Cleaner Ilford Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaner Ilford manages the safety, health and welfare of employees, clients, visitors and members of the public affected by our cleaning activities. Our aim is to provide a clean environment while preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards.

Commitment to Health and Safety

Cleaner Ilford is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in every cleaning task and at every site. Management will provide the resources, planning, supervision and monitoring needed to implement this policy effectively and will review it regularly to ensure it remains up to date and suitable for our operations.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that safe systems of work are established, communicated and maintained. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including carrying out checks, addressing hazards and ensuring that staff follow procedures. Every cleaner and member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, to use equipment correctly and to report any concerns, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments are completed for all core cleaning activities, such as office cleaning, domestic cleaning, deep cleans, end of tenancy cleans and commercial work. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk and determine the control measures needed to reduce those risks to an acceptable level. Method statements and safe working procedures are developed from these assessments and made available to staff. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to tasks, equipment, products or working environments.

Training, Supervision and Competence

Cleaner Ilford ensures that staff receive appropriate training before carrying out any cleaning tasks. Training covers company health and safety rules, correct use of cleaning chemicals and equipment, manual handling techniques, safe lone working where applicable, emergency and first aid procedures, and reporting of hazards and accidents. New starters are closely supervised and ongoing refresher training is provided when necessary, for example after the introduction of new cleaning products or machinery. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment.

Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH

Cleaning chemicals are selected, stored, used and disposed of safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and legal requirements. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are carried out for all relevant products, and staff are instructed in safe handling, mixing, dilution and application. Chemicals are kept in clearly labelled containers, never decanted into unmarked bottles, and stored securely away from children, the public and food preparation areas. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection is provided where required and must be worn as instructed.

Equipment Safety

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and accessories, is maintained in good working order. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if faults are identified. Staff are trained to check power cables, plugs and attachments before use and to report defects immediately. Equipment is used only for its intended purpose and in line with training and manufacturer guidance, with particular care taken to avoid trip hazards from trailing leads and obstacles.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying and moving equipment or waste, are assessed and planned to minimise strain and injury. Where practical, trolleys and other mechanical aids are used to transport heavier items. Staff are trained in good handling techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting and seeking assistance with bulky or heavy items. Work is organised to reduce repetitive strain and awkward postures.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided at no cost to employees. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons or other clothing. Staff are required to use PPE correctly, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage. PPE is selected based on risk assessment and does not replace other control measures, but is used as part of a layered approach to safety.

Safe Working Environment

Cleaner Ilford works with clients to maintain safe conditions at all sites. Walkways are kept clear of obstacles where reasonably practicable, and wet floors are signposted using warning signs to prevent slips and falls. Cleaning schedules are organised to reduce risks to building users, for example by working in quieter periods or cordoning off areas when necessary. Particular care is taken in stairwells, entrances, kitchens and washrooms, where slip and trip risks may be higher.

Health, Welfare and Lone Working

The company takes reasonable steps to protect the health and welfare of its staff, including the consideration of working hours, adequate breaks and access to welfare facilities on client premises where possible. Where lone working cannot be avoided, suitable arrangements such as regular check-ins and clear procedures for escalation are implemented to minimise risks.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. An incident reporting system is in place so that events can be recorded, investigated and used to prevent recurrence. Staff are made aware of fire evacuation routes, assembly points and any site-specific emergency procedures at the locations where they work. First aid arrangements are communicated to staff and clients, and emergency contact procedures are clearly defined.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Ilford monitors compliance with this policy through supervision, site visits, incident reviews and feedback from staff and clients. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions are implemented and communicated. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, our services or working environments. Everyone working for Cleaner Ilford is expected to contribute to a positive health and safety culture by following guidance, raising concerns and participating in improvements.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Cleaner Ilford strives to deliver professional cleaning services while safeguarding the wellbeing of all those affected by our work.