Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Maida Vale
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our cleaning activities in Maida Vale and the surrounding areas. Our aim is to protect cleaners, clients, visitors, contractors, and the general public from harm while delivering high quality cleaning services in homes, offices, and commercial premises.
We are committed to complying with all applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry standards. We regularly review our policy to keep it effective, up to date and aligned with our operational practices.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Effective health and safety management depends on clear responsibilities at every level of the business.
Management is responsible for providing suitable resources, safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and relevant training. Management also ensures that risk assessments are completed, documented, and reviewed periodically, and that suitable control measures are implemented and monitored.
Supervisors, where appointed, are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy, checking that cleaners follow safe practices, use equipment correctly, and report hazards promptly. They also communicate any changes in procedures or risk assessments to cleaners and, where appropriate, to clients.
Cleaners are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their work. This includes following all training and instructions, using personal protective equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents, and never undertaking tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Management
Before commencing cleaning work at a new property or site, we assess potential hazards and identify appropriate control measures. This may include, for example, slip and trip risks, manual handling tasks, working at height on steps or small ladders, electrical risks from equipment, chemical usage, and security considerations for lone working.
Risk assessments are reviewed whenever there is a significant change to work activities, equipment, cleaning products, or the layout of the premises. Cleaners are expected to familiarise themselves with relevant risk assessments and follow the control measures described.
Any new or previously unidentified hazard must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Where an immediate danger exists, work must be stopped until the hazard is controlled or removed.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Substances
Cleaning products are selected and used in accordance with safety data sheets and applicable control of substances regulations. We seek to use the least hazardous products that are effective for the task, and we provide clear guidance on safe dilution, application, and storage.
Cleaners must:
Use only approved products and follow label instructions and training provided. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, or masks, when handling chemicals. Avoid mixing chemicals under any circumstances. Ensure adequate ventilation when using products that may release vapours. Store chemicals securely, upright, and away from children, pets, food, and heat sources.
Spillages of chemicals must be dealt with promptly using safe methods and any affected area must be clearly identified until it is safe for use.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
We provide cleaning equipment that is suitable for its intended use and properly maintained. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and any other electrical or mechanical tools used during cleaning.
Cleaners must inspect equipment before use and must not use damaged or defective items. Any defect, unusual noise, damaged cable, or missing guard must be reported immediately so that the item can be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
Electrical equipment must only be connected to appropriate sockets and never used with wet hands or in standing water. Cables should be routed to avoid trip hazards and not be trapped under doors or heavy furniture.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing. The type of equipment provided depends on the nature of the work and the substances used.
Cleaners must use the personal protective equipment provided in accordance with training and instructions and report any loss, damage, or defect so that it can be replaced. Personal protective equipment must be kept clean and stored correctly between uses.
Manual Handling and Safe Working Practices
Many cleaning tasks involve manual handling, such as moving equipment, carrying supplies, and shifting light furniture. We aim to minimise manual handling risks by using trolleys and other aids, planning tasks properly, and training cleaners in correct lifting techniques.
Cleaners must avoid lifting or moving items that are excessively heavy or awkward, must not attempt tasks beyond their capability, and should request assistance if they are unsure about the safety of moving an object. Where possible, items should be pushed rather than carried and loads should be kept close to the body.
When using steps or small ladders, cleaners must ensure they are stable, positioned on an even surface, and not overreached. Work at height should be kept to a minimum and must not be undertaken on unsuitable surfaces.
Lone Working and Security
Some cleaning tasks may be carried out by a single cleaner at a client’s property or at a commercial site outside normal business hours. In such cases, lone working guidelines apply.
Cleaners must ensure that someone is aware of their location and expected time of completion, follow agreed check in procedures where provided, and secure the property on entry and exit in line with client instructions. Doors should be locked while working where this does not compromise fire safety, and cleaners must not allow unauthorised persons to enter the premises under any circumstances.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, property damage, or dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate, take corrective action, and improve our safety arrangements.
Cleaners must familiarise themselves with emergency exits, fire alarm points, and evacuation routes at each site. In the event of fire, serious injury, or any situation posing immediate danger, work must stop and appropriate emergency services must be contacted by the responsible person on site.
Minor first aid should be administered only by those who are competent to do so. Any first aid provided should be recorded and notified to management.
Training, Communication and Policy Review
We provide initial and ongoing health and safety training relevant to each cleaner’s role. This covers safe use of equipment, chemical safety, manual handling, lone working procedures, and site specific instructions where required.
Cleaners are encouraged to raise concerns, make suggestions, and participate in improving health and safety practices. We promote open communication with both staff and clients to ensure that risks are identified early and managed effectively.
This policy is reviewed regularly, and whenever significant changes occur to our operations, services, or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all cleaners and made available to clients on request.
By working together, we aim to deliver reliable, professional cleaning services across Maida Vale while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.