Health And Safety Policy
Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Tufnell Park
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Tufnell Park manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, clients, visitors and members of the public during the delivery of professional cleaning services. Our objective is to provide clean, hygienic environments while preventing accidents, injuries and damage to property.
1. Policy Statement
Cleaners Tufnell Park is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all cleaning activities. We will identify and control foreseeable risks, provide appropriate information, instruction and supervision, and continuously review our procedures to promote safe working practices. Every worker is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary workers and any person representing Cleaners Tufnell Park while carrying out cleaning tasks in residential, commercial or communal properties. It covers routine and one off cleaning services, including regular maintenance cleaning, deep cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, post construction cleaning and specialist tasks.
3. Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, suitable control measures are in place and staff are trained and equipped to work safely. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring day to day compliance, reporting issues and supporting staff in following safe systems of work. Cleaners must follow all safety instructions, use equipment and chemicals correctly, wear required personal protective equipment and immediately report hazards, near misses, accidents or incidents.
4. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting work at any premises, relevant risks will be assessed. These may include slip and trip hazards, manual handling, use of cleaning chemicals, work at height for tasks such as high level dusting, use of electrical equipment and interaction with building users. Findings of risk assessments will be used to create safe working methods appropriate to the specific site and type of cleaning carried out. These methods must be followed at all times.
5. Training, Supervision and Competence
All cleaners receive initial and ongoing training appropriate to their tasks. Training includes the safe use and storage of chemicals, understanding of product labels and safety information, correct use of equipment and tools, manual handling techniques, use of personal protective equipment, incident reporting procedures and emergency arrangements. New starters will be supervised until assessed as competent. Additional training is provided when new equipment, products or work methods are introduced.
6. Use of Cleaning Chemicals
Cleaning agents and disinfectants are selected to be effective yet as safe as reasonably practicable for the intended task. Staff are instructed to read and follow safety information supplied with each product. Chemicals are stored securely when not in use and must never be decanted into unlabelled containers. Cleaners must avoid mixing products, use only the recommended dilution rates, ensure adequate ventilation when using stronger products and prevent access to chemicals by children, pets and unauthorised persons while working on site.
7. Personal Protective Equipment
Cleaners Tufnell Park provides suitable personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, masks, aprons, eye protection and other items as required by the task and risk assessment. Employees must use the protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition and inform their supervisor if it becomes damaged or unsuitable. PPE is intended to supplement, not replace, other control measures such as safe working methods and correct handling of chemicals and equipment.
8. Safe Use of Equipment
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and extension tools, is maintained in safe working order. Electrical equipment is inspected periodically and removed from use if any defect is found. Staff must visually check leads, plugs and casings before use, avoid overloading sockets, keep cables away from water and heat sources, and disconnect equipment before cleaning or adjusting it. Only trained staff are allowed to operate specialised machines.
9. Manual Handling and Work Environment
To reduce the risk of strains and injuries, heavy items should be moved using trolleys or other aids where possible. Cleaners are trained to lift and carry safely and to avoid awkward postures and sudden movements. Work areas should be kept tidy, with equipment and materials stored in a way that minimises tripping risks. Wet floors must be clearly identified, and where appropriate, warning signs should be used to alert occupants to temporary hazards.
10. Hygiene, Welfare and Occupational Health
Good personal hygiene is encouraged at all times, especially when dealing with sanitary areas, kitchens or waste. Hands should be washed or sanitised regularly, particularly before eating or drinking and after handling refuse. Appropriate arrangements will be made for safe handling and disposal of waste materials, including any sharps or potentially contaminated items where applicable. Cleaners Tufnell Park will take account of any disclosed health issues that may affect the type of work undertaken or the control measures needed to protect the worker.
11. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken and lessons learned. Where injuries occur, first aid should be sought as necessary and the incident recorded. Cleaners must familiarise themselves with the emergency arrangements at each site, including fire exits, assembly points and procedures for raising the alarm. In the event of a fire, gas leak or other serious incident, personal safety takes priority over protection of property or equipment.
12. Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in working practices, equipment, legislation or the nature of services provided. Feedback from employees, clients and others is welcomed to help improve safety performance. Cleaners Tufnell Park aims to foster a positive safety culture, where concerns can be raised without hesitation and where good practice is recognised and shared.
By working together and following this policy, Cleaners Tufnell Park strives to deliver reliable, high quality cleaning services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.