Health And Safety Policy

West Hampstead Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

West Hampstead Cleaner is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all cleaning services we deliver in homes, offices, and commercial premises.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making, and we expect all employees and managers to take responsibility for implementing this policy in their day-to-day work.

We are committed to complying with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice. We will regularly review and update this policy to reflect changes in law, standards, and our own activities.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information, and supervision are provided to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for:

Ensuring staff follow agreed safe working procedures during cleaning tasks.

Checking that equipment and cleaning products are used correctly and safely.

Reporting hazards, accidents, and near-misses promptly to management.

All employees, including part-time and temporary staff, must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Use cleaning products, tools, and personal protective equipment as instructed.

Report any hazards, defects, spillages, or unsafe conditions immediately.

Cooperate with company policies, training, and instructions on safe working.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify and assess risks associated with our cleaning services, including use of chemicals, manual handling, slips and trips, work at height for reachable surfaces, electrical equipment, and working alone. Based on these assessments, we implement control measures and safe systems of work appropriate to each site and task.

Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and when new equipment, products, or work methods are introduced, or when there are significant changes to the premises or services provided.

Chemicals and Cleaning Products

We only use cleaning agents that are suitable for professional cleaning and are clearly labelled. Safety data for products are obtained from suppliers and are used to inform safe handling procedures.

Employees must always:

Follow manufacturer instructions and company guidance when diluting or using products.

Never mix cleaning chemicals unless specifically instructed and trained.

Store chemicals securely, upright, and away from children, food, and heat sources.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required, such as gloves or eye protection.

In case of spills or accidental contact with skin or eyes, employees must follow first aid guidance and report the incident to a supervisor.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Cleaning tasks often involve lifting, carrying, and using equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, and small tools. To prevent injury, employees receive guidance on safe manual handling techniques and the correct use of equipment.

Where possible, heavier items are handled using trolleys or other aids. Employees must avoid lifting loads that are too heavy for them and request assistance when needed.

All equipment is to be used only for its intended purpose and inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage. Defective equipment must be taken out of use and reported immediately.

Slips, Trips, and Housekeeping

Our cleaning activities can affect floor surfaces, especially when wet. To reduce slip and trip risks, we ensure:

Work areas are kept tidy, with tools and cables positioned to minimise trip hazards.

Wet floors are identified and where appropriate warning signs are used while floors are drying.

Spillages are cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

Staff wear suitable footwear that provides adequate grip and support.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, masks for specific tasks, or eye protection. Employees are trained on when and how to use protective equipment and must wear it as instructed. Damaged or defective items must be reported so they can be replaced promptly.

Lone Working and Client Premises

Many cleaning tasks are carried out at client premises, sometimes outside normal working hours. We recognise the additional risks associated with working alone or in unfamiliar properties.

Before starting work at a new location, staff are briefed on specific site risks, security arrangements, emergency exits, and any particular client instructions. Employees must keep in regular contact with their supervisor as agreed and must never put themselves at risk by entering areas they feel are unsafe.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All new employees receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including safe working methods, emergency arrangements, and reporting procedures. Ongoing training is provided when tasks change, new products are introduced, or additional risks are identified.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the staff member. We encourage open communication so that employees feel able to raise concerns and suggest improvements.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near-misses arising from our activities must be reported promptly to management. We investigate these events to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency exits, fire procedures, and the location of first aid supplies at each site where they work. In the event of fire, gas leaks, or other serious hazards, staff must follow local emergency instructions and prioritise safe evacuation.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We monitor compliance with this health and safety policy through supervision, inspections, and feedback from staff and clients. Where issues are identified, we take timely action to address them.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our cleaning services. Updates are communicated to all employees, and new versions replace previous editions from the date of issue.

By working together and following this policy, West Hampstead Cleaner aims to maintain high standards of health and safety for everyone affected by our work.