Edgware Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Edgware Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This policy sets out our overall approach to managing health and safety across all cleaning activities and premises where we operate.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

The primary objectives of this health and safety policy are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, promote safe working practices, and ensure that all cleaning tasks are carried out in a controlled and responsible manner. We aim to provide clean, hygienic environments for our clients while minimising any risk arising from our operations.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant legislation, regulations and industry best practice for cleaning services.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Edgware Cleaner accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes providing clear direction, allocating resources and ensuring that safe systems of work are developed and followed.

Management will:

Assess risks associated with cleaning activities and implement appropriate control measures.

Provide and maintain safe equipment, tools and cleaning machinery.

Ensure safe storage, handling and use of cleaning chemicals and substances.

Provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision to employees.

Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and take action to prevent recurrence.

Review this policy and associated procedures at regular intervals and when significant changes occur.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees have an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. Every member of staff is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Employees must:

Follow all company health and safety procedures, safe systems of work and site rules.

Use personal protective equipment provided and keep it in good condition.

Handle cleaning chemicals and equipment only as instructed and never misuse them.

Immediately report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions to management.

Cooperate fully with any health and safety training, instruction or investigation.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Edgware Cleaner conducts risk assessments for its cleaning tasks, including routine and periodic work, to identify potential hazards and determine suitable control measures. These assessments cover, where relevant, manual handling, slips and trips, use of ladders or access equipment, electrical equipment, lone working, and cleaning chemicals.

Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements that detail how tasks must be carried out to minimise risk. Employees are briefed on these procedures and must adhere to them at all times.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Substances

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used with care to protect both people and the environment. We obtain and retain safety data sheets for all hazardous substances and ensure that all products are stored, diluted, labelled and disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and legal requirements.

Only trained staff are permitted to handle and mix cleaning chemicals. Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection or masks, is provided and must be worn as directed. Wherever reasonably practicable, less hazardous products and methods will be used.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning machinery and equipment used by Edgware Cleaner is maintained in a safe and serviceable condition. Regular inspections are carried out, and defective items are taken out of use immediately until repaired or replaced.

Employees receive training in the correct use, transportation and storage of equipment such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and other tools used during cleaning operations.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide suitable and sufficient health and safety training for all employees, appropriate to their role, experience and the type of cleaning work undertaken. This includes induction training for new starters and refresher training where needed.

Training covers key topics such as safe working practices, correct use of equipment, chemical safety, manual handling, emergency procedures and site-specific rules. Supervisors monitor compliance with procedures and provide additional guidance and support where necessary.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Edgware Cleaner provides personal protective equipment to employees at no cost. This may include gloves, eye protection, footwear with appropriate grip, protective clothing and respiratory protection where required.

Employees are responsible for wearing PPE as instructed, checking it before use and reporting any loss or damage so that it can be replaced promptly.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, cases of work-related ill health and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. They are recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement corrective actions.

Employees are instructed on emergency procedures relevant to the sites where they work, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of first aid facilities. Staff must cooperate fully with any emergency arrangements in place at client premises.

Client Premises and Visitors

When working on client premises, Edgware Cleaner staff will respect and follow any site-specific health and safety rules, permits, security requirements and access procedures. We will coordinate closely with clients to minimise disruption, manage shared risks and maintain safe conditions for building users.

Warning signs, wet floor signs and other barriers will be used where appropriate to warn visitors and occupants of cleaning in progress and reduce the risk of slips, trips or other incidents.

Monitoring and Review

Edgware Cleaner regularly reviews health and safety performance through inspections, audits, feedback from staff and clients, and analysis of incidents and near misses. Findings are used to improve procedures, training and working practices.

This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, work activities or organisational structure. The latest version is made available to all employees and to clients upon request.

By working together and following this policy, Edgware Cleaner aims to maintain a safe, healthy and professional cleaning service for everyone involved.