Cleaner Lambeth Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Lambeth is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide our work on every site where we operate.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our cleaning activities. We seek to maintain safe and hygienic conditions, protect the environment and continuously improve our health and safety performance.

To achieve these aims, Cleaner Lambeth will identify and manage risks, provide suitable information, instruction and training, supply appropriate equipment and cleaning products, and monitor compliance with this policy across all sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and oversight are in place. Management will review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation.

Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, carrying out risk assessments, communicating safe working procedures and checking that staff follow them. They must report hazards, near misses and incidents so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

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 actions. Staff must follow the training and guidance provided, use equipment correctly, wear required personal protective equipment and report any unsafe condition or practice to their supervisor without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Lambeth carries out risk assessments for tasks typically undertaken during cleaning, such as floor cleaning, waste handling, use of equipment and working in occupied premises. Where specific sites or activities present additional hazards, site-specific assessments are prepared and implemented.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work that set out how tasks must be performed to minimise risks. These procedures include the correct use of equipment, safe manual handling techniques, safe use of cleaning agents, and measures to control slips, trips and falls. All staff are expected to follow these procedures at all times.

Control of Substances and Chemical Safety

Many of our activities involve the use of cleaning products. Cleaner Lambeth manages these substances carefully to protect staff, clients and the environment. We only use products that are suitable for professional cleaning and that have appropriate safety data provided by the manufacturer.

Risk assessments are completed for each chemical, including information on safe use, storage, handling, dilution and disposal. Products are kept in their original containers with labels intact and must never be transferred into unmarked bottles. Staff receive specific training on reading product labels, understanding hazard symbols and following the recommended precautions.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection or masks is provided and must be worn as directed. Adequate ventilation is maintained whenever chemicals are used, and substances are never mixed unless explicitly instructed by the manufacturer.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and tools for high and low level cleaning, is selected and maintained with safety in mind. All equipment is checked regularly and any defects are reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Cleaner Lambeth provides appropriate personal protective equipment according to the tasks undertaken and the risks identified in our assessments. Typical items include gloves, safety footwear, aprons, high visibility garments and eye protection. Employees must use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report loss or damage so that replacements can be issued.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

Preventing slips, trips and falls is a core priority for cleaning operations. Wet floor signs and barriers are used when mopping or machine-cleaning floors, and are removed as soon as surfaces are dry. Cables are routed safely and not left trailing where they might cause a trip hazard.

Access routes, stairways and fire exits must be kept clear at all times. Materials, equipment and waste are stored in designated areas to avoid obstruction. Staff working at height, for example on steps, small ladders or with extension tools, are trained in safe methods and must never improvise with unsuitable objects to gain height.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying and moving loads such as equipment, waste bags and supplies. Cleaner Lambeth aims to reduce manual handling risks by using trolleys, appropriate tools and sensible planning of work areas.

All staff receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including how to assess the weight and shape of a load, how to adopt a stable posture, and when to ask for assistance or use mechanical aids. Staff are encouraged to avoid repetitive strain by varying tasks where possible and reporting any discomfort or early signs of musculoskeletal stress.

Health, Hygiene and Welfare

Maintaining high standards of personal hygiene is essential for safe and effective cleaning. Staff are instructed to wash hands regularly, particularly after handling waste or using cleaning chemicals, and to follow site-specific hygiene rules for sensitive environments.

Employees must not work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any health condition that may affect the safe performance of duties should be discussed with management so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. This enables Cleaner Lambeth to investigate, identify root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence.

Site-specific emergency arrangements, such as fire procedures, evacuation routes and first aid provisions, are communicated to staff at the start of each contract. Employees must familiarise themselves with these arrangements and follow instructions from the responsible person on site during any incident.

Training, Communication and Policy Review

Cleaner Lambeth provides induction training for all new employees, covering this policy, site rules, key hazards and safe working procedures. Ongoing training is provided when tasks change, new equipment or products are introduced, or refresher sessions are required.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to employees and made available to clients on request. It is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in our operations, developments in best practice and any lessons learned from incidents or feedback. Through consistent application of this policy, Cleaner Lambeth aims to deliver reliable cleaning services while protecting everyone affected by our work.