What Are the Main Duties of an Office Cleaner?

Core responsibilities, daily tasks, periodic duties, WHS obligations, equipment handling, and professional conduct standards in Australian commercial cleaning

Main Duties of Office Cleaners in Australia

Office cleaners‘ main duties include floor care (vacuuming carpeted areas using commercial vacuum cleaners rated at 1,000 to 1,400 watts and mopping hard floors using pH-neutral cleaners at validated dilutions), waste management (emptying and relining bins with segregation into council-mandated streams including general waste, co-mingled recycling, and confidential document destruction), bathroom sanitation (cleaning and disinfecting toilets, urinals, sinks, and high-touch surfaces using color-coded equipment under the BICSc system with red equipment for toilet fixtures and yellow for other bathroom surfaces), kitchen maintenance (cleaning benchtops, sinks, appliances, and floors using food-safe products where FSANZ Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 applies), surface cleaning and disinfection (wiping desks and disinfecting high-touch surfaces including door handles, light switches, shared equipment using TGA-listed disinfectants at contact times of 30 seconds to 10 minutes), dusting (using electrostatic microfibre cloths rated for 500+ wash cycles), and general presentation upkeep (straightening furniture, ensuring ready-for-occupancy standards).

These duties are performed according to documented cleaning specifications attached to service agreements that define exactly which tasks will be completed, at which locations, at what frequency (daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly), and to what quality standard (typically measured through supervisor inspections using numerical scoring or ATP bioluminescence testing achieving readings below 250 RLU on critical surfaces). Office cleaners work as employees of commercial cleaning companies operating under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (which sets minimum wages from $25.41 per hour for Classification Level 1 to $32.18 per hour for Classification Level 5 plus penalty rates for evening, weekend, and public holiday work) or as independent contractors registered with ABN and holding appropriate insurance coverage (public liability at $10 to $20 million and workers compensation where employing staff).

Professional office cleaners deliver consistent outcomes while complying with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 obligations as workers (taking reasonable care for their own safety and not adversely affecting others), handling chemical products correctly following Safety Data Sheets, maintaining professional conduct in client premises (respecting confidentiality, punctuality, property), and documenting service completion through logs or digital reporting systems that provide accountability and enable quality verification.

Seven Core Daily Duties

Daily duties maintain baseline hygiene and presentation between periodic deep cleaning cycles. These tasks are performed at every cleaning visit (daily, weekly, or at agreed frequency).

1. Floor Care: Vacuuming and Mopping

Floor care typically consumes 40 to 60 percent of total cleaning time in offices due to floor area as a percentage of total cleanable area. Cleaners vacuum all carpeted zones including workstation areas (where soil accumulates from chair movement and foot traffic), corridors and circulation paths (receiving highest traffic), meeting rooms, and reception areas using commercial-grade vacuum cleaners rated at 1,000 to 1,400 watts suction power with beater bars that agitate carpet pile to dislodge embedded particles.

HEPA filtration (capturing 99.97 percent of particles at 0.3 microns) is mandatory in medical offices, aged care administration offices, and premises with documented respiratory sensitivities under WHS duty of care obligations in Section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Cleaners vacuum in overlapping passes at approximately 0.3 to 0.5 meters per second to allow beater bar sufficient contact time with carpet pile. Rapid pushing reduces particle capture efficiency because the beater bar does not dislodge bonded soil.

Hard floors including vinyl composition tile (VCT), ceramic tile, porcelain tile, polished concrete, and sealed timber are first swept or dust-mopped using microfibre dust mops to remove loose particles. Wet mopping follows using floor cleaners at dilutions specified on Safety Data Sheets (typically 1:64 to 1:128 for concentrated products). pH-neutral cleaners (pH 6 to 8) are used on sealed timber, natural stone, and VCT to avoid stripping protective sealers. Alkaline cleaners (pH 9 to 11) are used on ceramic tile and porcelain where grease removal is required.

Professional mopping uses twin-bucket systems where one 15 to 20 liter bucket contains clean solution and the other bucket serves as a wringer bucket for dirty water. The mop head is dipped in clean solution, wrung to 60 to 70 percent water retention (optimal dampness), applied in overlapping figure-8 or S-pattern strokes, then rinsed in the dirty water bucket before returning to clean solution. This prevents cross-contamination of clean solution with soil removed from floors.

Entrance matting is vacuumed or shaken to remove tracked-in soil. Cleaners move light furniture including chairs and small bins to access floors underneath but are not required to move heavy items (desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves) unless specifically contracted. Moving heavy items creates manual handling injury risk under WHS obligations and potential property damage liability.

2. Waste Collection and Bin Management

Waste collection involves systematically emptying all bins throughout the office following a route that minimizes walking distance and avoids retracing steps. Bins are not merely emptied — cleaners inspect each bin for liquid spillage (coffee, soft drinks, water), solid contamination (food residue, sticky materials), or sharp objects (broken glass, staples, drawing pins, razor blades).

Bins with residual liquid are wiped using all-purpose cleaner and microfibre cloths. Bins with sharp objects are handled carefully using cut-resistant gloves where available or by inverting the bin into the waste bag without hand entry to avoid lacerations. All bins receive new liners matched to bin size (common sizes: 27 liters for desk bins, 60 liters for kitchen bins, 240 liters for external collection).

Waste segregation follows council environmental management plans that increasingly mandate separation in commercial buildings. Typical streams include general waste (landfill), paper and cardboard recycling (separate from other recyclables in some councils), co-mingled recycling (plastic containers marked HDPE or PET recycling codes 1 to 7, glass bottles, aluminum cans), organic waste where composting facilities exist, and confidential document destruction bins for sensitive business documents.

Incorrect segregation can result in fines for building owners under council environmental management policies, which building owners pass to tenants through lease agreements. Cleaners notify supervisors if bins contain hazardous materials including chemical containers (paint, solvents, cleaning products), medical sharps (needles, syringes, lancets), batteries (lithium, lead-acid), or electronic waste (computers, phones, printers) requiring specialist disposal rather than general waste streams.

Full waste bags are tied using twist-and-fold technique preventing bag opening during transport, removed from cleaning carts at regular intervals to prevent overloading, and deposited in designated collection points specified by building management (external bin enclosures, internal waste rooms, compactor rooms in large towers).

3. Bathroom and Toilet Sanitation

Bathroom sanitation is the highest-priority duty because bathrooms are the primary site for fecal-oral pathogen transmission (norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli, Salmonella) via contaminated surfaces. Professional bathroom cleaning follows a structured 7-stage sequence using color-coded equipment under the BICSc system to prevent cross-contamination.

Stage 1: Toilet bowl cleaner (acidic formulations at pH 1 to 3 containing hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid at 5 to 10 percent) is applied to all toilet bowls and urinals, left to dwell 3 to 5 minutes to dissolve limescale and organic staining while the cleaner proceeds to other surfaces.

Stage 2: Sinks, taps, and countertops are cleaned using yellow-coded cloths and bathroom disinfectant (quaternary ammonium compounds at 400 to 800 ppm or sodium hypochlorite at 500 to 1,000 ppm). The product is applied, surfaces are wiped to remove soap scum and body oils, and the product is left wet for the contact time specified on labels (30 seconds to 3 minutes).

Stage 3: Mirrors are cleaned using streak-free glass cleaner and microfibre cloths, wiped in overlapping strokes, then buffed with dry cloths to eliminate water marks.

Stage 4: Floors are swept using bathroom-dedicated brooms to remove hair and debris.

Stage 5: Floors are mopped using red-coded mop heads and bathroom disinfectant, working from far corners toward doors to avoid walking on wet floors.

Stage 6: Toilet bowls and urinals are scrubbed using red-coded toilet brushes after the dwell time, flushed to rinse, then external toilet surfaces (seats, lids, pedestals, bases, flush buttons) are wiped using red-coded cloths and disinfectant.

Stage 7: High-touch bathroom surfaces including door handles, light switches, toilet flush buttons, tap handles, paper towel dispensers, and hand dryer buttons are disinfected. Sanitary disposal units are emptied, internal surfaces wiped with disinfectant, and replacement liners installed.

Consumables including toilet paper, paper towels, and liquid hand soap are restocked where this is included in cleaning contracts (some contracts require the client to supply consumables and cleaners only restock from client-provided inventory).

4. Kitchen and Break Room Maintenance

Kitchen cleaning addresses food preparation and consumption areas using food-safe products. In offices with commercial kitchens preparing or serving food to clients or staff, cleaning must comply with FSANZ Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 Division 4 Clause 19, which mandates that food contact surfaces are cleaned (organic matter removed using detergent) and then sanitized (microbial load reduced using approved sanitizer at validated concentration) after each use.

Benchtops and backsplashes are wiped using food-safe all-purpose cleaner or kitchen degreaser, applied with mechanical scrubbing to remove bonded grease and protein residues, then rinsed using water-dampened cloths. For FSANZ-compliant kitchens, benchtops are subsequently sanitized using food-contact-approved sanitizers: sodium hypochlorite at 50 to 200 ppm (prepared by diluting household bleach), quaternary ammonium compounds at 200 to 400 ppm, or iodophor sanitizers at 12.5 to 25 ppm iodine. The sanitizer is applied, left wet for specified contact time (30 seconds to 2 minutes), then either rinsed (if product requires) or air dried (if no-rinse formulation).

Sinks and taps are cleaned using stainless steel cleaner for stainless fixtures or ceramic cleaner for ceramic sinks. External surfaces of microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, kettles, and coffee machines are wiped using all-purpose cleaner. Cleaners do not wash dishes, cups, or personal items left in sinks unless specifically contracted to do so because this task is time-consuming, unpredictable in duration, and represents personal responsibility of office occupants rather than facilities maintenance.

Kitchen tables and chairs are wiped. Cupboard doors and drawer fronts receive surface wipes. Cupboard handles are disinfected as high-touch surfaces. Kitchen floors are swept to remove food particles, then mopped using floor cleaner or degreaser matched to floor type (alkaline products for greasy tile floors, pH-neutral for sealed timber or stone).

Internal appliance cleaning (inside microwaves, refrigerators, ovens) is typically scheduled as periodic deep cleaning (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) rather than daily duty because it requires extended time and appliance disassembly.

5. Surface Cleaning and High-Touch Disinfection

Surface cleaning involves wiping all horizontal surfaces including desks, desk returns, counters, shelving units, window sills, filing cabinets, and partition surfaces using microfibre cloths and pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner at 1:64 to 1:128 dilution. The cleaner sprays surfaces, allows 10 to 30 seconds dwell time for surfactants to work, then wipes in overlapping strokes ensuring complete coverage.

High-touch surfaces requiring daily disinfection include door handles and push plates, light switches and dimmer controls, lift call buttons (external and internal where building access permits), handrails on staircases, shared keyboards and mice, desk phones and desk extensions, meeting room tables and chairs (contact surfaces), whiteboard pens and erasers, projector remotes, conference phones and video equipment, water cooler taps and buttons, coffee machine touchpoints, microwave door handles and control panels, photocopier touchscreens and document feeders, bathroom door handles and locks, toilet flush buttons, and reception desk surfaces and phones.

Disinfection uses TGA-listed hospital-grade disinfectants where required by sector obligations (healthcare-adjacent offices, childcare administrative offices) or commercial-grade disinfectants for standard office environments. Common formulations include quaternary ammonium compounds at 200 to 400 ppm with 1 to 3 minute contact times, sodium hypochlorite at 500 to 1,000 ppm with 30 second to 2 minute contact times, alcohol-based products (70 percent isopropyl alcohol or ethanol) with 30 to 60 second contact times, or hydrogen peroxide formulations at 0.5 to 3 percent with 1 to 5 minute contact times.

The critical requirement is dwell time — the disinfectant must remain visibly wet on the surface for the full duration specified on product labels to achieve stated kill efficacy against target organisms. Applying disinfectant and immediately wiping does not achieve this efficacy. Cleaners apply sufficient volume to maintain wetness, then either allow air drying (preferred for most products) or wipe after contact time using clean cloths.

Glass partitions and internal glass doors are cleaned using streak-free glass cleaner (alcohol-based formulations with ammonia or vinegar) and microfibre cloths, wiped in overlapping strokes, then buffed with dry cloths to eliminate streaks and water marks.

6. Dusting and Decorative Surface Cleaning

Dusting removes accumulated particles from horizontal and vertical surfaces using electrostatic microfibre cloths rated for 500+ wash cycles when laundered correctly (separate from cotton, no fabric softener which coats fibers). Microfibre captures particles at 0.3 microns (bacteria size) compared to cotton cloth capturing only particles above 10 microns.

Regular dusting addresses desks, desk organizers, shelving units, filing cabinets, window sills, reception counters, and display surfaces. Cleaners dust around personal items, documents, photographs, and office equipment without moving them to protect privacy and prevent damage. Items requiring repositioning (computer monitors, desk lamps) are cleaned in place using compressed air or microfibre worked around cables.

High-level dusting (ceiling supply vents, return air vents, light fixtures, ceiling fans, tops of partitions and tall cabinets, tops of door frames) is typically performed weekly, fortnightly, or monthly rather than daily using extension poles fitted with microfibre dusters extending reach to 5+ meters without ladders. High-level dusting prevents dust accumulation that reduces air quality, reduces lighting efficiency (dust on fixtures reduces output by 5 to 15 percent), and becomes visible during certain light angles.

7. General Presentation and Office Readiness

Cleaners straighten chairs to tucked positions under desks and meeting room tables, close desk drawers left open (creating trip hazards under WHS obligations), turn off lights in unoccupied areas where building policy permits (some buildings require 24-hour corridor lighting for security), and ensure the office presents in ready-for-occupancy condition when staff arrive.

Cleaners do not organize papers, file documents, or move items beyond what is necessary to clean surfaces because this violates confidentiality boundaries and creates liability risk if items are misplaced or damaged. Respect for client property and confidentiality is mandatory — cleaners are trained not to read documents, access computers or open files on screens, open desk drawers or filing cabinets, or move confidential materials marked as such.

In professional services offices (legal, financial, medical), cleaners may require police checks under Working with Children Check requirements (for offices in childcare facilities), Aged Care Quality Standards (for offices in aged care facilities), or client security policies (for financial services and government offices).

Periodic Deep Cleaning Duties

Beyond daily maintenance, cleaners perform periodic deep cleaning tasks scheduled monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the specific task and office conditions. These tasks require extended time, specialist equipment, or trained competencies beyond routine cleaning skills.

Deep Cleaning Task	Purpose and Process	Typical Frequency
Carpet extraction	Hot water extraction at 60-80°C removes embedded soil, allergens, bacteria. Truck-mounted units preferred.	Quarterly
Floor strip/seal/polish	Remove degraded sealer, apply 3-5 new coats, buff to restore gloss and protection	Annually
High-level dusting	Clean ceiling vents, light fixtures, partition tops using extension poles	Quarterly
Window cleaning	Internal glass included in regular cleaning; external requires specialist access	Internal: weekly-monthly, External: quarterly
Upholstery cleaning	Steam or extraction of chairs, sofas, fabric partitions to remove body oils and allergens	Annually
Blind/curtain cleaning	Dusting or washing depending on fabric type and care labels	Biannually
Kitchen deep clean	Internal appliances, degrease hoods, clean cupboard interiors	Monthly-quarterly
Bathroom deep clean	Descale taps, clean grout, regrout/recaulk where deteriorated, sanitize behind fixtures	Quarterly

These tasks are typically quoted separately from daily cleaning rates because they require different equipment (carpet extractors at $4,000 to $8,000, floor burnishers at $2,000 to $5,000, water-fed pole systems at $1,500 to $3,000) and extended time beyond routine maintenance scope. For example, carpet extraction in a 200-square-metre office requires 3 to 5 hours including pre-vacuuming, pre-treatment, extraction, and drying time compared to 15 to 20 minutes for routine vacuuming.

Equipment and Chemical Handling Responsibilities

Office cleaners are responsible for correct use, maintenance, and storage of cleaning equipment and chemicals under WHS obligations in Section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (workers must take reasonable care for their own safety and not adversely affect others through acts or omissions).

Equipment responsibilities include checking functionality before each shift (vacuum suction tested by hand over intake, mop heads inspected for wear and fraying replaced, equipment cords inspected for damage and fraying replaced, spray bottles checked for proper spray pattern), using equipment according to manufacturer specifications (not exceeding load limits, not modifying equipment, not using equipment for unintended purposes), storing equipment securely when not in use (locked storage rooms or secured cleaning carts), reporting malfunctions immediately to supervisors (vacuum losing suction, floor scrubber not dispensing solution, cord damage), and cleaning equipment after use (emptying vacuum dust bags at 50 to 75 percent capacity, rinsing mop heads, wiping equipment exteriors).

Chemical handling responsibilities include using products at correct dilution following Safety Data Sheets (concentrated products typically diluted 1:64 to 1:128; incorrect dilution either wastes product or reduces efficacy), wearing appropriate PPE specified on SDS (nitrile gloves resistant to most cleaning chemicals, safety glasses or face shields when using spray products at eye level, cut-resistant gloves when handling sharps in waste), storing chemicals in original labeled containers or transferred to labeled secondary containers (unlabeled containers create confusion risk), separating incompatible chemicals (acids and alkalis stored separately, bleach and ammonia never mixed due to toxic chlorine gas production), and following spill response procedures (contain spill using absorbent materials, neutralize if appropriate, dispose according to SDS, report to supervisor).

Cleaners complete chemical handling training covering hazard classes (corrosive, toxic, dangerous goods), safe handling procedures, PPE requirements, first aid responses, and environmental precautions before using any chemical product. Training is documented and refresher training occurs annually or when new products are introduced.

WHS Obligations Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Office cleaners have specific obligations as workers under Section 28 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. These obligations apply to all workers regardless of employment type (permanent, casual, contractor, labor hire).

Section 28(a) requires workers to take reasonable care for their own health and safety. This means following safe work procedures (correct lifting technique, using PPE, not taking shortcuts that create risk), not working while impaired (fatigue, alcohol, drugs), reporting injuries and near-misses immediately, and participating in WHS training when offered.

Section 28(b) requires workers to take reasonable care that their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others. This means not leaving wet floors without signage (creating slip hazards for occupants), not mixing incompatible chemicals (creating toxic gas exposure for others), not operating faulty equipment (creating hazards for co-workers), and reporting hazards observed in client premises (damaged carpet creating trip hazards, exposed electrical wiring, broken furniture).

Section 28(c) requires workers to comply with WHS instructions, policies, and procedures provided by their employer or the client premises. This means following site-specific induction requirements (signing in with building security, following emergency evacuation procedures, adhering to building access protocols), complying with documented safe work procedures provided by the cleaning company, and following client-specific requirements (not accessing restricted areas, following key management protocols).

Section 28(d) requires workers to cooperate with WHS actions taken by the employer to comply with WHS legislation. This means participating in incident investigations, providing information requested during WHS audits, reporting hazards through designated systems, and attending WHS consultations or safety committee meetings when invited.

Cleaners receive WHS induction training before first site attendance covering these obligations, common cleaning hazards (chemical exposure, slips and trips, manual handling, electrical safety), control measures, emergency procedures, and incident reporting. Training duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours depending on employer and complexity of sites serviced.

Professional Conduct and Client Relations

Office cleaners work in client premises, often unsupervised and after business hours when occupants are absent. Professional conduct standards ensure client confidence and protect cleaner employment.

Confidentiality obligations require cleaners to not discuss or disclose client information observed during cleaning (business documents, financial records, personnel files, client lists, strategic plans visible on desks or whiteboards), not photograph client premises or documents (mobile phone cameras create data breach risk), not discuss client business with others outside the workplace, and not disclose cleaning schedules or site access procedures (security risk).

Property respect requires cleaners to not use client equipment (computers, printers, phones for personal calls, kitchen appliances for personal food), not consume client food or beverages from refrigerators or cupboards, not take items from client premises (even items apparently discarded), and not allow unauthorized persons to access client premises using cleaner access credentials.

Punctuality and reliability standards require arriving on time for scheduled shifts (typically within 10 to 15 minute window of scheduled start time), completing contracted scope within allocated time (not leaving early with tasks incomplete), notifying the cleaning company supervisor if running late or unable to attend (providing maximum notice), and maintaining consistent attendance (excessive absences create service reliability issues for clients).

Presentation standards require wearing uniform or professional attire where specified in contracts (typically company-branded shirts or polos, dark trousers, enclosed safety footwear), maintaining personal hygiene appropriate for close-proximity work in occupied buildings, wearing visible identification (ID cards, company badges) where building security requires, and presenting professionally when interacting with building occupants or security personnel.

Interaction standards require respectful communication with building occupants when paths cross (polite greeting, brief explanation if work is disrupting occupant, apology if occupant must wait for cleaner to finish), following building occupant requests where they align with contracted scope (e.g., occupant asks if cleaner can empty a particularly full bin), and escalating unreasonable requests to cleaning supervisor rather than refusing directly (maintains client relationship while protecting cleaner from scope creep).

Documentation and Reporting Responsibilities

Professional office cleaners document service completion and report issues through structured systems that provide accountability, enable quality verification, and support client communication.

Service logs or checklists are completed at each visit documenting tasks performed, start and finish times, any issues encountered (areas inaccessible due to locked doors, equipment malfunctions, observed hazards), and consumables restocked or requiring reorder. Service logs may be paper-based (left at client premises in designated location) or digital (entered via smartphone apps or web portals).

Issue reporting covers equipment malfunction (vacuum losing suction, broken mop bucket, damaged extension pole), safety hazards observed at client premises (damaged carpet creating trip hazard, exposed electrical wiring, broken furniture, water leaks, pest evidence), areas inaccessible due to locked doors or occupied spaces requiring return visit, major spills or contamination requiring specialist attention beyond routine cleaning scope (large liquid spills, hazardous material spills, sewage backups), consumable shortages requiring client reorder (toilet paper, hand soap, bin liners where client supplies), and any incidents or near-misses (slip, minor injury, property damage, security incident).

In quality-managed operations (cleaning companies with ISO 9001 Quality Management certification), cleaners participate in regular inspections where supervisors conduct independent verification of cleaning quality using standardized inspection checklists with numerical scoring (typically 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 for each inspection item). Scores below acceptable thresholds (typically 70 to 80 percent of maximum) trigger corrective action including cleaner retraining, procedure review, or increased supervision frequency.

Cleaners receive feedback on performance through formal review meetings (quarterly or biannually), informal feedback after supervisor inspections, and client feedback passed through cleaning company management. Performance assessment criteria include quality consistency (measured through inspection scores), reliability (attendance, punctuality), client feedback (positive comments, absence of complaints), and professional conduct (no confidentiality breaches, property respect, appropriate interaction).

What Is NOT Expected of Office Cleaners

The following tasks are outside the scope of office cleaner duties unless explicitly included in contracts and priced accordingly. Clients requesting these tasks should negotiate separate agreements with appropriate pricing.

Dish washing, cup washing, or personal item cleaning in kitchens is not included unless specifically contracted because this task is time-consuming (20 to 40 minutes in offices where occupants accumulate dishes), unpredictable in duration (varies daily based on occupant behavior), and represents personal responsibility of occupants rather than facilities maintenance. Cleaners wipe external sink surfaces and empty dish racks but do not wash accumulated dishes.

Moving heavy furniture or equipment (desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves, server racks, large printers) is excluded for WHS reasons. Cleaners are authorized to move light items (chairs, small bins, desk accessories under 5 kg) but not items requiring two-person lifting (typically above 16 to 23 kg depending on worker capacity) or items presenting tip-over risk. Specialized furniture moving requires appropriate personnel with manual handling training and equipment (furniture sliders, dollies, lifting straps).

Organizing papers, filing documents, or handling confidential materials is excluded to protect client confidentiality and prevent liability for misplaced or damaged documents. Cleaners dust around documents and clear obvious rubbish (used tissues, food wrappers) but do not reorganize paperwork, file loose documents, or move documents to access surfaces underneath.

Cleaning inside personal storage including desk drawers, filing cabinets, lockers, and personal cupboards is excluded to protect privacy and confidentiality. Cleaning of shared storage areas (stationery cupboards, common filing areas) is included only if client removes contents first.

IT equipment internal cleaning including inside computer cases, server room cleaning requiring controlled environment procedures, or data center cleaning requiring anti-static procedures and specialist training is excluded. External surface cleaning of monitors, keyboards, mice, and peripheral devices using germicidal wipes is included.

External window cleaning for high-rise buildings (above 2 storeys where ground-based access is impractical) requires specialist equipment (water-fed poles, abseiling equipment, elevated work platforms) and working-at-heights certification under state WHS regulations. This is quoted separately based on building height, glass area, access method, and frequency.

Repairs, maintenance, or modifications to building fabric, fixtures, or equipment (plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, furniture repairs, equipment troubleshooting) are not cleaner responsibilities. Cleaners report maintenance issues to cleaning supervisors who escalate to building management or facilities management for appropriate trades.

Pest control services are provided by licensed pest control operators holding appropriate certifications for chemical application (not cleaning staff). Cleaners report evidence of pest activity (droppings, nesting materials, live pests, damage to structures or food packaging) to supervisors for pest control referral.

Post-construction cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, or post-event cleaning involving construction dust, debris, or significantly elevated contamination is quoted separately as specialist cleaning because time requirements (often 2 to 5 times routine cleaning) and contamination levels exceed routine scope. This work may require different equipment (HEPA vacuums for construction dust, pressure washers, specialized chemicals) and extended personnel hours.

Summary: Comprehensive Role Definition

Office cleaners’ main duties include floor care (vacuuming at 1,000 to 1,400 watts and mopping using twin-bucket systems with pH-neutral or alkaline cleaners at validated dilutions), waste management (emptying bins with segregation into council-mandated streams), bathroom sanitation (7-stage process using color-coded equipment with red for toilets and yellow for other bathroom surfaces), kitchen maintenance (food-safe products with FSANZ sanitization where applicable), surface cleaning and high-touch disinfection (TGA-listed products at 30 second to 10 minute contact times), dusting (electrostatic microfibre rated for 500+ wash cycles), and general presentation upkeep.

These duties are performed following documented specifications, typically daily or weekly, under Cleaning Services Award 2020 employment conditions ($25.41 to $32.18 per hour base plus penalties) or as independent contractors with appropriate insurance. Periodic deep cleaning tasks (carpet extraction, floor restoration, high-level dusting, upholstery cleaning) are scheduled monthly to annually.

Cleaners handle equipment and chemicals correctly following Safety Data Sheets and WHS training, comply with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Section 28 obligations (reasonable care for self and others, following instructions, cooperating with WHS actions), maintain professional conduct (confidentiality, property respect, punctuality, appropriate presentation), and document service completion through logs or digital systems enabling quality verification and issue reporting.

Tasks outside cleaner duties unless specifically contracted include dish washing, heavy furniture moving (WHS risk above 16 to 23 kg), organizing confidential documents, personal storage cleaning, IT equipment internals, high-rise external windows, repairs and maintenance, pest control, and post-construction cleaning. Clients requesting these services should negotiate separate agreements with appropriate scope definition and pricing reflecting extended time and specialist requirements.

This guide is provided for informational purposes. Specific duties vary by employer, contract, premises type, and sector obligations. Cleaning specifications should be documented in contracts with attached checklists defining tasks, frequencies, and quality standards. WHS training, police checks, and insurance requirements vary by sector and client policies.