments and townhouses.
Alternative names: Residential cleaner
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A domestic cleaner needs:
to be trustworthy and reliable
to enjoy practical work
an awareness of safety
requirements, including the proper use and storage of chemicals
to have high standards and adopt
a thorough and methodical approach
good time management skills
to be able to work independently,
and as part of a team.
Duties and Tasks
vacuuming carpets, curtains and
upholstered furniture
sweeping, mopping, waxing and
polishing tiled, vinyl, timber and concrete floors
tidying rooms, emptying
wastepaper bins and removing refuse and recyclable material
cleaning, disinfecting and
deodorising kitchens, bathrooms and toilets
dusting, cleaning and polishing
furniture and other homewares
cleaning windows and other glass
surfaces
picks
up rubbish, empties garbage containers, and takes contents to waste
areas for removal.
Maintains kitchens, washes dishes
and cooking utensils, and cleans appliances, cupboards, counters,
pantries and floors.
Picks up, sorts, washes, dries,
irons and mends linen and clothes.
At times, prepares
and cooks meals, sets and clears tables, and serves food and beverages.
At times, takes
care of household pets and plants, receives visitors, answers
telephones, delivers messages, and shops for groceries.
Working conditions
Domestic cleaners may work alone or as part of a team. They may work for
large national cleaning companies or small family-operated companies.
Domestic cleaners may have consistent work with regular clients daily,
weekly or fortnightly, or they may have one-off placements, such as rent
inspections or end-of-lease cleaning. They travel from one residence to the
next, and their working hours may be irregular.
Tools and technologies
Domestic cleaners use appliances and implements such as vacuum cleaners,
mops and dusters. They may use chemical cleaning agents and are required to
wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and facemasks.
Domestic cleaners generally use mobile phones to make their work
arrangements. They also need to know how to use house alarms and security
systems.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a domestic cleaner without any formal qualifications.
Employers will usually provide training on the job.
To work as a domestic cleaner you usually need to obtain a National Police
Certificate. You may also need to hold a current drivers licence and possess
your own vehicle.
Houses & Buildings
Janitors provide cleaning and
maintenance services for a variety of private and public buildings and
grounds including schools, offices, public parks and restrooms. They should
have good time
management skills to effectively clean all necessary areas
within the allotted time and be able to handle unpleasant circumstances in
the workplace.
OSCA ID:
899131
Alternative names: Caretaker
Knowledge, skills and attributes
enjoy practical and manual work
excellent people skills
able to work independently
methodical
honest and reliable
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
a good sense of balance and ability to work at
heights.
Manage a large set of keys,
ensuring that no one else gets access to them and making sure to lock
all areas upon completion of job.
Manage time effectively to clean
all areas needed in an allotted amount of time.
Perform basic maintenance on
building and equipment, notifying management or customers when major
repairs are needed.
Stock and refill necessary items in
common spaces such as tissue, soap, toilet paper; purchase more stock
when needed.
Vacuum, mop, scrub or sweep floors,
carpet and ground areas.
Wash, clean and sanitise common
areas in public or private areas including public restrooms (Source:
Open
University)
Houses &
Buildings
Chimney sweeps clean the chimneys of open fireplaces,
including coal, gas, oil and wood-fired heaters. Your work would help to
reduce the risks of chimney fires and dangerous fumes.
OSCA ID:811999
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become a chimney sweep,
you would need:
a good level of physical
fitness
practical skills to use a
range of tools and equipment
inspect and evaluate the
chimney or flue before cleaning
protect the surrounding area
from dust and soot
sweep the chimney, firebox
and flue using brushes on extending rods
remove dust and soot from
the fireplace and firebox using an enclosed vacuum cleaner
explain the condition and
safe operation of the chimney and associated fireplace parts to the
homeowner
make follow-up appointments
clean trucks, tools and
brushes
undertake minor repairs.
Working conditions
You would need to work hours which would suit
your client base; this is likely to include weekends. You may work
longer hours at the busiest times of the year.
Most of your work would be in private houses, but you could also
work on heating systems in industrial or commercial premises.
You would need to be aware of health and safety issues, and wear
protective clothing such as a face mask and overalls.
Tools and technologies
Chimney and Flue
Brushes
These chimney and flue brushes
are made in Australia with either Nylon, Nylon and Bassine mix,
Steel or stainless steel. (Source: Cleaning Shop)
Nylon Chimney Brushes
These nylon chimney brushes are complete with ferrule*. It comes
50mm to 45cm.
Chimneys are more efficient and safer when these are clean. With our
nylon chimney brush, you can clean your metal chimney. You can
combine it with a rod or handle for extra reach.
*Ferrule - a ring or cap,
typically a metal one, which strengthens the end of a handle, stick,
or tube and prevents it from splitting or wearing.
Special Nylon Stock Nylon Fill Brush
Special Nylon Stock Nylon Fill Brush complete with brass
ferrule. Available in different sizes from 30cm to 60cm.
Nylon Pull Through Flue Brushes
Nylon Pull Through Flue Brushes from 50mm to 45cm. Ideal for regular
maintenance cleaning of your chimney.
Steel Wire Chimney
Brushes
Steel Wire Chimney brushes are most commonly used and generally do a
great job. However, wire bristle brushes are not recommended for
metal chimney flues.
These chimney brushes are complete with brass ferrule. Available
from 75mm to 25cm.
Wire Pull Through Flue
Brushes
Wire Pull Through Flue Brushes available from 75mm to 25cm designed
to quickly and effectively clean your masonry chimney.
12Ft Extension Flue
Brushes
12Ft Extension Flue Brushes 2 sections - wire handle with Nylon and
bassine Mixture fill.
Available from 10cm dia to 25cm diameter.
Chute
Brush
Chute Brush with nylon bristle fill. Extra long brush body.
Available from 35cm to 60cm.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You would normally have to find a qualified and experienced chimney sweep to
take you on and train you on the job. Once you complete your training and
have some experience, you could become self-employed and start your own
business.
A drivers’ licence is essential, as you will have to travel between jobs and
transport all your equipment.
Opportunities for chimney sweeps are likely to decline.
While the demand for home services is growing, a combination of
environmental protection and regulation and changing home heating technology
is likely to progressively reduce the need for chimney sweeping services.
Opportunities could however exist for those in this occupation if the number
of people providing chimney sweeping services also reduces.
Houses &
Buildings
Window cleaners clean window and other fixed glass in
commercial or domestic buildings.
OSCA ID:811933
Specialisations: High rise buildings
window cleaner; House Window Cleaner; Rope Access Window Cleaner;
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become a window cleaner,
you would need:
to have good physical
fitness
a good awareness of safety
issues
an understanding of
specialist equipment for lifting or lowering at heights
use a combination of
ladders, cradles and harnesses to reach all levels of windows
use water-fed poles,
brushes, scrapers and cloths to clean glass
follow strict safety rules,
particularly when working at heights
appropriately store
equipment to transport it between jobs
keep records of jobs to be
done and payments.
Working conditions
As a window cleaner working for a cleaning
company, you would usually work a standard number of hours per week.
If you were self-employed, you could work hours that suit you.
Window cleaners work outside in all types of weather. Some work at
extreme heights, on tall buildings, either in a harness or a safety
cradle.
You would require a current drivers' licence to
travel between jobs.
There are no formal qualifications for window cleaners, and you would get
some training on the job if you were employed by a cleaning company.
Window cleaners who work at heights may have to complete a Work Safely at
Heights short course.
Employment of cleaners generally is projected to grow about as fast as the
average for all occupations.Population growth and
the construction of new homes, apartments and commercial buildings drives
cleaning opportunities. Many new jobs, including for window & glass
cleaning, are also expected in facilities related to health care, as this
industry is expected to grow rapidly.
Houses &
Buildings
OSCA ID:
811999
Alternative names: Graffiti Abatement Worker,
Graffiti Maintenance Worker, Graffiti Remover, Environmental Service Worker,
Anti-Blight Technician,
Specialisations: Presentation Attendant of
Rolling Stock: cleaning trains, buses and trams of graffiti
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Knowledgeable
of graffiti abatement concepts and techniques, common painting tools,
graffiti removal equipment and supplies, and of occupational hazards and
safety guidelines
Skilled in
removing graffiti on all types of surfaces, following oral and written
instructions in English, and in establishing and maintaining positive
and productive working relationships with both internal and external
customers
Ability to
read and complete work orders with minimum supervision, exercise good
work ethic and habits, maintain and clean equipment and supplies as
required to effectively perform essential job duties.
Graffiti
abatement reporting and recording.
Monitoring
techniques used for the Community Work Service Program.
Common tools,
materials, devices, and equipment used by other employees to do
maintenance for the Council
Understand and
carry out oral and written instructions.
Operate trucks
and motorized equipment;
Prepare rough
working diagrams.
Perform
mechanical duties.
Work
effectively in small groups or alone without continuous supervision; get
along well with the public and employees.
Removes
graffiti from City facilities, streets, parks, alleys and other City
areas - removes and/or paints over graffiti on private and public
property; mixes paints to match existing colour of surfaces; prepares
surfaces for painting.
Investigates
citizen complaints regarding graffiti removal and related property
damage
Paints,
sandblasts, washes and recovers affected areas - sandblasts and hydro
blasts to remove graffiti from a variety of surfaces on public and
private property.
Applies
anti-graffiti coatings
Cleans
equipment and machinery used in graffiti removal
Promotes
graffiti abatement and City beautification efforts
Patrols
assigned areas for graffiti; investigates and resolves complaints
regarding graffiti; contacts proper people to advise them of status of
complaint.
Purchases
paint and supplies; picks up donated paint from residents and vendors.
Uses paint
brushes, rollers, and spray equipment to apply paint to surfaces.
Maintains
records of work performed; enters data properly.
Operates a
vehicle to travel to work sites and cleans and maintains vehicles and
equipment.
Assists other
departments with maintenance issues such as painting, building
maintenance, pressure-washing facilities.
Work
cooperatively with other users, employees, department managers, outside
public ,and customers.
Removes
illegal signs for public right-of-ways; hands out graffiti removal
program brochures and promotional items at special District events or to
general public.
Sets-up proper
traffic delineation at work sites for safety of workers and the public.
Rotary Volunteers - Wyong-Tuggerah NSW -
cleaning off graffiti (Source:
Central Coast News)
Working conditions
Work is performed in an outdoor
environment. Work may require frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending
and lifting. Incumbents may be exposed to repetitive motion, extreme
temperatures and weather, moving traffic, areas under construction, toxic
fumes and chemicals and infectious diseases
From time-to-time, monitors tasks related to the abatement of graffiti by
Community Work Service Program participants; operates trucks, special
equipment,, and tools; and performs Maintenance Worker duties as assigned.
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools and
equipment used in course of graffiti abatement work; communicate orally and
by telephone with management, co-workers, and the public in face-to-face,
one-to-one, and group settings; have hearing and vision within normal
ranges; carry, push, reach, lift, and pull up; bend, stoop, kneel, and
crouch; sufficient manual dexterity to perform assigned tasks.
May be required to work occasional overtime, weekends, holidays or other
non-scheduled hours.
Tools and technologies
Graffiti removal chemicals and paints as well as safety
helmets to protect the eyes, thick gloves, and protective clothing.Graffiti cleaners use high pressure hoses.
Education and training/entrance requirements
No education requirements are needed. There will be
training in the use of various chemicals and paints to remove the graffiti.
Employment Opportunities
Councils throughout Australia are requiring the removal of
graffiti. Some Councils are combating graffiti by employing Street Artists
to beautify public places. You might like to view
Silo Art
here
Houses &
Buildings
In Australia, the responsibility of cleaning up a crime
scene will usually fall to the owner of a property or the tenant who resides
there.
After a crime has taken place and the forensic investigation is complete,
the police may advise the property owner to call a forensic cleaner to
assist with the task of cleaning up.
As second responders, crime scene cleaners arrive after
the area has been evaluated with two main goals:
Thoroughly clean the scene and restore it to a sanitary condition.
Offer support and compassion to the family.
Although crime scene cleaners do not work for the police
department, their services are often suggested to families by the police
officers, law enforcement, and investigators.
The job of a crime scene cleaner is to clean and sanitize
the area where a violent crime has taken place. This can include the
cleaning of blood, body fluids, and even tear gas. Some crime scene cleaners
are also responsible for cleaning up after suicides, industrial accidents,
and unattended deaths.
A crime scene cleaner responds to the scene of a violent
crime, suicide, accident or other trauma and cleans away blood, bodily
fluids and other biological material. Blood-borne pathogens are a primary
concern. Crime scene cleanup jobs entail the safe removal of biohazards,
bedding, furniture, carpet and other contaminated items. Crime scene
cleaners are hired by family members or by business owners where a trauma
occurred to spare themselves the emotional pain of dealing with the scene
themselves.
Some examples of situations where a professional crime
scene cleaner would be needed include:
Alternative names: CSI Cleaner, Professional Crime Scene
Cleaner,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Integrity:
Customers entrust crime scene cleaners with their property and
belongings. Hence, utmost trustworthiness is necessary. Many crime scene
cleanup companies require background checks and random drug testing as a
result.
Compassion: Crimes scene cleaners have to attend scenes of terrible
tragedy and calamity. They are often surrounded by grieving bereaved
friends and relatives. Kindness and sensitivity may provide a little
reassurance to grief stricken persons.
Strong
stomach: not only do crime scene cleaners need to have a strong
disposition, but they should also have a strong stomach to be able to
deal with the foul odours and challenging situations they are exposed to
daily.
Commitment: Crime scene cleaners can expect calls at odd hours and
must therefore always be mentally prepared.
Training:
Crime scene cleaners should know best practices for fast and efficient
cleanup. Hence, companies train their employees on safety procedures and
educate them on dangers of toxic biohazards such as bloodborne pathogen
exposure as well as standard procedures for eliminating these problems.
Stamina:
Crime scene cleaners will have to wear full biohazard suites that
include face masks, gloves, respirators and other equipment. They will
have to work long hours with full equipment.
Focus:
Attention to detail is imperative. Crime scene cleaners should carefully
scrutinize and identify all hazards from the crime scene. Nothing should
be left behind.
Crime scene cleanup specialists
start by getting clearance from police and other investigators to start
working. They assess the scene and determine what they can salvage and what
they must throw out. Carpet, bedding and mattresses, for example, must often
be removed while walls, tile and some furniture can sometimes be cleaned.br />
Crime scene cleanup specialists disinfect the scene and use chemicals to
break down blood for easier cleanup. They place any items they remove in
sterile containers and dispose of the material. In addition, they often
interact with grieving family members or business owners worried about
negative publicity. They need tact and compassion when explaining the
cleanup process to clients or offering them project estimates.
Working conditions
If you are seriously considering a
job in crime scene cleanup, it is important to know that crime scene cleanup
is not easy work. The long hours and intense manual labor can quickly
overwhelm individuals who lack a clear understanding of the job.
DDue to the disturbing nature of some
crime scenes, crime scene cleanup is not for everyone. On top of that,
working in this industry requires long, unpredictable hours, a keen
attention to detail, and a balance of compassion and professionalism.
More than anything, a crime scene
cleaner should have a strong commitment to the job and the families they
serve. This includes exhibiting compassion and integrity while adhering to
all health and safety regulations to protect everyone involved in the
process.
In addition, witnessing the
aftermath of violent crimes, suicides and other trauma can take a
significant psychological toll. Crime scene cleaners cannot be squeamish and
must be trained in and skilled in separating their emotions from their job
duties.
Tools and technologies
Crime scene cleaners routinely come
in contact with potentially dangerous substances such as blood and other
bodily fluids. In the case of severely decontaminated bodies, they must also
contend with odours, bacteria and other possible hazards. Because of this,
they wear full biohazard suites that include face masks, gloves, respirators
and other equipment.
Crime scene cleaners use PPE
(personal protective equipment) daily to block out harmful smells and
prevent exposure to cleaning chemicals as well as dangerous biohazards like
blood and bodily fluids.
Some examples of PPE (personal protective equipment) include:
Hazmat suits
Facemasks
Non-porous gloves
Chemical spill boots
Filtered respirators
No formal education is required to
be a crime scene cleaner. However, most bioremediation companies offer OSHA
training and on-the-job education sessions. Some training programs that you
may encounter as a crime scene cleaner include:/span>
Bloodborne
pathogen training
Personal
protective equipment (PPE) training
Respiratory
protection training
Hazardous
communication training
Medical waste
handling and transporting training
Heat-illness
awareness training
There is a 10-hour self-paced online
“Crime & Trauma Scene BioRecovery” course from the US -
National Institute of Decontamination Specialists tthat covers topics
such as crime scenes, deep cleaning, decompensation, odor control and
biohazard waste.
The following is a trailer
for a comedy featuring a Crime Scene Cleaner:
A Roof Gutter Cleaner is a professional trade occupation responsible for
inspecting, clearing, and maintaining roof drainage systems.
In Australia, they are also recognized as specialized property maintenance
experts who remove debris, inspect for hazards, and ensure rainwater flows
correctly off residential and commercial buildings.
In Australia, the role is strictly defined by specific operational
standards, skills, and safety regulations:
OSCA ID:
811932
Alternative names:
Gutter Tech, Gutter Cleaner, Roof Plumber, Handyperson
Specialisations
Solar Panel Cleaning -
specialise in safely washing solar arrays and clearing debris from
underneath them to prevent bird nesting
Downpipe and Water Tank
Cleaning: Clearing blockages in pipes and cleaning out drinking
water tanks
Gutter Guard Installation:
Supplying and installing mesh or plastic guards to prevent leaves and
pests from clogging the system
High-Access and Complex Roofs:
Experts in multi-story residential buildings, steep pitches, and
difficult-to-access commercial or strata properties
Industrial Gutter Vacuuming:
Using high-powered truck-mounted vacuums to extract heavy sludge, wet
leaves, and debris without making a mess.
Safety Regulations: Because working on a roof involves high-risk
construction work (specifically with a risk of falling over two metres),
legitimate operators must comply with strict Australian Work Health and
Safety (WHS/OHS) regulations. This requires Job Safety Analyses (JSA), fall
prevention devices, and harness systems.
A professional roof gutter cleaner is responsible for inspecting, clearing,
and maintaining roof drainage systems to prevent water damage. This requires
strong technical knowledge of roofing materials, specialized
working-at-heights qualifications, and specific physical skills to operate
safely and efficiently.
1. Essential Knowledge
Working at Heights Compliance: Understanding
regulations and mandatory safety procedures for climbing and operating
on elevated structures.
Roofing Materials & Integrity: Knowing how to walk on
and clean different roof types without causing damage (e.g., tile,
corrugated metal, Colorbond, or slate).
Drainage Systems: Understanding water flow dynamics,
identifying blockages in downspouts, and knowing how gutter guards and
leaf screens operate.
Hazard Identification: The ability to recognize
structural damage, cracked mortar, rusted gutters, or nearby electrical
hazards.
Safe Ladder Operations: The ability to correctly
position, stabilize, and climb extension ladders while maintaining three
points of contact.
Tool Handling: Proficiency using gutter scoops,
telescopic poles, pressure washers, and high-powered gutter vacuums.
Debris Clearing & Flushing: Manually or mechanically
clearing wet sludge and dry leaves, followed by flushing downspouts with
a hose to ensure proper water flow.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA): The skill to conduct
on-site risk assessments, establish safe work zones, and follow a Safe
Work Method Statement (SWMS).
3. Core Attributes
Physically Fit & Agile: High levels of stamina,
balance, and core strength to carry heavy equipment and work comfortably
on sloped surfaces.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness to ensure no
debris is left behind that could cause immediate blockages, and the
ability to spot subtle roof leaks or wear and tear.
Cautious & Risk-Averse: A strong commitment to safety,
strictly adhering to PPE guidelines (e.g., non-slip shoes, safety
glasses, and harnesses) rather than rushing a job.
Customer Service-Oriented: Ability to clearly
communicate with property owners, explain repair recommendations, and
provide before-and-after evidence of the work completed.
Primary Duties: Inspecting roofs, removing leaves, dirt, and debris from
gutters and valleys, checking downspouts for blockages, and flushing
pipework. They may also perform minor gutter repairs or install gutter
guards.
Inspects gutters and surrounding work area for hazards
Removes leaves, dirt and other debris from gutters
Uses ladders or other equipment to access gutters at
different heights
Checks and clears any downspouts for blockages
Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while
working at heights
May perform minor repairs to gutters
Working conditions
Gutter cleaning in Australia involves strenuous outdoor, manual labour.
Working conditions are characterized by high-risk environments, physical
strain, and exposure to seasonal elements. The profession requires strict
adherence to safety regulations and specialized equipment to manage the
inherent dangers of the job.
Core Working Conditions
Working at Heights: Cleaners
frequently work on ladders, roofs, or scaffolding. State OHS/WHS
regulations classify roof work as high-risk construction if there is a
risk of falling over 2 metres, mandating
fall-prevention measures like harnesses or edge protection.
Physical Demands: The job is
physically taxing. It involves climbing, bending, lifting heavy debris,
and holding balancing equipment like high-powered vacuums.
Environmental Exposure:
Cleaners work exclusively outdoors and are exposed to the elements. Work
is generally avoided during heavy rain, frost, or high winds due to
extreme slip and fall risks.
Biological and Safety Hazards:
Technicians regularly encounter wet, slippery, and decaying leaf litter,
as well as stagnant water. They are also exposed to insect infestations,
animal nests, and electrical hazards from wires near the roofline.
Regulatory and Safety Standards
Australian professionals must adhere to strict OHS/WHS guidelines to legally
operate. Employers and contractors must conduct site-specific Job Safety
Analysis (JSA) or Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) before starting.
Standard operating procedures include:
Using ladders that comply with the AS 1892 safety
standard.
Wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment), such as non-slip footwear, safety glasses, and cut-resistant
gloves.
Using fall arrest systems, harnesses, or safety
guardrails when necessary.
Fall protection required for
cleaning gutters (Source: Safety Culture)
Tools and technologies
Specialized Equipment: Unlike general handymen or gardeners, dedicated
gutter cleaners often utilize industrial-grade, truck-mounted gutter
vacuuming systems to extract and remove debris safely without leaving a mess
on the ground.
Having the right tools on hand is necessary whether you’re a first-timer or
a professional. Here are some tools we recommend for gutter cleaning:
1. Right tools
Ladder with standoff stabilizer and shelving (get an
extendable one for two-story houses)
Gutter scoop - A small, angled
plastic trowel used manually to scoop leaves from the trough.
Gutter Flusher: A long spray lance or curved nozzle
attached to a garden hose used to blast debris from the ground.Garden hose equipped with a pistol-grip trigger and spray
Telescopic Gutter Cleaner: A pressurized water
wand or pole attachment for leaf blowers designed to reach gutters
without a ladder.
Gutter Vacuum: A wet/dry vacuum with specialized
curved carbon-fibre poles used to suck up wet and dry debris.
nozzle
Tarp
Towel
Rake
Large bucket
Having all these ready before you begin will help you reduce the number of
times you go up and down the ladder.
2. Wear Protective Gear
Whether you’re walking on top of your roof or using a step ladder, there is
a real risk of slipping. You also risk injuring your hands, eyes, and body
while cleaning gutters.
Make sure to protect yourself from injury before going up the ladder by
arming yourself with the following equipment:
Rubber-soled shoes
Thick gloves
Safety glasses
3. Follow Proper Cleaning Procedures
Gather all your protective gear and tools first. Wear the gloves, shoes, and
glasses before you begin setting up the tarp and ladder. Keep your tools on
a tool belt so you can move about hands-free.
Here are a few more tips as you go about cleaning your gutters:
When setting up the ladder, ensure the bottom is
stable and always move it under the spot you want to reach. Use leg
levers if necessary.
Before you start cleaning, rake off debris from the
roof so it won’t fall on you while you’re working.
Position a bucket on the ladder for collecting debris
and sludge. Secure it with a lanyard to keep it from accidentally
tipping over.
Always have at least three points of contact. This
means keeping both feet and one of your hands on the ladder at all
times.
Once you’re done clearing the gutters, run water
through your downspout with your hose. This should clear out any
remaining debris.
4. Stay Alert
While cleaning, always keep an eye on your surroundings and pay attention to
the job at hand. Watch out for any power lines that are around the gutters.
If you notice a power line with signs of damage, stay clear and call an
electrician to repair it.
It’s also recommended to have someone helping you with the ladder, even if
you’re working at lower heights.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Many professional gutter cleaners in Australia hold backgrounds as qualified
roof tilers. This ensures they know how to walk on various roof surfaces
(e.g., tile or metal) without causing damage.
In Australia, professional gutter cleaning has no mandatory formal education
requirement. However, the industry is governed by strict workplace health
and safety (WHS) laws. Operators must possess specific safety certifications
and business registrations to operate legally and safely
Mandatory Entrance Requirements
Working Safely at Heights Certificate: Because gutter
cleaning involves roof access, the RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights
unit is a mandatory industry standard.
General Construction Induction (White Card): Required
if you perform work on or near residential or commercial construction
sites.
Public Liability Insurance: Essential protection
(typically $20 million) in case of property damage or injury.
Working with Children Check (WWCC): Required in most
states if you service schools, child care centres, or residential care
facilities.
State Trade Licenses: State regulations (like those in
NSW) require a building/trade contractor license for general maintenance
or cleaning jobs exceeding a specific dollar amount (e.g., jobs valued
at($5,000)).
Recommended Training & Qualifications
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) & Risk Assessment:
Formalized in-house training or short courses on hazard identification
and job safety analysis.
Elevating Work Platform (EWP) License: Often required
for multi-storey commercial buildings where ladders cannot safely reach.
Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP31011 /
CPP30321): A nationally recognized qualification that formalizes your
knowledge of commercial cleaning, infection control, and chemical
safety.
First Aid & CPR Certification: Many companies require
at least one staff member on-site to hold a current First Aid ticket.
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