Cleaners SW10 Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners SW10 is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with cleaning activities in homes, offices and other premises within our service areas.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We recognise our duty of care and expect all employees and subcontractors to share this commitment by working safely, following agreed procedures and reporting any concerns promptly.
Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan and deliver cleaning services. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that all staff can carry out their duties safely and responsibly.
Responsibilities
The management of Cleaners SW10 holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the company. Management will ensure that suitable resources are provided for maintaining safe systems of work, including equipment, cleaning products and personal protective equipment.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, monitoring working practices, conducting site-specific checks where required and supporting cleaners in addressing any health and safety issues.
All cleaners and operatives are required to:
Follow training and instructions given in relation to health and safety.
Use equipment, chemicals and protective items correctly and as intended.
Report hazards, accidents, near misses and defective equipment at the earliest opportunity.
Cooperate with management and clients on all health and safety matters.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Cleaners SW10 will carry out and maintain risk assessments for typical cleaning tasks, equipment and substances used in our work. Where necessary, additional site-specific risk assessments will be undertaken to address particular layouts, surfaces, access routes or client requirements.
From these assessments we develop safe working practices that cover, among other matters, safe use of ladders and step-stools, manual handling and lifting, electrical safety when using powered equipment, safe floor cleaning to reduce slip and trip risks, and appropriate use of warning signs in shared or public areas.
These assessments and work methods are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to working conditions, cleaning products, equipment or the type of premises being serviced.
Chemicals and COSHH
The cleaning products used by Cleaners SW10 are selected and managed to minimise risks to health and the environment while still delivering high standards of cleanliness. Hazardous substances are handled in line with applicable safety data and control measures.
We ensure that:
Cleaning chemicals are clearly labelled and stored safely when not in use.
Only trained staff handle concentrated products or specialist solutions.
Mixing of chemicals is strictly controlled and unauthorised combinations are prohibited.
Ventilation is considered when using products that may generate vapours or strong odours.
Staff are informed of potential exposure symptoms and action to take in case of accidental contact.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons and slip-resistant footwear, depending on the cleaning task and environment.
Employees must wear the protective items issued to them where specified and keep them in good condition. Damaged or worn PPE should be reported so that it can be replaced without delay.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. To reduce the risk of strains and injuries, our staff receive guidance on safe manual handling techniques and are encouraged to use trolleys or other aids where appropriate.
Heavy items should be broken down into smaller loads whenever possible, and cleaners are instructed not to move items that are beyond their capability or that present a risk to themselves or the property. Ergonomic considerations are also taken into account when selecting tools and equipment with the aim of minimising repetitive strain.
Equipment Safety
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other electrical items, must be maintained in safe working order. Cleaners SW10 ensures that equipment is inspected at appropriate intervals and removed from service if faults are detected.
Employees are required to:
Check equipment visually before use for obvious damage.
Use only company-approved tools and appliances.
Keep cables and hoses arranged to avoid trip hazards.
Unplug equipment correctly and never operate damaged machinery.
Training, Information and Supervision
Training is an essential part of our health and safety approach. New starters receive induction training that covers general safety rules, emergency procedures, proper use of chemicals and equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Ongoing refresher training is provided when new methods, products or machinery are introduced or where additional guidance is required. Supervisors carry out spot checks and provide on-the-job coaching to reinforce safe behaviour and correct any unsafe practices.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported so that appropriate first aid, follow-up action and investigation can take place. We maintain accurate records and use them to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Cleaners SW10 will cooperate with clients on emergency arrangements including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and access protocols. Our staff are instructed to familiarise themselves with these procedures when working at each site and to follow client-specific rules at all times.
Client and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect not only our staff but also clients, their employees, visitors and the general public. During cleaning operations, we take care to minimise disruption, cordon off or clearly indicate wet floors, manage trailing cables and store equipment safely when not in use.
Confidentiality and respect for client property are maintained at all times, and cleaners are instructed not to interfere with items that could pose a safety or security risk.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or following significant incidents, changes in legislation, or modifications to our services. Feedback from employees and clients is encouraged to help us identify areas where we can further improve safety performance.
By working together and adhering to the principles set out in this policy, Cleaners SW10 aims to maintain a safe, healthy and professional cleaning service across all locations in our operating area.