Stockwell Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Stockwell Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements that guide our approach to managing risk and maintaining safe working conditions across all cleaning activities.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, managing risks, providing clear instructions, and ensuring that all cleaning work is carried out safely, efficiently, and with due regard for the environment.

Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide appropriate resources, training, and supervision to support this policy. All employees are required to cooperate fully in its implementation.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for:

Setting and reviewing health and safety standards for all cleaning tasks, including routine, deep, and specialist cleaning services. Ensuring that risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place, communicated, and followed. Providing suitable equipment, materials, and personal protective equipment that are maintained in good condition. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses and implementing corrective actions.

Supervisors are responsible for:

Ensuring that employees understand and follow health and safety procedures on each site. Checking that cleaning chemicals and equipment are used correctly and stored safely. Monitoring working practices and addressing any unsafe behavior or conditions. Reporting hazards and incidents to management promptly.

Employees are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following training, instructions, and safety procedures at all times. Using equipment, materials, and protective gear properly and reporting any defects immediately. Not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health, safety, or welfare.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our cleaning activities, considering hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, working at height for tasks like high-level dusting, and work in occupied premises.

From these assessments, we develop safe working practices tailored to the type of premises and the services provided. These include procedures for floor cleaning, waste handling, sanitary cleaning, office cleaning, residential cleaning, and end of tenancy cleaning. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to the work or environment.

Training, Supervision, and Communication

All staff receive induction training that covers general health and safety rules, emergency arrangements, accident reporting, and site-specific requirements. Additional instruction is provided on the safe use of cleaning chemicals, correct operation of machinery such as vacuum cleaners and floor equipment, and proper manual handling techniques.

Supervisors provide day-to-day guidance and ensure that new or inexperienced staff are adequately supported. We promote open communication so that employees feel able to raise concerns or suggest improvements to health and safety arrangements.

Chemical Safety and Control of Substances

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used in accordance with safety data information and risk assessments. Only authorised products are permitted. Staff are trained in correct dilution, application, and disposal methods, as well as in the importance of not mixing incompatible substances.

Chemicals are stored securely, clearly labelled, and kept in suitable containers. Where required, appropriate ventilation, eye protection, gloves, or other protective measures are used to reduce exposure and prevent harm.

Equipment, Maintenance, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used in our cleaning operations, including electrical appliances, floor machines, and ladders, is maintained in safe working order. Regular checks are carried out, and defective equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided where needed, such as gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, masks, or goggles. Employees must wear the items specified for each task and report any damage or loss immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, work-related ill health, and near misses must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. Details are recorded, investigated, and reviewed to identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence. Where necessary, procedures, training, or equipment will be adjusted in light of lessons learned.

Emergency Procedures

We follow site-specific emergency arrangements for fire, evacuation, first aid, and other incidents. Staff are informed of the procedures relevant to each location, including escape routes and assembly points. Employees must cooperate fully with emergency instructions and participate in any drills organised by the premises management.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Stockwell Cleaner values input from employees and clients regarding health and safety. Suggestions and concerns are taken seriously and considered as part of our continuous improvement process. Regular reviews of this policy and associated procedures are carried out to ensure they remain suitable, effective, and aligned with current best practice.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, our operations, or the nature of the cleaning services we provide. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and made available to clients upon request.

By working together and following this policy, Stockwell Cleaner aims to deliver high-quality cleaning services while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.