Cleaners Kennington Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide all cleaning activities carried out by Cleaners Kennington. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy, and well managed working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations across the wider Kennington area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Cleaners Kennington is committed to high standards of health, safety, and welfare. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our cleaning services. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making, and day to day work on client premises.

Our objectives are to comply with relevant health and safety legislation, minimise risks associated with cleaning tasks, ensure that employees are competent and appropriately supervised, promote safe working practices throughout our service area, and encourage a positive health and safety culture at all levels of the business.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Cleaners Kennington. Managers will lead by example, provide clear instructions, and allocate adequate resources to maintain safe working conditions. Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring standards of work, and ensuring that staff follow the agreed procedures.

All employees 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. This includes cooperating with management, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards without delay, and following all training and instructions provided.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct regular risk assessments for our cleaning services, paying particular attention to tasks such as floor cleaning, high level dusting, use of chemicals, waste handling, and work in client occupied premises. Where necessary, we prepare method statements and safe systems of work tailored to the specific site and activities.

Before new contracts begin, we review the working environment, access routes, emergency exits, and any shared areas to identify potential hazards. Control measures are then implemented, such as signage, restricted access, personal protective equipment, and scheduling work to reduce risks to building users.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH

Cleaners Kennington recognises the particular risks associated with the storage, handling, and use of cleaning chemicals. We obtain and review safety data information for all substances used and undertake appropriate assessments in line with relevant regulations.

Only approved products are used by our staff, and they must always follow the instructions on the labels and training provided. Chemicals are stored in secure containers, clearly labelled, and kept away from food, heat sources, and unauthorised persons. Dilutions are made using suitable equipment, and employees wear appropriate gloves, eye protection, or other personal protective equipment as required.

Equipment, Tools, and Electrical Safety

All equipment used in the provision of cleaning services, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension tools, and other devices, is selected for suitability and safety. Equipment is maintained in good working order, with regular visual checks carried out by staff before use and more detailed inspections arranged by management as needed.

Electrical equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Cables are routed to avoid trip hazards, damaged equipment is removed from service immediately, and only authorised persons arrange repairs or replacements. Staff are instructed never to tamper with electrical installations on client premises.

Manual Handling and Working at Height

Many cleaning tasks involve manual handling of equipment, waste bags, and materials. We seek to reduce manual handling risks by using trolleys, long handled tools, and lighter equipment wherever practicable. Employees receive guidance on good lifting techniques, posture, and how to recognise loads that are too heavy or awkward to handle alone.

Working at height, such as using step ladders or extending tools, is carefully controlled. Only suitable and well maintained access equipment is used, and staff are trained in safe methods. Work at height is avoided where possible by using long reach tools and arranging furniture to reduce the need for climbing.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Cleaners Kennington provides appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, masks, eye protection, protective footwear, and clothing, depending on the task and risk assessment. Employees must use this equipment correctly and report any defects or losses immediately.

Good personal hygiene is encouraged at all times. Hand washing facilities, sanitising products, and suitable welfare arrangements are used where available. Particular attention is given to hygiene when working in washrooms, kitchens, and healthcare related areas, including proper segregation and disposal of waste.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and hazardous incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible, whether they occur on client premises or elsewhere during work. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Employees are briefed on emergency arrangements at each work location, including fire alarm signals, evacuation routes, assembly points, and any site specific procedures. Staff must follow client instructions in the event of an emergency and assist in keeping routes clear and accessible.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

We provide induction and ongoing training to ensure that all staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to carry out their tasks. Topics include safe use of equipment, chemical handling, manual handling, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.

Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and written instructions. Cleaners Kennington encourages employees to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safe working practices. No one will be penalised for reporting a genuine safety concern.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy is monitored through regular site checks, audits, and feedback from staff and clients. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions are taken promptly. Lessons learned from incidents and near misses are shared across the business to improve standards.

This policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance. Updated versions are communicated to all employees to ensure that our commitment to safe and responsible cleaning services within the Kennington area is consistently maintained.