Cleaners Battersea Health and Safety Policy

Cleaners Battersea is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, promoting safe working practices, and complying with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The management of Cleaners Battersea recognises its duty to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property. Our objectives are to identify and control hazards associated with cleaning services, maintain safe systems of work, and ensure that all staff are competent to perform their duties safely. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current best practice.

We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by monitoring our activities, learning from incidents, and encouraging open communication about safety concerns.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management is responsible for providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure that this policy is implemented effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe working procedures, ensuring that staff follow guidance, use equipment correctly, and report hazards. They must also verify that suitable risk assessments are in place for each site and task.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow company procedures, cooperate with instructions and training, use personal protective equipment correctly, and promptly report accidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaners Battersea undertakes risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our cleaning activities, including general cleaning, deep cleans, end of tenancy cleans, commercial cleaning, and specialist tasks such as carpet and upholstery cleaning. Risk assessments are reviewed and updated whenever working practices, equipment, or locations change, or after any significant incident.

Findings from risk assessments are used to create safe systems of work and clear instructions for employees. These cover issues such as safe use of chemicals, correct manual handling techniques, use of equipment and machinery, access to high or confined areas, and dealing with waste and sharps where applicable.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

The company recognises the potential risks posed by cleaning chemicals. We select products carefully and ensure that they are used, stored, and disposed of in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant regulations. Safety data sheets are obtained and kept available for all hazardous substances.

Control measures under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations include using the least hazardous effective products, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, ensuring adequate ventilation, and training staff in safe dilution, application, and emergency procedures in the event of spills, splashes, or exposure.

Equipment and Electrical Safety

All cleaning equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, and other powered tools, is maintained in a safe condition. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out to reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or mechanical injury. Defective equipment is removed from use immediately and clearly identified until repaired or replaced.

Employees receive instruction on the correct operation of equipment, safe cable management, and the importance of visually checking plugs, leads, and casings before use. Where necessary, we liaise with clients to ensure that electrical supplies and sockets are suitable and safe for use.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Cleaning work often involves lifting, carrying, bending, stretching, and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strains and musculoskeletal injuries, we assess manual handling tasks and introduce measures such as using trolleys, dividing loads, and adjusting work methods where possible.

Staff are trained in correct manual handling techniques, safe lifting, pushing and pulling, and the importance of using tools and equipment to minimise physical effort. We encourage employees to report any discomfort or early signs of strain so that work practices can be reviewed and adjusted.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace accidents. Cleaners Battersea implements controls such as appropriate footwear, clear signage when floors are wet, good housekeeping, and careful placement of equipment and cables.

We cooperate with clients to maintain safe access and egress routes, adequate lighting, and secure storage areas for cleaning equipment and materials. Where work involves steps, ladders, or access equipment, staff receive training and follow strict procedures to reduce the risk of falls from height.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is issued where risk assessments show it is required. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective footwear, and clothing suitable for the task and environment. Staff are instructed on correct use, care, and replacement of PPE.

PPE is considered a last line of defence and is used alongside other control measures such as safe systems of work, engineering controls, and selection of safer products.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive health and safety induction training covering company procedures, site rules, emergency arrangements, and safe working methods relevant to their role. Further task-specific and refresher training is provided as needed, especially when new equipment, chemicals, or techniques are introduced.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is understood and followed. Additional guidance is given where necessary, and any repeated unsafe behaviour is addressed through further training and, if required, disciplinary procedures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. Records are kept, and investigations are carried out to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, and other foreseeable incidents. Staff are informed of emergency exits, assembly points, and first aid arrangements at each site where they work. Employees must cooperate fully with these arrangements and participate in any required drills.

Client Cooperation and Shared Responsibilities

Cleaners Battersea works in partnership with clients to maintain safe working environments. We expect clients to inform us of any known hazards, building rules, or restrictions that may affect our work, and to maintain safe premises, lighting, and facilities. Where duties are shared, we cooperate to clarify responsibilities and coordinate safety measures.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored through site inspections, feedback from staff and clients, analysis of incident reports, and periodic management reviews. Where deficiencies are identified, we take timely corrective actions and update risk assessments, procedures, or training as required.

Cleaners Battersea is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. All employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions and raise concerns so that we can maintain a safe, professional, and reliable cleaning service across our operating areas.