Streatham Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Streatham Cleaner manages health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health and to provide safe, healthy working conditions across all locations where we operate.

1. Policy Statement

Streatham Cleaner is committed to maintaining the highest practicable standards of health and safety. We will provide appropriate resources, training, supervision and equipment to ensure that our cleaning services are delivered safely and responsibly.

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and industry guidance, and we will regularly review this policy to support continuous improvement.

2. Responsibilities

The management of Streatham Cleaner has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management duties include:

Ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, implemented and reviewed. Providing suitable equipment, cleaning products and personal protective equipment. Ensuring that staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training. Investigating incidents and taking corrective action where necessary.

All employees and contractors also have responsibilities. They must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, materials and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, near misses, incidents or defects to their supervisor without delay.

3. Risk Assessments and Safe Working Procedures

We undertake risk assessments for our cleaning tasks, equipment and working environments. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk and determine appropriate control measures.

Safe working procedures are developed based on these assessments and are communicated to all relevant staff. Typical areas covered include manual handling, working at height, use of electrical equipment, handling of cleaning chemicals, lone working and security, and working in occupied premises and shared spaces.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work activities, equipment or locations.

4. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Cleaning products and substances are controlled in line with recognised COSHH principles. Safety data sheets are obtained and maintained for all hazardous substances used in our work. We ensure that staff understand the risks associated with each product and the precautions required.

Where reasonably practicable, we select low risk or environmentally considerate cleaning agents. Chemicals are stored securely, in original containers with labels intact, and they are only used for their intended purpose. Decanting is minimised and, where necessary, carried out following strict procedures.

5. Personal Protective Equipment

Streatham Cleaner provides appropriate personal protective equipment to staff based on risk assessments. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective footwear and protective clothing.

Employees are required to wear PPE as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or loss immediately. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and is used alongside other control measures, not as a substitute for safe working practices.

6. Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training in health and safety before starting work. This includes training on company procedures, emergency arrangements, manual handling basics, use of equipment, and safe handling of chemicals. Task-specific training is provided for specialist equipment or higher risk activities.

Refresher training is provided as required to maintain competence. Supervisors and managers are expected to monitor work practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour promptly. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written procedures.

7. Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, floor machines and electrical accessories, is selected to be suitable for its intended use and maintained in a safe condition.

Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in accordance with manufacturer instructions and legal requirements. Defective or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately and clearly identified until repaired or replaced. Staff are trained to check equipment before use and to report any concerns.

8. Housekeeping, Slips and Trips

Good housekeeping is a core part of safe cleaning. Work areas must be kept as tidy and clutter free as practicable. Cables, equipment and products should be positioned to minimise trip hazards, and warning signs must be used whenever floors are wet, newly cleaned or otherwise slippery.

We plan cleaning schedules, including floor cleaning, to reduce risk to building users. Staff must ensure that signs are removed promptly once areas are safe and that any spillages are dealt with without delay.

9. Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling tasks such as lifting equipment, moving furniture or handling waste are risk assessed. Wherever possible, mechanical aids, team lifts and improved methods of work are used to reduce risk. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, posture and how to avoid overreaching or repetitive strain.

We encourage staff to report any discomfort early so that workloads or methods can be adjusted where reasonable.

10. Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that health and safety also includes welfare and wellbeing. Staff are encouraged to take appropriate breaks, stay hydrated and use welfare facilities provided at client premises where agreed. We aim to manage workloads reasonably and consider individual capabilities in work planning.

Any health conditions that may affect safe working should be disclosed in confidence so that appropriate adjustments can be considered, subject to operational requirements and privacy obligations.

11. Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

All staff must familiarise themselves with the emergency procedures and fire arrangements at each site where they work. This includes knowing the location of fire exits, alarm points, assembly points and first aid facilities.

Accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We will investigate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis and staff feedback. This policy and related procedures are reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our operations.

Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving safety. Constructive feedback supports our objective of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone affected by our cleaning services.

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities carried out by Streatham Cleaner and forms an integral part of our overall management system.