Cleaners Fulham Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Fulham is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, clients, subcontractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with professional cleaning services and supports our aim to deliver high quality work while preventing injury, ill health and damage to property.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all cleaning activities in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our operations. We will identify, assess and control hazards related to domestic and commercial cleaning, and we will continually improve our practices in line with current guidance and industry standards.
Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide the resources, information and training necessary for safe working practices. All employees are required to cooperate with this policy and follow site specific instructions at every location where Cleaners Fulham operates.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, assessing risks, providing suitable equipment and setting clear procedures. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring day to day compliance, reporting issues and supporting cleaners with guidance and training.
Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes using equipment correctly, following training and instructions, reporting hazards or incidents promptly and cooperating with any investigations or improvements.
Clients also have a role in maintaining safe conditions by informing us of any known hazards at their premises and ensuring that areas are accessible, adequately lit and free from unnecessary obstructions before work begins.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will conduct risk assessments for cleaning tasks undertaken in homes, offices, communal areas and other premises within our service area. These assessments will consider factors such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, lone working and work at low height such as steps or small ladders where applicable.
Based on each assessment, we will implement safe systems of work, specify appropriate cleaning methods and provide instructions to cleaners. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, locations, equipment or substances used.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Cleaners Fulham will use cleaning products that are appropriate for professional use and, where possible, select low hazard alternatives. All substances will be stored, handled and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety data information.
Cleaners will be trained in correct dilution, application and disposal of cleaning agents and will never mix chemicals or use unlabelled containers. Adequate ventilation will be maintained when using products that may release vapours or aerosols. Any incidents involving chemicals, such as spills or accidental contact, must be reported immediately so that appropriate first aid and follow up action can be taken.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance
We will provide suitable cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, mops, cloths and specialist tools, that is safe, well maintained and appropriate for the tasks undertaken. All equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from service if defects are identified.
Personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective clothing, eye protection or masks will be provided where required by risk assessments. Employees must use this equipment correctly and report any damage or issues so that replacements can be arranged. Equipment will be cleaned and stored securely when not in use to avoid damage or contamination.
Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing
Cleaning tasks often involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive movements. Cleaners Fulham will minimise manual handling risks by using lightweight tools, suitable trolleys and efficient methods for moving materials and waste. Staff will receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and posture.
Tasks will be organised, as far as reasonably practicable, to avoid excessive strain, overreaching, working in awkward positions or rushing. Where a load is too heavy or awkward to move safely, cleaners must seek assistance or use mechanical aids rather than attempt the task alone.
Housekeeping, Slips, Trips and Falls
Good housekeeping is essential to safe cleaning operations. Work areas will be kept tidy, with trailing leads, equipment and materials organised to reduce the risk of tripping. Wet floors will be cleaned methodically and, where necessary, warning signs will be placed to alert occupants to the temporary hazard.
Spillages will be dealt with promptly, and cleaners will avoid leaving unattended buckets, tools or waste bags in walkways, stairwells or entrances. Particular care will be taken in shared corridors and communal areas served by Cleaners Fulham to protect residents, staff and visitors from slip and trip risks.
Lone Working and Security
Where cleaners work alone, appropriate measures will be taken to protect their welfare, including agreed check in procedures and clear instructions for accessing and leaving premises safely. Cleaners Fulham will ensure that entry arrangements, keys and alarm systems are used securely and responsibly.
Cleaners must be alert to personal safety, avoid confrontation and immediately withdraw from any situation that feels unsafe, reporting it to management without delay.
Training, Information and Supervision
All cleaners will receive induction training covering this Health and Safety Policy, emergency procedures, hazard awareness and safe use of cleaning products and equipment. Ongoing training will be provided when new methods, tools or substances are introduced, or when risk assessments identify additional needs.
Supervisors will monitor performance to ensure that safe practices are followed consistently across the areas served by Cleaners Fulham. Additional coaching or refresher training will be arranged where necessary to maintain high safety standards.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Cleaners Fulham will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Cleaners will be informed of emergency arrangements at each site, including fire exits, evacuation routes and assembly points. They must follow any local instructions and cooperate fully with building managers, clients or emergency services where appropriate.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Health and safety performance will be monitored through inspections, incident reports, staff feedback and client comments. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the evolving nature of our cleaning services.
Cleaners Fulham encourages open communication about health and safety matters. Suggestions for improving safety procedures or equipment are welcomed from all staff and clients and will be considered as part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe, reliable and professional cleaning services.