Cleaner Clapham Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaner Clapham manages and promotes safe working practices for all cleaning services. Our aim is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our activities.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, to identify and control hazards associated with our cleaning operations, and to ensure that health and safety is integrated into all planning and decision-making processes.

Health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined, communicated and understood at all levels of the company. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate fully with Cleaner Clapham in implementing this policy.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Cleaner Clapham is responsible for providing effective leadership on health and safety matters. This includes allocating sufficient resources, ensuring that competent persons are appointed to advise on health and safety, and regularly reviewing performance.

Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for all relevant cleaning tasks, that safe systems of work are developed and implemented, and that appropriate equipment, products and personal protective equipment are supplied and maintained in safe condition.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees must follow the safe working procedures provided, attend mandatory training sessions and use personal protective equipment correctly. Staff must report any hazards, near misses, accidents or incidents without delay.

Employees are expected to maintain good housekeeping standards in all areas where they work, to handle equipment and cleaning products safely, and to avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Clapham conducts systematic risk assessments for its cleaning services, including but not limited to routine office cleaning, domestic cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning and specialist tasks such as deep cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms.

For each type of work, hazards are identified, risks are evaluated and appropriate control measures are put in place. These may include the use of warning signs, controlled access to work areas, specific methods for handling sharps or waste, and procedures for working at height when required.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever work practices, equipment or cleaning products change, or following an accident or incident that suggests existing controls are not sufficient.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Many cleaning tasks involve the use of chemical products. Cleaner Clapham manages these substances in accordance with relevant control of hazardous substances requirements.

We ensure that safety data is obtained and reviewed for all cleaning products used. Where necessary, specific assessments are carried out and clear instructions are provided on dilution, application, storage and disposal. Staff are trained not to mix incompatible products and to use only chemicals supplied or approved by Cleaner Clapham.

Suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and eye protection is provided as required, and staff are instructed in its correct use and maintenance.

Equipment and Manual Handling

All equipment used for cleaning, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other powered tools, is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose. Faulty equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Manual handling tasks, such as moving furniture or carrying cleaning materials, are assessed and controlled to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff receive training on safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and the importance of avoiding unnecessary strain.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Cleaner Clapham provides appropriate personal protective equipment based on the specific tasks undertaken. This may include gloves, aprons, footwear with suitable grip, masks and eye protection.

Employees must wear the specified equipment when required and keep it clean and in good condition. Any defects or losses must be reported promptly so replacements can be issued.

Good personal hygiene is essential, particularly when handling waste or working in sanitary areas. Staff are instructed to wash hands regularly, especially before breaks and after completing cleaning tasks involving contamination risks.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to the relevant supervisor or manager. Cleaner Clapham keeps accurate records of these events and investigates them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as fires, chemical spills, electrical hazards and medical emergencies. Staff receive information and training on how to respond, including safe evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of first aid provisions where applicable.

Training, Communication and Consultation

Health and safety training is provided to all new employees as part of their induction and is refreshed at appropriate intervals. Additional task-specific training is given when employees are assigned to new duties or when new equipment or cleaning products are introduced.

Cleaner Clapham ensures that health and safety information is communicated clearly using verbal instructions, written procedures and signage as necessary. We encourage open communication and consultation on health and safety matters so that employees can raise concerns and contribute to improvements.

Monitoring, Audit and Review

The effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy is monitored through regular inspections, audits and performance reviews. Any weaknesses or non-conformities identified are addressed through corrective and preventive actions.

This policy is reviewed periodically, and also in response to significant changes in operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and made available to clients on request.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Clapham is committed to maintaining high health and safety standards across all cleaning activities. By working collaboratively with employees, clients and other stakeholders, we seek to foster a positive safety culture and to continuously improve the way we manage health and safety in the delivery of our services.