Cleaners Brixton Health and Safety Policy Statement

Cleaners Brixton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in connection with the professional cleaning services we provide in homes, offices and commercial premises.

We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to exceed minimum requirements wherever reasonably practicable. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan, organise and deliver our services.

Objectives and Responsibilities

Our main health and safety objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, work-related ill health and damage to property; to identify and control hazards associated with cleaning tasks; and to ensure that all work is carried out safely and with minimal risk to people and the environment.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information, instruction and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site and for monitoring the performance of cleaners. Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with all safety procedures and instructions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our cleaning operations. These assessments identify potential hazards, the people who may be affected, and the control measures required to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work for tasks such as floor cleaning, high dusting, washroom cleaning, waste handling and the use of cleaning machinery. Employees must follow all safe working procedures, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and report any hazards or concerns immediately to their supervisor.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances are selected, stored, used and disposed of in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable safety standards. We undertake specific assessments for substances used in our work and ensure that staff receive information on correct handling, dilution, ventilation requirements and first aid measures.

All containers are clearly labelled and kept in secure areas away from unauthorised persons. Employees are instructed never to mix chemicals unless specifically directed in the product guidance and to avoid decanting into unmarked bottles. Where possible, we favour products that minimise risk to health and the environment while still delivering effective cleaning performance.

Personal Protective Equipment and Uniform

We provide suitable personal protective equipment for identified tasks, which may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons and slip-resistant footwear. Employees are required to use this equipment as instructed, to keep it in good condition and to report any damage or defects for replacement.

Uniform and protective clothing are selected to support safe working, particularly in environments where there is a risk from spills, sharp objects or contamination. Staff must not wear loose items or jewellery that could get caught in equipment or create additional safety risks.

Manual Handling and Working at Height

Cleaning operations can involve lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling equipment, bins and materials. We aim to reduce manual handling wherever possible through the use of trolleys, wheeled containers and lightweight tools. Employees receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, posture and how to recognise tasks that present excessive strain.

Where work at height is required, such as cleaning high surfaces or internal windows, only suitable equipment such as step ladders or platforms approved for the purpose may be used. Improvised methods are not permitted. Staff are trained in the correct use of access equipment and instructed never to overreach or use unstable surfaces.

Cleaning Equipment and Electrical Safety

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other electrical tools, is selected for safety, maintained regularly and inspected for signs of damage or wear. Defective equipment is removed from use immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Employees are instructed to check cables, plugs and casings before use, to avoid running cables across walkways where they might create trip hazards, and to disconnect equipment safely before cleaning or adjusting it. Equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with the instructions provided during training.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide initial and ongoing training to all cleaners on health and safety matters relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, safe use of chemicals and equipment, emergency procedures and reporting of incidents.

Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed correctly, standards are maintained and new or young workers are given appropriate guidance. Health and safety information is communicated clearly and reviewed periodically to ensure it remains current and effective.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve safety controls. We maintain appropriate records of accidents and take corrective action where necessary to prevent recurrence.

Employees are encouraged to report hazards, unsafe conditions or practices without fear of blame, and we treat all reports seriously. Where incidents involve our clients or members of the public, we cooperate fully in any investigation and share relevant findings and improvements.

Welfare, Hygiene and Infection Control

We promote good personal hygiene and safe working practices to help protect staff and clients from infection risks. This includes clear procedures for handling sanitary waste, bodily fluids and contaminated materials, as well as appropriate use of disinfectants and cleaning schedules for high-touch surfaces.

Staff are expected to maintain high standards of personal cleanliness, to wash hands regularly and to use protective equipment when required. Where work involves environments with particular hygiene risks, enhanced controls and training are implemented.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, materials or relevant legislation. We seek feedback from employees and clients to help identify areas for improvement and to ensure that the policy remains practical and effective.

By working together to follow this policy, Cleaners Brixton aims to provide reliable, professional cleaning services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.