Health And Safety Policy

Fulham Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Fulham Cleaner is committed to providing cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks that may arise from our cleaning operations in homes, offices and other premises.

We recognise our duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to work proactively to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of planning, delivering and reviewing our cleaning services.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

Identify, assess and manage risks arising from our cleaning activities to reduce them so far as is reasonably practicable.

Provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment and safe handling, storage and use of substances.

Ensure that employees are competent to carry out their tasks through appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.

Promote a positive health and safety culture in which all staff understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise concerns.

Continually review and, where necessary, improve our health and safety arrangements.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Fulham Cleaner rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable resources are made available to implement this policy.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Implementing this policy within their areas of control.

Ensuring that risk assessments are completed, recorded and reviewed.

Providing staff with appropriate training, information, equipment and personal protective equipment.

Monitoring working practices and addressing unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.

Employees and contractors engaged by Fulham Cleaner are required to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures issued by the company or by the client on whose premises they are working.

Use equipment and materials correctly and report defects or concerns without delay.

Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards to their supervisor as soon as possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Fulham Cleaner will undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments for its cleaning activities, considering the specific nature of each client site where reasonably practicable. These assessments will identify significant hazards, those at risk and the control measures required.

Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff, covering tasks such as general office cleaning, domestic cleaning, deep cleans, washroom services, and the handling of waste. Staff are required to follow these procedures at all times.

Risk assessments and associated control measures will be reviewed periodically or following a significant change in work practices, equipment, products used, or after any serious incident.

Chemicals and Cleaning Products

Cleaning products and chemicals present potential hazards if not used correctly. Fulham Cleaner will ensure that:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are obtained or completed for relevant products.

Only authorised products are used, and they are handled, diluted, stored and disposed of in accordance with manufacturer instructions and training.

Containers are clearly labelled and kept in secure storage areas away from children, food and sources of ignition where applicable.

Suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves or eye protection, is provided and worn when handling products as required.

Equipment Safety

All equipment used in the delivery of cleaning services, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extensions and other tools, will be maintained in a safe condition. Regular checks are carried out to ensure electrical safety, cleanliness and correct operation.

Employees must visually inspect equipment before use, report defects immediately and remove defective equipment from service until repaired or replaced. Equipment must only be used for its intended purpose and in accordance with the training provided.

Manual Handling

Cleaning tasks frequently involve manual handling, including lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling equipment and materials. Fulham Cleaner will:

Assess manual handling tasks that present a risk of injury.

Provide training on safe lifting techniques and on the use of trolleys and other aids.

Organise work to minimise unnecessary manual handling and excessive loads.

Employees must follow manual handling guidance, avoid lifting loads they consider unsafe and request assistance when needed.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Measures will be taken to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls during cleaning operations. These include:

Promptly cleaning up spillages and using appropriate wet floor signage.

Keeping walkways clear of equipment, cables and waste.

Using suitable footwear with good grip.

Taking extra care when working on stairs and at changes in floor level.

Working in Client Premises

When working at client sites, staff must co operate with any local safety rules, site inductions and emergency procedures. This includes understanding fire evacuation routes, assembly points and any restrictions on access or working hours.

Staff must respect client property, maintain security, and ensure that doors, windows and alarm systems are managed in line with client instructions when entering or leaving premises.

Training, Information and Supervision

Fulham Cleaner will provide training appropriate to each role. This may include induction training, task specific training, refresher training and, where necessary, additional instruction when new equipment or products are introduced.

Health and safety information will be communicated through written guidance, verbal briefings and ongoing supervision. Supervisors will monitor compliance with procedures and provide feedback and support to staff.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

First aid arrangements will be in place, either provided directly by Fulham Cleaner or in co operation with client facilities where agreed. Staff must familiarise themselves with emergency contacts and procedures relevant to each site.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

Fulham Cleaner recognises the importance of protecting the overall wellbeing of employees. We will seek to prevent work related ill health, including stress, by managing workloads sensibly, providing support where concerns are raised, and encouraging open communication about health and safety matters.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to contribute to improving health and safety by raising concerns, suggesting improvements and participating in discussions about safe working practices. Management will listen to feedback and take action where appropriate.

This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if significant changes occur in the nature of our work, in legal requirements or if prompted by an incident. Updated versions will be communicated to all relevant staff to ensure continuing awareness and compliance.

By working together and following this policy, Fulham Cleaner aims to maintain a safe, healthy and professional cleaning service for all.