Cleaners Camberwell Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Camberwell manages health, safety, and welfare for our employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health in all locations where we operate.

Policy Statement

Cleaners Camberwell is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. We plan our cleaning services so that safety is an integral part of day-to-day work. We will provide appropriate resources, training, supervision, and equipment to ensure that cleaning tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

Health and safety is the responsibility of every person working for or with Cleaners Camberwell. All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate fully with the measures described in this policy.

Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes regularly reviewing procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and promoting a positive safety culture across the company.

Management will ensure that:

All significant risks associated with cleaning activities are assessed and controlled, safe systems of work are developed and communicated, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and maintained, staff receive regular health and safety training and refreshers, accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded, investigated, and used to improve practices, and this policy is reviewed periodically to remain current and effective.

Employee Responsibilities

Every cleaner and member of staff working for Cleaners Camberwell has a duty to follow this policy and related procedures. Employees must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their actions, follow all training, instructions, and safe working procedures, correctly use personal protective equipment and report any damage or loss, report hazards, accidents, or near misses as soon as reasonably practicable, keep work areas clean, tidy, and free from unnecessary risks, and never misuse or interfere with safety equipment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

Cleaners Camberwell carries out risk assessments for all core cleaning tasks and for particular client premises where needed. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, working at height on steps, electrical safety, and lone working.

From these assessments, we establish safe methods of work that are communicated to staff through training, written instructions, and on-site supervision where appropriate. Staff must follow these methods and raise any concerns if a task appears unsafe or circumstances change.

Use and Storage of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning products and substances are selected and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and health and safety guidance. Where necessary, additional controls are applied based on the risks identified.

To minimise chemical risks, Cleaners Camberwell ensures that:

Products are clearly labelled and stored securely when not in use, staff receive training on safe dilution, application, and disposal, mixing of incompatible substances is strictly prohibited, adequate ventilation is used where products may release vapours, and appropriate gloves, eye protection, and other equipment are provided where required.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaners Camberwell provides personal protective equipment that is suitable for specific tasks and locations. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing.

Employees must use this equipment whenever instructed and maintain it in good condition. Damaged or worn items must be reported and replaced promptly. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not replace the need for safe systems of work and proper training.

Manual Handling and Equipment Safety

Staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and back injuries. Heavy or awkward items should be moved using trolleys, mechanical aids, or team lifting wherever possible.

All cleaning machinery and electrical equipment must be inspected before use. Any defect, unusual noise, or visible damage must be reported, and the equipment taken out of use until checked or repaired. Cables should be positioned to avoid trip hazards, and equipment should be switched off and unplugged when not in use.

Slips, Trips, and Workplace Housekeeping

Slips and trips are a significant risk during cleaning. Cleaners Camberwell requires staff to use appropriate signage when floors are wet or being cleaned and to remove signs as soon as the area is safe and dry.

Spillages are to be cleaned promptly, and access routes must be kept clear of equipment, waste, and other obstacles. Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining safe, efficient, and professional cleaning services.

Lone Working and Site Security

Where cleaners work alone or outside normal working hours, specific lone working procedures apply. These may include signing in and out, maintaining regular contact, and following agreed emergency arrangements.

Staff must respect client security procedures at all times, including the use of keys, alarm systems, and restricted areas. Personal safety is paramount, and employees should leave the premises if they feel at risk and report any concerns to management.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported. Cleaners Camberwell maintains records of incidents to identify trends and implement preventive measures.

Staff receive guidance on what to do in emergencies, including fire, medical incidents, and building evacuations. Employees must familiarise themselves with local emergency exits, alarms, and assembly points at each site they attend.

Training, Communication, and Policy Review

Cleaners Camberwell provides initial and ongoing training covering key health and safety topics relevant to cleaning work. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, and refresher sessions when procedures change or new equipment is introduced.

Health and safety information is communicated through supervision, briefings, and written guidance. Suggestions for improvement from staff and clients are encouraged and will be considered during policy review.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and the nature of the cleaning services we provide. The updated policy is communicated to all employees, and compliance with its requirements is monitored as part of our commitment to safe and professional cleaning across our service area.