Safe Work Practice 400

Buffer and Scrubber Machine

Mandatory |All Team Members

SWP 400 M

HAZARDS PPE/EQUIPMENT
PRESENT REQUIRED

Description Before you start:

The buffer and scrubber machines are ● Prior to use, check that the buffer or scrubber machine is in a safe
industrial floor cleaning units used by Coles working condition
Services to clean the shop floor. ● ALWAYS check the electrical lead, plug and outlet are not loose,
jammed, kinked, damaged or frayed and that the ‘test and tag’
What Could Go Wrong? is up to date
Using a damaged or faulty buffer or scrubber ● Ensure power is turned off at the power point prior to plugging,
machine can lead to electrical exposure, unplugging or moving the buffer / scrubber machine
causing injury and potential fatalities. ● Only trained team members are to use the buffer / scrubber.
Team members are to be trained by an external authorised trainer
Manoeuvring and steering the units (supplier representative) or authorised team leaders
incorrectly can cause strain and sprain ● Team members are trained in and comply with the:
injuries. • Skills Guide 60 – Scrub the Floor T500
• Skills Guide 42 - T3/T5 Scrubber (Polished concrete only)
Cleaning tasks should be done in a way that
• Skills Guide 43 – T7 Scrubber (Polished concrete only)
ensure customer and team member safety
● ALWAYS wear required PPE, including high visibility clothing,
protective safety footwear, disposable gloves and goggles when
dispensing chemicals

NEVER use faulty equipment. If faulty, place an Out of Service

tag on equipment and report to your Area Manager

Working Safely:

• ALWAYS plan the route you will take and ensure you have clear vision of your
path at all times, especially on the shop floor
• ALWAYS use two hands to maintain control of the steering handle when
operating the buffer / scrubber
• Ensure the settings are correct, to minimise the water left on the floor by the
scrubber
• Avoid using a buffer / scrubber on the shop floor during peak trading periods
• Maintain a slow and steady pace for control of the buffer / scrubber
• T7 Scrubber flashing light/beacon to be turned on during operation
• Proceed with caution when moving around blind spots, corners and doorways
• ALWAYS give way to customers when cleaning
• Take care when travelling along sloped or uneven surfaces. Seek assistance
when required
• ALWAYS use the ‘Cleaning in Progress’ signs in the area you are cleaning, to alert
customers and team members
• ALWAYS park Scrubber in a forward direction rather than placing operators
between reversing Scrubber and walls
• ALWAYS ensure that when the Scrubber is turned off, the directional switch is left
in the forward position and the ignition key is removed from the Scrubber and
Ensure you have a clear vision of your path stored in the appropriate location

NEVER leave the buffer or scrubber machine unattended on the shop floor
with the keys in the ignition
NEVER ride on a T5 Scrubber
NEVER travel if other persons are within striking range
Cleaning in Progress signage

1 Previous Version: April 2021 Mandatory

of 2 Current Version: #5 July 2021 All MUST complete
Ref: SWPs 2021
 Buffer and Scrubber Machine SWP 400

Manual Handling:

• ALWAYS push a buffer / scrubber, pulling only to either turn the machine or move it
into position
• Use power push when pushing the buffer / scrubber, using your biceps to
increase your force, refer to SWP 006 Manual Handling
• Avoid excessive twisting or pulling movements.
• When changing the pads or squeegee bar, adopt a position which does not
require bending or stooping (kneeling is the preferred option) to reduce the
risk of injury
• When operating the machine, avoid sharp turning to eliminate excess water on
the floor which could cause slips
• Manoeuvre into position at low speed consistent with environment.
Push a buffer / scrubber when in use

NEVER rush using the Scrubber, plan your day and allow time for this task.
Concentrate on the task.

Maintenance:

• Refer to Coles Services Skill Guide 71 – T3/T5 Scrubber

• Before cleaning electrical cleaning equipment, turn the machine off at the power
point and remove the plug
• Clean the buffer / scrubber using a dry or damp cloth
• When not in use, all cleaning equipment should be stored in the allocated area
• To prevent damage, ensure the lead is put away
• When the machine is not in use, store the keys in the correct location
• SDS available and accessible on the Chemical Register for all hazardous
chemicals used in the cleaning operation
T5 Scrubber

NEVER use a saturated cloth when cleaning buffer / scrubber, dry or damp
cloth only
NEVER pour or spray water or aerosols into or on to the buffer / scrubber.
Water can be poured into the scrubber recovery tank when cleaning
NEVER decant Reboot Deep Scrub Cleaner into another container or spray
bottle
NEVER use Reboot Deep Scrub Cleaner for any other tasks except the Floor
Cutback & Recoat (Patch Polish) process

Previous Version: April 2021

2 Current Version: #5 July 2021 Mandatory
of 2 Ref: SWPs 2021 All MUST complete