Streatham Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Streatham Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, clients, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This policy sets out our approach to health and safety management and the standards we expect across all cleaning services we deliver in homes, offices, and commercial premises.

We recognise our duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of every cleaning task undertaken by our team.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Streatham Cleaners rests with the company management. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring adequate resources are provided, and regularly reviewing performance.

Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety on site. They must ensure that staff follow agreed safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, and report any incidents or hazards immediately.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Staff are required to cooperate fully with the company in meeting legal and policy requirements, and to report concerns, near misses, or unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Streatham Cleaners undertakes suitable and sufficient risk assessments for the cleaning services provided. These assessments identify significant hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and determine suitable control measures. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in work processes, equipment, or substances used.

Safe systems of work are developed on the basis of risk assessments and industry best practice. These include clear procedures for general cleaning tasks, high-level dusting, floor care, use of machinery, and handling of cleaning chemicals. Staff are instructed to follow these procedures at all times and to seek guidance if they are unsure how to carry out a task safely.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive health and safety induction training when they join Streatham Cleaners and before starting any cleaning duties. Induction includes an overview of this policy, emergency procedures, accident reporting, safe manual handling, use of chemicals, and use of personal protective equipment.

Ongoing training is provided as required, including refresher training, task-specific instruction, and updates on new equipment or products. Supervisors ensure that no employee undertakes a task for which they have not been adequately trained or instructed.

Clear information is provided on the hazards associated with cleaning materials, electrical equipment, and work environments. Safety data for chemicals is made available and explained in practical terms, focusing on safe use, storage, and emergency action.

Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Streatham Cleaners uses a range of cleaning products appropriate for domestic and commercial premises. We assess all substances used and, where possible, choose products that minimise risk to health and the environment while still delivering effective cleaning results.

Cleaning chemicals are used strictly in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company procedures. Staff are trained in correct dilution, application methods, and contact times, and are instructed never to mix products. All containers are clearly labelled, and products are stored securely to prevent unauthorised access, leaks, or spills.

Spillages of chemicals are dealt with promptly using safe methods. Any exposure, splash to the eyes or skin, or suspected inhalation issue is treated as a priority incident and managed according to the relevant safety information and emergency procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated through other means, Streatham Cleaners provides suitable personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, masks, and appropriate footwear. Staff must use the equipment provided and report any damage or defects immediately.

Personal protective equipment is selected based on risk assessment and is maintained, replaced, and stored properly to ensure it remains effective. Employees receive instruction on when and how to use each item safely.

Manual Handling and Work Equipment

Manual handling tasks, such as moving equipment, waste, or supplies, are assessed and reduced wherever possible through the use of trolleys, wheeled containers, or lighter loads. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

All work equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles, and other tools, is maintained in safe working order. Faulty equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported. Employees must not use equipment for which they have not been trained or that appears damaged or unsafe.

Housekeeping and Workplace Safety

Good housekeeping is essential to safe cleaning operations. Trailing leads, wet floors, and misplaced equipment can all cause slips, trips, and falls. Our teams are instructed to keep work areas tidy, to use warning signs when floors are wet, and to remove signs once areas are safe again.

Particular care is taken in shared spaces, corridors, entrances, and stairways. Access routes and fire exits must never be blocked by cleaning equipment or waste materials. Waste is disposed of promptly and correctly, following any site-specific requirements.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where necessary, procedures, equipment, or training are reviewed and updated to prevent recurrence.

Employees are encouraged to report unsafe conditions or practices without fear of blame. A proactive approach to reporting allows potential hazards to be addressed before they result in harm.

Emergency Procedures

Streatham Cleaners ensures that employees are familiar with emergency procedures for the premises in which they work, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and procedures for raising the alarm. Staff must follow site rules and cooperate with building management in all emergency situations.

Where our activities involve particular risks, such as working with certain chemicals or equipment, additional emergency arrangements are explained and rehearsed as required.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of protecting not only physical safety but also the overall wellbeing of our staff. Workloads and schedules are planned to avoid excessive fatigue and to allow for appropriate breaks. Any health concerns potentially affected by cleaning tasks are considered and, where necessary, duties are adjusted.

Employees are encouraged to raise any health or wellbeing issues that may affect their work, so that reasonable steps can be taken to support them and maintain safe working conditions.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and best practice within the cleaning industry. Feedback from staff, clients, and other stakeholders is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Streatham Cleaners aims to maintain high standards of health and safety across all cleaning services, protecting our staff, our clients, and the wider community.