Hampstead Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Hampstead Cleaners is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles and arrangements for managing risks associated with our cleaning operations in homes, offices and commercial premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work activities. We will identify, assess and control risks and continually improve our health and safety performance. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making and daily operations.
Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within Hampstead Cleaners and will provide the leadership, resources, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to maintain safe working practices.
Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
Hampstead Cleaners complies with all applicable health and safety legislation and associated guidance relevant to the cleaning industry. We keep our procedures under review to reflect updates to regulations and recognised good practice.
Each employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. All staff are required to cooperate fully with company procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments for our cleaning activities, including routine tasks, periodic deep cleaning and any non-routine operations. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, work at height, electrical equipment and lone working.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements. Staff are briefed on the control measures required for each site and task, including use of protective equipment, safe handling techniques, restricted access areas and any specific client requirements.
Training, Competence and Supervision
Hampstead Cleaners provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training, task specific instruction and refresher training when needed. Training covers topics such as correct use of cleaning chemicals, safe operation of machinery, manual handling, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring safe working practices, ensuring that new staff are properly supported and that only competent personnel carry out higher risk tasks. Additional guidance is provided when introducing new equipment, products or methods.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
We manage cleaning chemicals in accordance with relevant control of substances requirements. This includes maintaining up to date safety data information, undertaking specific chemical risk assessments and ensuring that products are stored, handled, diluted and disposed of correctly.
Employees receive instruction on reading labels, using appropriate personal protective equipment and dealing with spillages. We select cleaning products with due regard to health, environmental impact and effectiveness, and avoid unnecessary use of hazardous substances where safer alternatives are reasonably practicable.
Cleaning Equipment and Electrical Safety
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other powered tools, is selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant standards. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Electrical leads are managed to prevent trip hazards and damage. Portable appliances are subject to inspection and testing at appropriate intervals. Only authorised personnel may alter or repair equipment, and employees are trained in safe operation and basic pre use checks.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling tasks such as moving waste bags, equipment and supplies are assessed and controlled to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, correct use of trolleys and the importance of avoiding awkward postures and overreaching.
Where possible, work is planned to reduce carrying distances and weights, and to make use of mechanical aids. Employees are encouraged to report any discomfort or concerns so that tasks can be reviewed and adjusted.
Work Environment, Housekeeping and Hygiene
Good housekeeping is an essential part of safe cleaning operations. Work areas are kept tidy, with equipment and materials stored safely when not in use. Cables, hoses and tools are positioned to minimise slip and trip risks to staff, clients and members of the public.
We promote high standards of hygiene for both staff and clients, including the use of appropriate disinfectants where required, safe waste handling and hand hygiene practices. Particular care is taken in washrooms, kitchens, healthcare related areas and other high contact environments.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, eye protection, masks or non slip footwear. Employees receive guidance on correct selection, fitting, use and maintenance of protective equipment and are required to wear it as instructed.
Lone Working and Site Security
Certain cleaning tasks are carried out outside normal business hours or in partially occupied premises. We assess the risks associated with lone working and implement measures such as agreed communication procedures, defined check in arrangements and clear instructions on access, security and emergency contacts.
Employees are briefed on site specific security requirements, including alarm systems, key handling and restrictions on allowing access to unauthorised persons during cleaning operations.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries, occupational health concerns and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures are established for fire, significant chemical spills, medical emergencies and other foreseeable events. Staff are made aware of local arrangements, including escape routes, assembly points and how to raise the alarm.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Hampstead Cleaners encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to share ideas for improving safety, and concerns are addressed in a timely and constructive manner. Where appropriate, we consult staff when introducing changes that may affect their health and safety.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legislation, industry standards and the evolving needs of our clients and workforce.
