Health And Safety Policy

Cleaner Ealing Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Ealing is committed to providing cleaning services that are delivered safely, responsibly, and in full consideration of the wellbeing of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing accidents and ill health, and promoting a positive safety culture across all cleaning operations.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all cleaning activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property or the environment. We aim to:

- Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
- Identify, assess, and control risks associated with cleaning tasks, equipment, and substances.
- Provide clear instructions, information, and training to our staff and, where appropriate, to clients.
- Continuously improve our health and safety performance through monitoring and review.

Responsibilities and Organisation

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources, and competent advice are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring standards, and reporting issues or concerns.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear the required personal protective equipment, and immediately report defects, hazards, incidents, or near misses.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Ealing undertakes risk assessments for its cleaning activities in homes, offices, and commercial premises. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, lone working, and work at height using steps or small ladders.

From these assessments we develop and implement safe systems of work, including method statements and task-specific instructions. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in processes, equipment, or environments, or following an incident.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All new staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, reporting procedures, emergency arrangements, and safe use of cleaning materials and equipment. Task-specific training is provided for duties such as machine operation, floor care, washroom cleaning, and handling waste.

Refresher training is delivered as needed to maintain competence and to introduce updated procedures or new products. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to ensure standards are maintained and that staff feel supported in raising health and safety concerns.

Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaner Ealing selects cleaning products that are effective yet as safe and environmentally responsible as practicable. For substances that may present hazards, we carry out assessments in line with relevant regulations and maintain safety data information for reference.

Employees are trained to use chemicals strictly according to manufacturer instructions, to avoid mixing products, and to store them securely when not in use. All chemical containers must be clearly labelled and kept away from children, pets, food, and sources of heat. Spillages are dealt with promptly and safely, using appropriate absorbent materials and protective equipment.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and small electrical tools, is purchased and maintained to recognised safety standards. Equipment is inspected regularly to ensure it is in safe working order, with defective items taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Staff are instructed not to tamper with safety devices, to check cables and plugs before use, and to disconnect appliances from the power supply before cleaning or maintenance. Equipment is used only for its intended purpose and in line with training and operating instructions.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling tasks are minimised where reasonably practicable through the use of trolleys, wheeled containers, and other aids. When lifting or moving loads cannot be avoided, staff receive guidance on correct techniques and on recognising their own limits.

We encourage employees to arrange work in a way that reduces repetitive strain, awkward postures, and overreaching. Heavier or bulkier items are handled by two people where appropriate, and work is planned to avoid unnecessary carrying up and down stairs.

Control of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Cleaning work can increase the risk of slips and trips due to wet floors, trailing leads, or obstacles. To manage these risks, we:

- Use appropriate cleaning methods and products to ensure floors dry as quickly as possible.
- Display warning signs where floors are wet or cleaning is in progress.
- Keep walkways clear of equipment, waste, and personal items.
- Use cable management practices to reduce trip hazards from electrical leads.

Lone Working and Site Security

Where staff work alone or outside normal hours, we evaluate the risks and implement control measures such as communication procedures, check-in arrangements, and clear instructions on personal safety. Employees are expected to follow access instructions for each site, to secure premises appropriately, and to report any concerns about security or suspicious activity.

Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

Cleaner Ealing recognises the importance of welfare facilities such as access to toilets, washing facilities, and drinking water. We work with clients to ensure that such facilities are available for our staff at the premises where we operate.

We are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our team by encouraging open communication, responding to concerns, and managing workloads as reasonably as possible. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences, and near misses must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, we will investigate incidents to determine root causes and take corrective and preventative action.

Emergency Procedures

Cleaner Ealing ensures that employees are familiar with emergency procedures relevant to the sites they attend, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of first aid provisions where this information is provided by the client. Staff must follow the instructions of site managers or emergency services at all times.

Consultation and Policy Review

We welcome feedback from employees and clients on health and safety matters and will consult with staff when introducing significant changes to work practices or equipment. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our cleaning services.

By working together to follow this policy and associated procedures, Cleaner Ealing aims to maintain a safe, healthy, and professional cleaning service for all.