---
title: "Health and safety when operating floor machines | Sweepers PTY LTD"
url: https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/health-and-safety/
description: "Training, PPE, pre-start checks and safe charging for sweepers and scrubbers."
---

[KNOWLEDGE HUB](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/)/[HEALTH & SAFETY](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/?topic=Health%20%26%20safety)

GUIDE5 MIN READ

# Health and safety when operating floor machines

Training, PPE, pre-start checks and safe charging for sweepers and scrubbers.

REVIEWED 20 OCTOBER 2026 BY MARK SCULL, OWNER · SWEEPERS PTY LTD

IN THIS GUIDE

[Browse machines](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/sweeper-machines/)

Floor machines make sites safer, but they're still machinery. A few habits keep operators and everyone around them safe.

## Train every operator

Make sure each operator knows the controls, braking, and how the machine handles on ramps and wet floors before they start. We can provide operator training with sales and hire.

## Do a pre-start check

—Brushes, squeegee and skirts are in good condition.

—Filters are clean and fitted correctly.

—Tanks and hoppers are empty and secure.

—Lights, horn and brakes work.

## Wear the right PPE

Enclosed footwear, high-visibility clothing in traffic areas, and hearing protection where needed. On dusty or silica sites, use suitable respiratory protection, such as a powered air-purifying respirator, when emptying hoppers or changing filters.

## Charge and refuel safely

Charge batteries in a ventilated area away from ignition sources, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel combustion machines outdoors with the engine off.

## Keep it serviced

Regular servicing keeps safety systems working and catches wear before it becomes a fault. Book a service with our workshop any time.

WHERE TO NEXT

[Servicing & parts](https://sweepers.com.au/servicing-and-parts/)

[Machine hire with operator training](https://sweepers.com.au/sweeper-rental/)

[Controlling silica dust exposure](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/controlling-silica-dust-exposure/)

SOURCES

[Safe Work Australia: workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica ↗](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/silica/whs-duties-silica/workplace-exposure-standard-respirable-crystalline-silica)

Want a machine recommendation?

[Get a free quote](https://sweepers.com.au/free-quote/)

## Keep reading

[All guides & FAQs](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/)

[GUIDE · 6 MIN Controlling silica dust exposure Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/controlling-silica-dust-exposure/)

[ARTICLE · 4 MIN Removing toxins with sweeper machines Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/removing-toxins-with-sweeper-machines/)

[GUIDE · 5 MIN How sweeper machines work Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/how-sweeper-machines-work/)

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**Sweepers PTY LTD** · 122 Bromley St, Cornubia QLD 4130, Australia · 1300 387 713 · 07 3287 9960 · sales@sweepers.com.au · https://sweepers.com.au/