Streatham Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Streatham Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and maintaining high standards of safety in all locations where we deliver cleaning services.

The company recognises its responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance. We actively work to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through effective planning, supervision, and continual improvement of our procedures.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy in the areas under their control and for ensuring that health and safety is considered in all planning and operational decisions.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with safety procedures, ensuring that staff follow training and use equipment correctly, and reporting any concerns or incidents 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 at work. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Streatham Cleaners carries out risk assessments for all significant tasks associated with our cleaning operations. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and specify control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work and method statements are developed based on these assessments, covering tasks such as office cleaning, domestic cleaning, commercial cleaning, floor care, high-level dusting, and use of machinery. Staff are briefed on the relevant procedures before starting work and are expected to follow them at all times.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work processes, equipment, substances, or locations.

COSHH and Safe Use of Substances

We manage cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health requirements. Only approved products are used, and each product is supported by appropriate safety data sheets and assessments.

Chemicals are stored securely, clearly labelled, and kept in their original containers wherever possible. Staff receive training in safe handling, dilution, application, and disposal, as well as in dealing with spillages.

We strive to use environmentally considerate and low-risk products where practicable, without compromising cleaning effectiveness or safety.

Personal Protective Equipment

Streatham Cleaners provides suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, aprons, masks, and safety footwear where identified by risk assessment. Employees must wear the PPE provided for specific tasks and must not misuse or remove it without good reason.

PPE is inspected regularly and replaced when damaged, worn, or no longer fit for purpose. Staff are instructed in correct fitting, use, and care of all PPE issued to them.

Equipment, Machinery, and Electrical Safety

All cleaning machines and tools used by Streatham Cleaners are selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable for the work. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, carpet cleaners, steam cleaners, and any other specialist equipment.

Electrical equipment is visually checked before use and subjected to routine inspection and testing as required. Damaged or faulty equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.

Employees receive specific training and instructions before using any powered machinery and must never attempt to bypass safety devices or use equipment for purposes other than those intended.

Working On Clients Premises

Our cleaning activities often take place on client premises, including homes, offices, and commercial sites. We respect and follow local site rules and cooperate with client representatives to coordinate safety arrangements.

Staff are instructed to maintain clear walkways, use warning signs for wet floors, manage trailing leads safely, and minimise disruption. We take particular care where clients, staff, customers, or visitors may be present during cleaning.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many cleaning tasks involve manual handling, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling equipment or supplies. Streatham Cleaners provides training in safe manual handling techniques and uses equipment such as trolleys and long-handled tools to reduce risk.

Employees are encouraged to use correct posture, avoid overreaching, and break down loads where possible. Any pain, strain, or discomfort must be reported promptly so that work methods or equipment can be reviewed.

Training, Supervision, and Competence

All new employees receive an induction that includes health and safety information, safe use of cleaning products, emergency procedures, and company rules. Task-specific training is then provided to ensure staff are competent in the activities they are required to perform.

Refresher training is delivered where necessary, as well as when new equipment, methods, or substances are introduced. Supervisors monitor performance on site, provide guidance, and correct unsafe practices.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting

Streatham Cleaners promotes a culture of openness in reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses. All such events must be reported to management as soon as practicable so they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with applicable legislation. We analyse incident trends to identify areas for improvement and to update risk assessments and procedures.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

Our staff are briefed on emergency arrangements for the sites they work on, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and any specific site instructions. They must cooperate fully with client emergency procedures and fire wardens.

Where appropriate, first aid supplies are made available for staff use, and designated personnel receive basic first aid training. All injuries, regardless of severity, must be reported.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

Streatham Cleaners recognises that health and safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. We aim to provide fair working arrangements, reasonable workloads, and support for staff concerns.

Employees are encouraged to raise any issues related to stress, fatigue, or wellbeing with management so that supportive measures can be considered. We also promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing and appropriate use of protective equipment.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We consult with employees on health and safety matters, encouraging feedback on working conditions, hazards, and ideas for improvement. Regular reviews of our policy, risk assessments, and procedures are carried out to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Streatham Cleaners is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance and to maintaining high standards in every location where we provide cleaning services.