Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners NW2
Cleaners NW2 is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with cleaning work and maintaining safe conditions across all properties where we operate.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling hazards associated with cleaning activities. Management accepts full responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into all areas of planning and decision-making. Every employee is expected to cooperate in achieving high standards of safety and to take reasonable care of their own wellbeing and that of others who may be affected by their work.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
Cleaners NW2 complies, as far as is reasonably practicable, with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for the cleaning sector. We recognise our duty to provide safe systems of work, suitable equipment, appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision. Employees have a duty to follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and refrain from any acts that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for all cleaning tasks, taking into account the specific layout, access, usage, and occupancy of each site where we provide services. These assessments cover hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, work at height, electrical equipment, lone working, and exposure to cleaning chemicals. The findings are used to develop safe systems of work and clear method statements that our team must follow.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to working processes, equipment, substances used, or the environment in which we operate. Any incidents, near misses, or client feedback are considered as part of this review to support continuous improvement.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health COSHH
Cleaning agents and other substances used by Cleaners NW2 are controlled and managed to minimise risk. Safety data sheets are obtained for all relevant products and assessed before use. We select environmentally considerate and lower hazard products where practicable while maintaining effective cleaning standards.
Staff receive training on the correct dilution, application, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals. All containers are clearly labelled and kept in secure areas away from unauthorised access. Personal protective equipment is provided where required, and its proper use is mandatory when handling chemicals or working in higher risk environments.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
We ensure that all cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and electrical accessories, is suitable for the intended task and maintained in safe working order. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service immediately if any defect is identified.
Only trained personnel are authorised to use powered equipment. Staff receive instructions on safe operation, cable management to prevent trips, and the correct use of attachments and accessories. Electrical equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer guidance and is periodically checked by competent persons.
Manual Handling and Work at Height
Many cleaning activities involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling equipment and materials. Cleaners NW2 provides manual handling training so that staff understand how to assess loads, use correct posture, and employ mechanical aids or team lifting where appropriate. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by selecting lighter equipment and organising storage to minimise unnecessary movement.
Work at height is avoided wherever possible. When it is necessary, only suitable access equipment such as approved step ladders or platforms may be used, and only by personnel who have been trained in safe use. Standing on chairs, desks, or unstable surfaces is strictly prohibited.
Personal Protective Equipment PPE
Cleaners NW2 supplies personal protective equipment where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks, aprons, or protective footwear, depending on the task and site conditions. Employees are required to wear PPE as instructed, to look after it carefully, and to report any defects or loss immediately so that replacements can be arranged.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide initial induction training for all new staff, covering company health and safety procedures, emergency arrangements, accident reporting, and safe working methods. Task-specific training is delivered for specialist cleaning activities, chemical use, and equipment operation. Refresher training is carried out periodically or when there are changes in work practices.
Supervisors monitor staff performance on site to ensure compliance with this policy and with agreed safe systems of work. Any unsafe practice is addressed promptly through additional guidance, retraining, or disciplinary measures where required.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible, no matter how minor they may appear. This enables appropriate first aid, investigation, and corrective action to prevent recurrence. Records are maintained to identify trends and support improvements to our safety management.
Emergency procedures are explained to employees for each site, including the location of exits, assembly points, first aid provisions, and any site-specific rules. Staff are expected to follow client instructions in an emergency, cooperate with emergency services, and prioritise the safety of people over property.
Welfare, Hygiene, and Public Safety
Cleaners NW2 promotes good personal hygiene and welfare standards, particularly where staff are exposed to waste, sanitary facilities, or potentially contaminated materials. Suitable gloves and materials are provided for such tasks, and safe disposal methods are followed. Work areas are organised so that cleaning activities do not create unnecessary obstruction or risk to building users.
Where cleaning takes place in occupied premises, warning signs and barriers are used when floors are wet or when equipment may present a temporary hazard. We aim to schedule disruptive tasks to minimise inconvenience and risk to clients and the public.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains suitable, relevant, and effective for the cleaning services delivered by Cleaners NW2. Amendments may be made following changes in legislation, guidance, business activities, or in response to incidents and feedback. The latest version is communicated to all employees, and adherence to the policy is a condition of employment.
By implementing this policy and working together, Cleaners NW2 seeks to maintain a safe, healthy, and professional service for every client we serve.