Cleaners Bayswater Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Bayswater is committed to providing safe, reliable and high quality cleaning services. The health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public are central to the way we plan and deliver our work. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all locations where we operate.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work related ill health and to create conditions where cleaning tasks are carried out safely and efficiently. We seek to continually improve our safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice.
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure suitable arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, including monitoring standards and addressing any issues promptly. Every cleaner and contractor working on our behalf has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to follow all instructions, training and procedures provided.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify, assess and control risks associated with our cleaning activities. Before work begins, we carry out risk assessments that consider the nature of the premises, the tasks required, the equipment and products used, and any specific client requirements. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever work methods, products or sites change.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work and clear method statements. Staff are informed of any site specific hazards, restricted areas or special controls required, such as working near the public, in confined spaces, at height or outside normal working hours.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate health and safety induction training before starting work and ongoing training relevant to their role. This includes safe use of cleaning chemicals and equipment, manual handling, correct use of personal protective equipment, emergency arrangements, and procedures for reporting hazards and incidents.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training has been understood and applied correctly. Refresher training is provided when necessary, for example after an incident, when new equipment is introduced, or when work methods are updated.
Chemical Safety and Control of Substances
We only use cleaning products that are suitable for professional use and obtained from reputable suppliers. All hazardous substances are assessed for risk and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety regulations. Safety data information is available for all substances and staff are trained in their correct use, dilution, storage and disposal.
Chemicals are stored securely, clearly labelled and kept out of reach of unauthorised persons. We avoid decanting products into unlabelled containers and never mix incompatible substances. Ventilation is considered when using products that produce vapours or aerosols to reduce the risk of respiratory irritation.
Personal Protective Equipment
Suitable personal protective equipment is provided at no cost to employees where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, aprons and safety footwear. Staff are trained in the correct selection, use, removal and maintenance of protective equipment and are required to use it whenever specified by risk assessments or method statements.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
We aim to minimise manual handling by using appropriate tools and equipment such as trolleys, extendable poles and mechanical aids. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, staff receive training in safe lifting, carrying and moving techniques to reduce the risk of strain or injury.
All cleaning equipment is selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Electrical equipment is visually checked before use and removed from service if any defect is found. Faulty or damaged equipment is reported immediately and not used until repaired or replaced by a competent person.
Working Environment and Housekeeping
We plan our work to minimise disruption and maintain a safe environment for both staff and building users. This includes using warning signs, barriers or cones to mark wet floors or restricted areas, managing trailing cables to prevent trips, and keeping work areas as tidy as possible.
Spillages, breakages and other hazards are addressed promptly and reported to site contacts where appropriate. We take care to ensure that fire exits, escape routes and access to first aid facilities are not obstructed during cleaning operations.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences involving our staff or arising from our work must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent a recurrence.
Employees are informed of site specific emergency procedures, including fire evacuation arrangements and the location of first aid facilities. Cleaners are required to cooperate fully with building management and emergency services in the event of an incident or evacuation.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of protecting both physical and mental health. Work schedules are planned with reasonable workloads and breaks, and we encourage staff to raise any concerns about health, fatigue or stress. Where tasks present particular health risks, such as exposure to allergens, sharps or biological hazards, specific controls, training and protective measures are implemented.
Client Cooperation and Communication
We work closely with clients to ensure that our health and safety arrangements align with their site rules and procedures. Clients are asked to provide information on any known hazards in the areas where we operate, such as fragile surfaces, restricted access areas, security arrangements or specialist equipment.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters and invite clients to share any concerns or suggestions for improvement. Where joint responsibilities exist, we cooperate to agree practical and effective control measures.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and up to date with current legislation, guidance and best practice. Reviews also take into account feedback from staff and clients, incident investigations and changes in our operations.
By working together and following this policy, Cleaners Bayswater aims to provide a consistently safe and professional cleaning service in every environment where we operate.