Cleaners Ruislip Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Ruislip is committed to providing cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all cleaning activities carried out on client premises.
Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a positive safety culture in every workplace where we operate.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaners Ruislip rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, procedures, information, and supervision are provided to maintain safe working conditions.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring safe working practices, reporting hazards, and supporting staff in following agreed procedures. All employees, contractors, and temporary workers are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their actions.
Everyone engaged in our work must cooperate fully with this policy, follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, and promptly report any unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents, or near misses.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for all cleaning tasks and environments before work begins and review them periodically or when circumstances change. These assessments help us identify significant hazards, evaluate potential risks, and implement suitable control measures.
Safe systems of work are developed from the findings of these assessments and include method statements, procedures, and work instructions. Staff are informed of the relevant controls and must adhere to them at all times while performing cleaning duties.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners Ruislip provides appropriate health and safety training to all staff when they start employment and through regular refresher sessions. Training may include manual handling, use of cleaning equipment and chemicals, safe lone working, personal protective equipment, emergency procedures, and site-specific requirements.
Employees receive clear instructions and information about the tasks they perform, the hazards involved, and the control measures in place. Supervisors monitor performance, provide guidance, and take corrective action where unsafe practices are identified.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH
We recognise that cleaning chemicals can pose risks to health or the environment if not used correctly. All substances used by Cleaners Ruislip are evaluated in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. Safety data sheets are obtained from suppliers and used to prepare appropriate assessments.
Staff are trained in the safe storage, handling, dilution, and disposal of cleaning products. Chemicals are always kept in labelled containers, never mixed unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer, and stored securely when not in use to prevent unauthorised access.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by other means, we provide suitable personal protective equipment. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, safety footwear, and protective clothing, depending on the task and risk assessment.
Employees must wear PPE as instructed, look after it properly, and report any loss or damage so that it can be repaired or replaced. PPE remains the property of Cleaners Ruislip and must not be used for non-work purposes.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving equipment and materials are assessed and controlled. Staff receive manual handling training and are expected to use correct techniques and request assistance or mechanical aids when needed.
All cleaning machinery and equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and access equipment, is selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure it is safe and suitable for use. Only trained personnel may operate specialised equipment and must follow manufacturer instructions and site rules.
Working Environment and Welfare
We work with clients to ensure that workplaces where cleaning services are provided offer safe access and egress, adequate lighting, and appropriate facilities. Employees are encouraged to maintain good standards of housekeeping, promptly clean up spills, and keep routes free from obstructions to reduce slip, trip, and fall risks.
Reasonable welfare facilities, including rest breaks and access to washrooms, are arranged with clients as part of our service planning. Staff are reminded to maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especially when handling waste or working in sanitary areas.
Lone Working and Out-of-Hours Cleaning
Many cleaning activities are carried out during early morning, evening, or weekend hours, sometimes by lone workers. We assess the risks arising from lone working and implement suitable control measures, which may include regular check-in procedures, access control, and clear emergency arrangements.
Employees are expected to follow lone working guidelines, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Any concerns about personal safety or site security must be reported without delay.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous occurrences must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence through improved controls or procedures.
Emergency information, including fire procedures, assembly points, and first aid arrangements, is communicated to staff for each site. Employees must follow client site rules, cooperate with emergency services, and participate in any drills or training required.
Consultation and Policy Review
Cleaners Ruislip encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise health and safety suggestions or concerns with their supervisor or management, and these are taken seriously and considered in our continuous improvement process.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our cleaning operations. The current version of this policy is made available to all employees and clients on request.