Health And Safety Policy
Cleaners SW12 Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Cleaners SW12 manages risks and promotes safe working practices for all cleaning services we provide. Our aim is to protect our employees, our clients, visitors and members of the public from injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work activities.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Cleaners SW12 is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health and safety across all cleaning operations. We will comply with all relevant health and safety laws and recognised industry guidance. We will continually review and improve our procedures to reduce risks associated with cleaning work in residential and commercial premises.
Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company and will provide the necessary resources, training and supervision to ensure that our policy is implemented effectively.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for putting in place safe systems of work, carrying out risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring that staff receive suitable instruction and training. Management will monitor performance, investigate incidents and update procedures when necessary.
Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All cleaners must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment and report hazards, accidents or near misses to management without delay.
Clients share responsibility for providing a safe working environment on their premises, including safe access and egress, and informing us of any known risks such as fragile surfaces, restricted spaces or sensitive equipment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting work at any property, Cleaners SW12 carries out risk assessments appropriate to the tasks and environment. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate who might be harmed and decide on suitable control measures. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to the work or workplace.
Safe systems of work are developed based on these risk assessments. They cover topics such as safe handling of cleaning products, working at height where relevant, control of slips and trips, use of machinery and equipment, and protection of vulnerable people including children, older people and pets present on site.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH
Cleaning products used by Cleaners SW12 are selected and managed to minimise risks to health and the environment. All hazardous substances are assessed and controlled in line with recognised standards for the safe use of chemicals. Safety data information is reviewed and used to determine appropriate storage, dilution, application methods and disposal.
Staff receive instruction on correct labelling, safe handling, mixing and use of chemicals, and on what to do in the event of spills, splashes or accidental exposure. Chemicals are never transferred into unlabelled containers, and are kept away from children, pets, food preparation areas and sources of heat or ignition.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated through other measures, suitable personal protective equipment is provided to cleaners. This may include items such as gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons or non slip footwear, depending on the task and location.
Employees must use protective equipment as instructed and report any defects or losses immediately so that items can be repaired or replaced. Personal protective equipment is seen as a last line of defence, and does not replace the need for safe systems of work and appropriate training.
Manual Handling and Equipment Safety
Manual handling tasks, including the lifting and moving of vacuum cleaners, buckets, waste bags and other items, are assessed and planned to reduce strain and injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, using mechanical aids where available and avoiding unnecessary carrying of heavy loads.
All equipment supplied by Cleaners SW12, such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines and extension tools, is maintained in good working order. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately. Electrical equipment is subject to regular inspection and testing appropriate to the work environment.
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips and trips are a significant risk in cleaning work. To reduce this risk, cleaners are required to place warning signs where floors are wet, route cables safely, avoid obstructing walkways and clean up spills promptly. Work is planned to avoid dangerous working at height where possible, and where step stools or similar equipment are necessary, they must be stable, suitable for the task and used in accordance with instructions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners SW12 ensures that all staff receive appropriate health and safety training during induction and at regular intervals thereafter. Training covers general safety awareness and specific topics such as the safe use of equipment, handling of chemicals, manual handling, emergency procedures and incident reporting.
Supervision is provided proportionate to the experience and competency of each cleaner. Additional instruction is given when new equipment, substances or methods are introduced, or when work is carried out in unfamiliar or higher risk environments.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. They are recorded, investigated and used to identify any improvements needed in equipment, procedures or training. This helps prevent similar events occurring in future.
Emergency procedures are in place for situations such as fire, significant chemical spills or sudden illness at work. Cleaners are instructed to familiarise themselves with exit routes and assembly points at each site and to cooperate fully with any building specific emergency arrangements.
Consultation and Policy Review
Cleaners SW12 encourages open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are encouraged to raise suggestions or concerns so that they can be addressed promptly.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective for our cleaning services and service area. It may be updated at any time in response to changes in legislation, best practice, company operations or following the investigation of incidents.
By working together and following this policy, Cleaners SW12 aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional cleaning service while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, our clients and the wider community.