020 3397 7807Health and Safety policy
Cleaners House Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners House is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards, responsibilities and procedures that guide the way we work, with the aim of preventing accidents, injuries and ill health while delivering high quality cleaning services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that health and safety is an integral part of all cleaning operations carried out by Cleaners House. Our objectives are to identify, assess and control risks arising from our work, to comply with relevant health and safety requirements, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all residential and commercial cleaning services.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for the implementation and review of this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide clear leadership, adequate resources and appropriate guidance so that safe systems of work are developed, documented and followed. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, reviewed, and that any necessary control measures are implemented in a timely manner.
Managers will monitor compliance with this policy, investigate incidents and near misses, and take corrective action where required. They are responsible for ensuring that all staff are aware of their health and safety responsibilities and receive the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to carry out their duties safely.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Cleaners House have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all health and safety instructions, attend relevant training sessions and use equipment, cleaning products and personal protective equipment in accordance with the guidance provided.
Employees are required to report any hazards, defective equipment, accidents, incidents or near misses to their manager as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Staff must never misuse equipment or attempt tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised. Cooperation with this policy is a condition of employment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Cleaners House will undertake and maintain suitable and proportionate risk assessments for all cleaning tasks and service environments, including domestic properties, offices and shared spaces. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment and lone working.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff. These include step by step procedures, restrictions on certain activities, and the selection of appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in work methods, products or locations.
Use of Chemicals and Cleaning Products
Cleaning agents and chemicals used by Cleaners House are selected with consideration for safety, effectiveness and environmental impact. All products are stored, handled, diluted and disposed of in line with manufacturer instructions and internal guidelines.
Staff receive training in the safe use of cleaning products, including recognition of hazard symbols, the importance of good ventilation and appropriate use of gloves and other protective items. Chemicals must never be mixed unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer, and containers must always be clearly labelled. Any spills or accidental exposure must be reported immediately and managed according to our incident procedures.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
Cleaners House ensures that tools and equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mops, step ladders and electrical appliances are suitable for their intended use and are kept in good working order. Regular checks are carried out to identify signs of wear, damage or malfunction, and faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Employees are trained in the correct and safe operation of equipment, including safe use of leads, plugs and extensions, and correct positioning of step ladders. Equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with instructions and training.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, masks, eye protection or non slip footwear. Staff are required to use the protective equipment supplied and to take reasonable care of it. Damaged or lost items must be reported promptly so they can be replaced.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve manual handling, including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling equipment or materials. Cleaners House trains staff in safe manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Employees are advised to avoid unnecessary lifting, to request assistance with heavy or awkward loads, and to use trolleys or other aids where available.
Infection Control and Hygiene
Cleaners House takes careful steps to minimise the spread of infection, particularly when cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, high touch surfaces and shared areas. Staff follow clear hygiene procedures, including regular handwashing, use of appropriate protective equipment and safe disposal of waste materials.
Where specific infection risks are identified, additional measures may be introduced, such as enhanced cleaning schedules, targeted disinfectant use and revised access arrangements. Staff are required to stay away from work if they are unwell with potentially contagious conditions, in line with company guidance.
Lone Working and Site Security
Many cleaning tasks may be carried out by staff working alone or outside normal business hours. Cleaners House assesses the risks associated with lone working and takes reasonable steps to manage them. This may include check in procedures, clear assignment of work areas, and guidance on securing premises when entering and leaving.
Staff must follow site security arrangements, ensure that doors and windows are properly locked as required, and never allow unauthorised individuals access to properties or client spaces.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve future safety performance. Where necessary, first aid should be sought immediately, and any serious incident escalated according to company procedures.
Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency exits, fire safety arrangements and any local emergency procedures relevant to the properties they attend. In the event of an emergency, life safety takes priority over property or equipment.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Cleaners House provides initial and ongoing health and safety training for all staff appropriate to their roles. This includes induction training, task specific guidance and updates when policies, procedures or products change. Health and safety information is communicated clearly and regularly to reinforce safe working practices.
We encourage feedback from employees on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions for improvements. Concerns can be raised with managers without fear of disadvantage. Open communication helps us identify and manage risks more effectively.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored through regular inspections, incident reviews and feedback from staff and clients. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, appropriate changes are made to procedures, training or equipment.
The policy is formally reviewed at regular intervals and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, service locations or legal requirements. Cleaners House is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all cleaning activities and to continually improving the way we protect our staff, clients and the wider community.
