Health And Safety Policy

Balham Cleaner Health And Safety Policy

Balham Cleaner is committed to providing 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 managing risks associated with cleaning activities in homes, offices and other premises within our service areas.

Policy Statement

We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. Health and safety considerations are integral to all planning and delivery of our cleaning services. Every member of staff is expected to follow this policy and work safely at all times.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. Management will provide appropriate resources, guidance and supervision so that safe working practices are understood and followed.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working methods, checking that staff use equipment correctly and raising any concerns about unsafe conditions or behaviours. They must ensure that risk assessments and safe systems of work are communicated clearly to all relevant staff.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use personal protective equipment as required, and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment And Safe Systems Of Work

Before work is carried out at a client site, we assess the potential hazards arising from cleaning activities, the working environment, equipment, materials and access arrangements. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes, such as new processes, products or areas to be cleaned.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work. These systems set out the correct methods for carrying out cleaning tasks, including any control measures, restrictions on use of equipment and requirements for personal protective equipment. Staff are required to follow these systems and report any issues that may affect their effectiveness.

Training, Information And Supervision

Balham Cleaner provides appropriate induction and ongoing training for all cleaners and support staff. Training includes safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals, correct use of tools and machinery, manual handling techniques, infection control, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Staff receive information on relevant risk assessments, safety data for products used and any specific site rules at client premises. Additional task-specific instruction is provided where necessary, for example when working in environments with vulnerable people or where special cleaning methods apply.

Competence is monitored through supervision, observation and refresher training. No employee is permitted to use machinery or undertake specialised tasks unless they have received suitable training and are considered competent.

Safe Use Of Cleaning Chemicals

We only use cleaning products that are suitable for their intended purpose and supported by appropriate safety data. Chemicals are stored securely, labelled correctly and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company procedures.

Where substances are subject to control under safety regulations, additional risk assessments are carried out to ensure that exposure is adequately controlled. Staff receive training on dilution, application, ventilation, safe disposal and what to do in the event of spills, contact with skin or eyes, or inhalation.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where risk assessments identify that it is required, for example gloves, masks, eye protection or protective clothing. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and look after it properly, reporting any defects or damage immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

PPE is selected to be suitable for the task, comfortable for the wearer and compatible with other equipment in use. Management is responsible for ensuring that adequate stocks of appropriate PPE are maintained.

Manual Handling And Use Of Equipment

Cleaning tasks can involve lifting, carrying and moving equipment or materials. To reduce the risk of injury, staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques and are encouraged to use trolleys or other aids whenever possible. Loads must be kept to a manageable weight and awkward or repeated movements should be minimised.

All equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles, ladders and other tools, is selected, maintained and used with safety in mind. Electrical equipment is checked regularly, and any item found to be damaged or defective is taken out of service and reported to management.

Slips, Trips And Falls

Cleaning work can create temporary slip and trip hazards, such as wet floors, trailing leads or misplaced tools. Our procedures aim to minimise these risks by using clear signage, working in sections, keeping areas tidy, and arranging cables safely. Staff must ensure wet floor signs are displayed when appropriate and removed once the area is safe.

Working At Height

Where cleaning tasks require work at height, such as reaching high surfaces or windows, appropriate equipment and methods are used. This may include the use of suitable step ladders or extendable tools. Staff are trained in safe techniques and must never improvise by standing on unstable objects or overreaching.

Infection Control And Hygiene

Balham Cleaner takes infection control seriously, especially in shared or high use environments. Colour-coded equipment and cloths may be used to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between areas such as kitchens, washrooms and general spaces. Staff are trained in correct cleaning sequences, appropriate disinfectant use and strict hand hygiene.

Incident Reporting And Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are kept to help identify trends and to support continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.

Employees are informed of the emergency arrangements in place at each client site, including fire safety procedures, evacuation routes and first aid arrangements. Staff must cooperate fully with site rules and follow instructions given by responsible persons in the event of an emergency.

Monitoring, Review And Continuous Improvement

Balham Cleaner regularly reviews its health and safety performance, procedures and risk assessments to ensure they remain effective and reflect current legislation, guidance and industry best practice. Feedback from employees, clients and any incident investigations is used to improve our systems and promote a positive safety culture.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is made available to clients on request. It will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to support the safe and reliable delivery of our cleaning services.