Cleaners Waterloo Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Waterloo is committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions for all employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health across all properties and environments where we provide cleaning services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this policy is to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into every aspect of our cleaning operations. Our objectives are to:
Identify and manage risks associated with cleaning tasks and environments.
Provide safe equipment, materials, and methods of work.
Ensure staff are trained, competent, and supervised as necessary.
Promote a culture of safety, consultation, and continuous improvement.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Cleaners Waterloo has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:
Allocate appropriate resources to support safe working practices.
Ensure effective risk assessments are carried out, recorded, and regularly reviewed.
Provide and maintain safe tools, equipment, and cleaning products.
Develop safe systems of work and ensure they are clearly communicated.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implement corrective actions.
Regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work. Employees must:
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions, and training provided.
Use equipment, protective clothing, and materials correctly and safely.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, and near misses immediately to a supervisor.
Cooperate fully with management in the implementation of this policy.
Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Cleaners Waterloo undertakes risk assessments for cleaning tasks in homes, offices, and other premises within our service area. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and specify control measures to minimise harm. Safe systems of work are then developed to address identified risks, and all staff are expected to follow them.
Risk assessments may include, but are not limited to, slip and trip hazards, manual handling risks, working at height, use of cleaning chemicals, electrical safety, lone working, and security at client premises. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment, or the working environment.
Training, Instruction, and Supervision
All new staff receive induction training covering general health and safety rules, emergency procedures, incident reporting, and safe use of cleaning equipment and materials. Task-specific training is provided for particular duties such as carpet cleaning, use of machinery, or working in higher risk areas.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff are competent to carry out their duties and that ongoing training needs are identified and met. Refresher training is provided when necessary, particularly following the introduction of new equipment, products, or procedures.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
Cleaners Waterloo recognises the potential risks associated with cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances. We only use products that are appropriate for the task and obtain relevant safety information for each substance. Staff are trained to:
Read and understand safety data information provided with products.
Use the correct dilution, application method, and contact time.
Avoid mixing chemicals and follow appropriate storage requirements.
Wear suitable personal protective equipment when required.
Ensure good ventilation where necessary.
All containers must be clearly labelled, and decanting into unmarked bottles is strictly prohibited.
Personal Protective Equipment
Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective footwear, is provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and keep it in good condition. Any defects or loss of equipment must be reported so that replacements can be arranged promptly.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of injury from lifting, carrying, and moving equipment, furniture, or waste. Heavy or awkward loads must be assessed and, where possible, handled using trolleys, additional assistance, or alternative methods.
All electrical equipment and cleaning machinery used by Cleaners Waterloo must be maintained in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Staff must carry out pre-use visual checks, remove faulty equipment from use, and report defects immediately.
Slips, Trips, and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping practices are essential to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Wet floors must be clearly identified using warning signs, and cleaning tasks should be organised to minimise disruption to building users. Spills must be cleaned promptly and safely. Cables, tools, and equipment should be positioned to avoid creating tripping hazards.
Lone Working and Security
Where staff work alone at client premises or outside normal hours, additional precautions may be implemented. These may include pre-arranged check-in procedures, secure access arrangements, and restrictions on certain high-risk activities when working alone. Employees must follow agreed lone working procedures and be aware of any site-specific security requirements.
Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures at each site, including fire exits, assembly points, and first aid arrangements. In the event of an accident, incident, or near miss, the details must be reported promptly to a supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken and, where necessary, records updated.
Consultation and Policy Review
Cleaners Waterloo is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters and encourages feedback on improving safety in day-to-day cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in regulations, best practice, or the nature of our services, ensuring ongoing protection for our staff and clients.