Tooting Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Tooting Cleaner manages and promotes safe working practices during the delivery of our professional cleaning services. Our aim is to protect our employees, clients, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our operations in homes, offices and commercial premises.

We are committed to preventing accidents and work-related ill health, complying with relevant health and safety legislation and continually improving our standards. Health and safety is an integral part of our service quality and our reputation as a responsible cleaning company.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Tooting Cleaner has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and providing the resources necessary to maintain a safe working environment. This includes suitable training, appropriate equipment, safe systems of work and clear communication with staff and clients.

Managers ensure that risk assessments are completed, reviewed and updated as required, that staff understand their responsibilities and that any incidents are properly investigated so that corrective actions can be taken and lessons learned.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee is responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly and cooperate with any safety measures put in place by the company or the client.

Employees are required to report hazards, near misses, accidents, equipment faults and health concerns to their supervisor without delay. Staff must never carry out tasks for which they have not been trained or that they believe cannot be done safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Tooting Cleaner carries out risk assessments for typical cleaning tasks and for specific client sites where necessary. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, electrical risks, manual handling, exposure to cleaning chemicals and lone working.

Based on these assessments, we establish safe systems of work, including the correct use of cleaning products, safe access to work areas, careful management of trailing leads, appropriate signage, and limits on working at height. We review risk assessments following significant changes, incidents or at regular intervals.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning substances are selected and used to minimise risk while delivering effective results. Safety Data Sheets are obtained from suppliers and used to inform risk assessments and safe handling procedures. Staff are trained in the correct dilution, application, storage and disposal of cleaning products.

Chemicals are kept in their original containers with labels intact and are stored securely away from children, pets, food and ignition sources. Staff must never mix cleaning products unless specifically instructed by manufacturer guidance, and must avoid spraying near people, electrical equipment or open flames.

Equipment Safety

Tooting Cleaner provides equipment that is suitable and maintained in good working order. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles and any specialist tools required for specific jobs. Faulty or damaged equipment must be removed from use and reported promptly.

Electrical equipment is visually checked before use and used only with appropriate sockets and extension leads. Cables must be routed to minimise trip risks and equipment must never be operated with wet hands or on visibly wet surfaces unless designed for that purpose.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment is provided. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective footwear and aprons or overalls.

Staff are trained in when and how to use this equipment and are expected to wear it as instructed. Any defects or discomfort must be reported so that replacements or adjustments can be made. Personal protective equipment remains company property and must be looked after and stored properly.

Manual Handling and Working Posture

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of injury, employees receive guidance on correct manual handling techniques, including how to lift safely, avoid twisting and use trolleys or other aids wherever possible.

Staff are encouraged to vary tasks, take reasonable breaks and report any pain, strain or discomfort early. Heavy items such as furniture or equipment should not be moved without proper assessment, assistance or mechanical aids.

Control of Slips, Trips and Falls

Tooting Cleaner recognises that wet floors, trailing cables and clutter are a significant cause of accidents in cleaning environments. We implement procedures to reduce these risks, including prompt cleaning of spills, the use of appropriate warning signs and safe storage of tools and materials.

Wet floor signage is used where there is any risk of slipping, and floors are cleaned in sections where possible to maintain safe access. Staff are advised to wear suitable footwear with good grip and to be vigilant in identifying and reporting hazards on site.

Lone Working and Site Access

Some cleaning tasks may be conducted outside normal working hours or where staff are working alone. Lone working is considered as part of our risk assessments. Control measures may include agreed check-in procedures, clearly defined start and finish times and confirmation of safe access and exit routes.

Staff must follow site security procedures, including alarm systems and key handling instructions, and must not allow unauthorised individuals to enter client premises. Any concerns about personal safety must be reported immediately.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to provide appropriate support, record the details and identify measures to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will also be recorded in site accident books.

Tooting Cleaner ensures access to first aid supplies either directly or through arrangements with clients at their premises. Staff are informed of emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points and how to summon medical assistance.

Health, Welfare and Training

We recognise our duty to protect the health and welfare of our employees. This includes providing training, information and supervision so that staff can perform their work safely and confidently. Induction training and ongoing refresher sessions cover core topics such as chemical safety, equipment use, manual handling and site-specific requirements.

We encourage open communication about health and safety concerns and will consult with staff when introducing new procedures or equipment. Any employee who feels unwell or believes that a task cannot be completed safely is expected to raise this with a supervisor.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practices and the nature of our cleaning services. The most current version is made available to employees and can be provided to clients on request.

By implementing this policy and working together, Tooting Cleaner aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in or affected by our cleaning operations.