1. Unit 108
Graffiti Removal by Hand

2. Graffiti Removal by Hand
Aims and Objectives for this unit
Cover topics such as:
Know the types of surface
Know the equipment and materials for removing
graffiti
 Be able to remove graffiti
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3. Know the types of surface
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Porous surfaces
 Brick/stone/wood/painted surfaces
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Non-porous surfaces
 Glass/vinyl/plastics/metal
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Surfaces that should be referred
for specialist advice
 Historic buildings/places of
worship/listed buildings/art/certain
plastics/trees

4. Graffiti areas in facility buildings
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Indoor
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Classrooms
Desks
Washrooms
Doors
Internal glass
Outdoor
◦ Walls
◦ Shelters
◦ Doors/windows

5. Equipment & Materials for
Removing Graffiti
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Personal Protection
◦ Gloves/aprons/goggles/respirator
masks
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Chemicals
◦ Liquids/aerosols/wipes/gels
◦ Neutral/acid/alkali/solvent
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Equipment
◦ Abrasive pads/scrapers/wipes/scrub
brushes/pressure washer

6. Equipment & Materials for
Removing Graffiti
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Chemicals
◦ Liquids/aerosols/wipes/gels
◦ Neutral/acid/alkali/solvent
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Hazards
◦ Flammable
◦ Corrosive
◦ Irritant/harmful/toxic
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Risks
◦ Fumes/burns/environmental issues
◦ Damage

7. Personal Protective Equipment
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Suitable for tasks
◦ Gloves
◦ Respirator masks
◦ Other protective clothing
◦ Issues with incorrect items

8. Effects: Incorrect use of chemicals
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Plastics
◦ Clouding
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Limestone/stone
◦ Etching, scratching
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Road signs/signage
◦ Reflective coating damage
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Porous surfaces
◦ Penetrate further
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Most surfaces
◦ Unable to remove graffiti

9. Anti graffiti coatings and paints
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Graffiti in public areas
Doesn’t prevent graffiti
Some stop the graffiti from drying
Makes it easier to remove
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Applied to:
◦ Use of either hot water or mild detergents
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Brickwork
Stone work
Painted surfaces
Concrete
Treated timber
Metals
Not normally suited to untreated wood

10. Removal of the Graffiti
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Permission
◦ Private property
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Commercial, industrial buildings
Housing
Passenger transport
Bus shelters
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Historic buildings
Art work
Public areas
Trees
Building conservation areas
◦ Public Property
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Written permission is required and
normally a consent form has to be
completed before removal can start
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11. Risk assess area to be treated
Location
 Height
 Safe to enter/exit
 Public access required
 Traffic, both people & vehicle
 Weather conditions
 Sufficient ventilation
 Conflict
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12. Identify surface & method
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Porous
Non-porous
◦ This will determine type of
chemical to use
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Check instructions
◦ Will normally say what
materials it works on
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Correct disposal
◦ Materials used in the
removal

13. Reporting information
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Reasons to report
◦ Offensive
◦ Racist
◦ Prejudice
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 Collect evidence
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Unable to remove
Risk too high
Damage to surface
Not completed in timescale
Report to:
Supervisor/line manager
Owner of property
Community groups

14. Practical assessment