Health And Safety Policy

Cleaners Surrey Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Surrey manages health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public. We deliver professional cleaning services across Surrey and are committed to operating in a safe, responsible and legally compliant manner at all times.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Cleaners Surrey aims to prevent injury, ill health and accidents associated with cleaning work. We are committed to identifying and controlling risks linked to our activities in offices, commercial premises, residential properties and other environments where we operate. Our objectives are to provide safe systems of work, suitable equipment, effective training and clear communication so that cleaning tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Cleaners Surrey has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to implement this policy and that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, scheduling and delivery of all cleaning services.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Ensuring cleaners receive suitable induction and ongoing training. Providing and maintaining equipment and personal protective equipment in a safe condition. Assessing risks at client sites before work begins and reviewing them regularly. Monitoring compliance with procedures and addressing unsafe practices promptly. Encouraging staff to report hazards, incidents and near misses without fear of blame.

Employee Responsibilities

Every cleaner and member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Staff are required to:

Follow company procedures, method statements and training instructions at all times. Use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects. Co operate with supervisors and management on all health and safety matters. Report hazards, incidents, accidents and near misses as soon as possible. Refrain from misusing or interfering with anything provided for health, safety or welfare.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Cleaners Surrey carries out risk assessments for cleaning activities undertaken at offices, homes and other client premises within our service area. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling tasks, working at height, hazardous substances and lone working.

From these assessments we develop safe working procedures and method statements tailored to the tasks and environment. Staff are briefed on the relevant controls before work starts, and assessments are reviewed whenever conditions change or new risks are identified.

Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals are managed carefully to protect staff, clients and building users. We only use products that are suitable for professional cleaning and follow manufacturer safety information.

Our approach includes:

Storing chemicals securely and in original containers with correct labelling. Providing information and training on safe handling, dilution, use and disposal. Using appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and eye protection when required. Avoiding mixing incompatible chemicals and ensuring good ventilation where products are used. Keeping safety data information accessible to employees.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles, ladders and other tools, is inspected and maintained regularly. Damaged or faulty equipment is removed from use immediately and repaired or replaced.

Employees are trained in the correct operation of equipment to avoid electric shock, noise exposure, strain injuries and other risks. Only authorised and trained personnel may use specialist cleaning machinery.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Cleaning tasks can involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive movements. Cleaners Surrey seeks to minimise manual handling risks by using trolleys, long handled tools and other aids wherever possible.

Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, posture and work organisation to help prevent sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders. Heavy or awkward loads are risk assessed, and team lifting or mechanical assistance is used where appropriate.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Working at Height

We take particular care to control hazards that commonly affect cleaning staff and building users, including wet floors, trailing cables and obstacles in walkways.

Control measures include:

Using warning signs where floors are wet or being cleaned. Managing cables and equipment to avoid tripping hazards. Keeping work areas tidy and free from unnecessary obstructions. Using appropriate access equipment for work at height and ensuring it is stable and inspected. Prohibiting unsafe practices such as standing on chairs or makeshift platforms.

Lone Working and Site Security

Some cleaning tasks may be carried out outside normal business hours or in low occupancy areas. In such cases, we assess lone working risks and ensure appropriate controls such as check in procedures, emergency contacts and secure access arrangements are in place.

Staff are instructed not to put themselves at risk in the event of aggression, threats or unsafe conditions at any site within our service area. Any concerns about security or personal safety must be reported immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

Cleaners Surrey provides initial induction training for all new staff, covering general health and safety responsibilities, safe cleaning methods and emergency arrangements. Task specific training is provided for specialised work such as floor maintenance, carpet cleaning or use of powered equipment.

Refresher training is delivered periodically and whenever new procedures, chemicals or equipment are introduced. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to ensure safe standards are maintained.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as practicable. Reports are recorded, investigated and used to identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

We ensure that staff understand the emergency arrangements at each client site, including fire evacuation procedures, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. First aid provisions are reviewed for each working environment and staff are informed about how to obtain first aid assistance.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Cleaners Surrey is committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. We monitor compliance, review incidents and act on feedback from staff and clients to improve our systems and practices.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our cleaning services across Surrey.