Cleaner Dulwich Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Dulwich is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, and the wider public. This policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to maintain safe working environments in all locations where we deliver cleaning services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health arising from our cleaning activities and to promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the business. We aim to identify and control risks, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry guidance, and continuously improve our practices through training, supervision, and regular review.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, information, and support are provided so that this policy is implemented effectively across all sites serviced by Cleaner Dulwich.

Responsibilities

Management at Cleaner Dulwich will:

Ensure risk assessments are conducted, recorded, and reviewed for all cleaning tasks and environments. Select and maintain appropriate cleaning equipment, materials, and personal protective equipment. Provide relevant health and safety training, instruction, and supervision. Investigate accidents, near misses, and hazards, and implement corrective actions. Review and update this policy periodically and when working practices or legislation change.

Employees of Cleaner Dulwich will:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Follow all training, instructions, and safe systems of work provided. Use equipment, chemicals, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, and near misses to their supervisor without delay. Co operate with management in implementing this policy and related procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Dulwich carries out risk assessments for all routine and non routine cleaning activities. These assessments consider, among other things, slips and trips, manual handling, working at height for tasks such as high level dusting, use of electrical equipment, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and lone working where applicable.

Based on risk assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements to ensure that tasks are performed safely and consistently. Employees receive clear instructions and training on these methods, and adherence is monitored by supervisors and management.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH

Chemical safety is an essential part of our health and safety approach. All cleaning substances used by Cleaner Dulwich are assessed under relevant control of substances regulations. We keep up to date safety data information for each product and ensure that the least hazardous suitable product is selected for each task.

Employees are trained in the correct dilution, use, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals. Chemicals are kept in their original containers with labels intact, stored securely, and never left unattended in public areas. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection is provided as necessary, and employees are instructed on when and how to use it.

Equipment, Maintenance, and Electrical Safety

We supply suitable and well maintained cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and other tools required for our services. All electrical equipment used by Cleaner Dulwich is inspected and tested at suitable intervals and taken out of service immediately if any defects are identified.

Employees receive training in the correct use, transportation, and storage of all equipment, including how to isolate and report faulty items. Trailing leads and equipment are managed in a way that minimises the risk of trips, entanglement, or damage.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Our work can involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling loads such as equipment, waste bags, and supplies. Cleaner Dulwich undertakes manual handling assessments and introduces measures to reduce the need for heavy lifting, for example through the use of trolleys and other aids.

Employees are trained in safe manual handling techniques and are encouraged to avoid overreaching, twisting, and handling loads that are too heavy or awkward. Any employee who feels that a task is beyond their physical capability is required to report this to their supervisor so that assistance or an alternative method can be arranged.

Slips, Trips, Falls, and Working at Height

We recognise that wet floors, trailing leads, and clutter can create slip and trip hazards. During cleaning tasks, especially floor mopping or machine cleaning, appropriate warning signs are used, and areas are kept as clear as possible. We work with clients to schedule floor cleaning at times that reduce risks to occupants and visitors.

Where working at height is necessary, such as for high level dusting or window cleaning within reach, only appropriate and stable access equipment is used. Improvised access methods, such as standing on chairs or unstable objects, are strictly prohibited.

Lone Working and Site Security

Some cleaning services may be carried out outside normal business hours. In such cases, Cleaner Dulwich assesses the risks associated with lone working and adopts suitable control measures. These may include agreed check in procedures, restricted tasks for lone workers, and clear arrangements for access and exit.

Employees are required to follow all client site security procedures, including signing in and out when required and securing areas after cleaning is completed.

Health, Welfare, and Personal Hygiene

Cleaner Dulwich promotes good personal hygiene and the use of appropriate protective clothing to reduce the risk of contamination and ill health. Where tasks involve potential exposure to biological hazards or waste, specific procedures are followed, and enhanced protective equipment may be provided.

Employees are encouraged to report any health concerns that could impact their ability to work safely, including skin sensitivities to cleaning products or musculoskeletal issues related to manual tasks.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses that occur during Cleaner Dulwich activities must be reported immediately to a supervisor or manager. Details are recorded and investigated so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions put in place.

Where required by law, incidents are reported to the relevant enforcing authorities. Records are kept and reviewed regularly to identify trends and opportunities for improving safety performance.

Training, Supervision, and Communication

All new employees receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, hazard awareness, emergency arrangements, and safe working procedures relevant to their role. Ongoing training is provided when new equipment, chemicals, or methods are introduced, and refresher training is delivered where necessary.

Supervisors monitor work practices and provide guidance to ensure that safe systems of work are followed. Health and safety information is communicated clearly, and employees are encouraged to raise concerns or suggestions for improvement.

Emergency Procedures

Cleaner Dulwich adheres to emergency procedures for each site where we operate, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and alarm systems. Employees are briefed on local arrangements and must comply with instructions given by site management in the event of an emergency.

Spillages of chemicals or other hazardous materials are dealt with promptly using appropriate equipment and methods to minimise risk to people and the environment.

Monitoring and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, client sites, equipment, or relevant legislation. Feedback from employees, clients, and incident investigations is taken into account to ensure that our health and safety standards remain robust, effective, and aligned with best practice.

Cleaner Dulwich is dedicated to maintaining safe and healthy working conditions and to delivering high quality cleaning services in a responsible and professional manner.