Twickenham Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Twickenham Cleaner manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, clients and members of the public while delivering professional cleaning services. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy and responsible working environment and to reduce risks associated with cleaning activities in homes, offices and commercial premises.

Twickenham Cleaner complies with relevant health and safety legislation and best practice within the cleaning industry. We regularly review this policy to reflect changes in law, guidance, working methods and the nature of our cleaning services.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure suitable arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, providing appropriate information and training, and ensuring that risk assessments and control measures are implemented and maintained.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for enforcing safe practices on site, conducting routine checks, reporting hazards and incidents, and supporting team members to follow this policy at all times.

All employees and contractors of Twickenham Cleaner have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. This includes cooperating with safety procedures, using equipment correctly, reporting concerns promptly and not interfering with any safety equipment or control measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Twickenham Cleaner conducts risk assessments for typical cleaning tasks, premises and equipment. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate risks and establish control measures to minimise the likelihood of injury or ill health. Where appropriate, site specific assessments are carried out prior to work commencing.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and include clear instructions on handling cleaning chemicals, operating equipment, dealing with spillages, manual handling and working at height where required. These procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed regularly.

Before starting any new contract or substantially changing an existing service, we review relevant risks, ensure staff are competent for the tasks required and update our safe working procedures accordingly.

Training, Information and Supervision

Twickenham Cleaner provides appropriate health and safety training for all staff, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when required. Training covers general health and safety responsibilities, safe use of cleaning materials and equipment, accident reporting, emergency procedures and any specific risks associated with individual roles.

Where specialist equipment or techniques are used, additional task specific training is provided. Supervisors monitor working practices, offer guidance, and ensure that staff follow agreed procedures at all times.

Information about hazards and safety measures is communicated clearly and in a way that staff can understand. Safety instructions and product information are made readily accessible.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Equipment

Twickenham Cleaner uses cleaning products and equipment appropriate to professional domestic and commercial cleaning services. All products are used in line with manufacturer instructions and industry standards. Where required, assessments are completed for hazardous substances and appropriate control measures are implemented.

Staff are trained to read product information, follow recommended dilutions, avoid unsafe mixing of chemicals and store products safely when not in use. Personal protective equipment is provided when required by the nature of the work or the substances handled.

All electrical and mechanical equipment used in cleaning, such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines and steam cleaners, is maintained in a safe condition. Faulty equipment is reported immediately, taken out of service and repaired or replaced as necessary.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, masks, eye protection and suitable footwear, depending on the task. Twickenham Cleaner provides required protective equipment at no cost to employees, ensures it is suitable for the work being carried out, and replaces it when damaged or worn.

Employees are required to use the protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects or issues promptly.

Manual Handling and Physical Safety

Manual handling tasks, such as lifting bins, moving equipment or handling supplies, are assessed to reduce the risk of strain or injury. Where possible, heavy loads are avoided, broken down into smaller loads or moved with mechanical aids.

Staff receive guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques, proper posture and recognising when a task should not be attempted without assistance. Employees are encouraged to work at a sensible pace, take care on stairs and uneven surfaces, and minimise trip hazards by managing cables and equipment positioning.

Working on Client Premises

When working in client properties, Twickenham Cleaner aims to minimise disruption and protect the safety of everyone on site. This includes careful positioning of equipment, clear communication with occupants, and immediate clean up of any spillages or obstacles.

Clients are asked to inform us of any known hazards in their premises, such as damaged flooring, restricted access areas or sensitive materials. We may decline or adapt work where identified risks cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during cleaning activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are maintained and reviewed to identify patterns, underlying causes and opportunities for improvement.

Where needed, corrective actions are implemented, such as changes to procedures, additional training or different equipment. Serious incidents are investigated in more depth to ensure that suitable measures are put in place to prevent recurrence.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

Twickenham Cleaner recognises the importance of protecting both physical and mental health. Workloads and schedules are planned with regard to safe working limits, and staff are encouraged to raise concerns about fatigue, stress or medical conditions that may affect their ability to work safely.

Reasonable adjustments may be considered where appropriate. We encourage open communication so that issues can be addressed before they lead to unsafe situations.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Twickenham Cleaner is committed to continuously improving its health and safety performance. We monitor compliance, review feedback from staff and clients, and stay informed about developments in health and safety and cleaning industry practices.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, the services we provide or legal and regulatory requirements. All revisions are communicated to staff and implemented as part of our ongoing commitment to a safe and professional cleaning service.