Health and Safety Policy for Cleaner Kingston upon Thames

Cleaner Kingston upon Thames is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way that protects 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 safe working practices across all cleaning activities carried out in residential and commercial premises in and around Kingston upon Thames.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards relating to cleaning operations.

Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services. Management provides leadership and resources, while every cleaner and contractor is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place and are regularly reviewed. Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on each site, monitoring standards, and addressing any issues that may arise during cleaning work.

All cleaning staff are required to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and report hazards, near misses, incidents or concerns without delay. Clients also have a role in providing safe access to their premises, sharing relevant health and safety information and notifying us of any changes that may affect our work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing or significantly changing any cleaning contract, we assess the potential risks associated with the tasks, premises and environment. Where necessary, site-specific risk assessments and method statements are prepared and communicated to the cleaning team. These assessments are reviewed periodically and following any incident or change in working conditions.

Safe systems of work are developed for routine tasks such as floor cleaning, washroom sanitation, kitchen cleaning, dusting at height, waste handling and the use of machinery. Staff are briefed on the correct procedures, including the sequence of work, equipment checks, signage requirements and safe access and egress routes.

Use and Control of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals are selected, stored, used and disposed of in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and applicable regulations. Hazard information is provided to staff, and substances are only used for their intended purpose. Where required, specific assessments are undertaken to evaluate exposure risks and to define control measures.

All chemicals are clearly labelled and kept in secure storage areas away from children, pets and food preparation zones. Staff are trained to avoid mixing incompatible products, to dilute concentrates correctly and to respond appropriately in the event of spills or accidental contact.

Equipment, Machinery and Personal Protective Equipment

We ensure that all cleaning equipment and machinery is suitable for its intended use, maintained in good condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management. Staff receive instruction on the safe operation of vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and any other tools used in their duties.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, eye protection and non-slip footwear, is provided where identified by risk assessment. Employees are required to wear and look after their protective equipment and to report any defects or the need for replacement.

Manual Handling and Work at Height

Manual handling tasks, including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, are assessed to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, encouraged to use handling aids where available and instructed to avoid unnecessary heavy lifting. Loads are reduced wherever practicable and work is organised to limit repetitive or awkward movements.

Any work at height, such as using step ladders or accessing raised areas for dusting and cleaning, is carefully controlled. Only suitable equipment is used, and staff are trained to check its condition, position it safely and avoid overreaching. Where work at height cannot be carried out safely, alternative methods are used.

Site Safety, Access and Housekeeping

We work in a way that protects both cleaning staff and building occupants. Wet floor signs and barriers are used where necessary to warn of temporary hazards. Cables, tools and materials are positioned to prevent trips, slips and falls. Emergency exits, fire equipment and alarm call points are kept clear at all times.

Good housekeeping is maintained during and after cleaning work. Waste is collected, segregated and disposed of in accordance with client requirements and local arrangements. At the end of each job, equipment and chemicals are removed or stored securely, and the area is left tidy and safe.

Training, Supervision and Communication

All cleaners receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering general health and safety, safe use of chemicals and equipment, manual handling, emergency procedures and site-specific rules. Training is refreshed as needed and whenever new methods or products are introduced.

Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. We encourage open communication, and staff are invited to raise health and safety suggestions or concerns. Important information is communicated clearly to ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe working environment.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents are recorded, investigated and used to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement. Where required, information is shared with clients to support joint learning.

Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including fire, evacuation, first aid needs and chemical spills. They must follow the emergency procedures that apply to each premises and cooperate fully with building management and emergency services.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our health and safety performance through site inspections, discussions with staff, incident analysis and feedback from clients. This policy and related procedures are reviewed periodically or following significant changes in legislation, operations or identified risks.

Cleaner Kingston upon Thames is committed to continually improving health and safety standards, promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring that our cleaning services are delivered with care for the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.