Putney Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Putney Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our clients, our employees, contractors and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities and the arrangements we have in place to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial cleaning services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and unsafe situations in all cleaning tasks carried out by Putney Cleaner. We will identify, assess and control risks arising from our work, and we will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure work is carried out safely and responsibly.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and good industry practice.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Putney Cleaner. Management will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly to remain effective and relevant to our cleaning operations.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, monitoring safe working practices and ensuring that all cleaners understand and follow the procedures that apply to their tasks and locations.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with Putney Cleaner by following safety procedures, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents, and attending required training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Putney Cleaner will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for cleaning activities, including domestic cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, office cleaning, after-builders cleaning and other related services. These assessments will identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment and lone working.

From these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work designed to eliminate or minimise risks. These may include specified cleaning methods, choice of equipment, work sequencing, restricted access areas and special precautions where vulnerable people or sensitive environments are involved.

Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in work methods, products used or locations served.

Use and Storage of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning products and chemicals present specific risks if not handled correctly. Putney Cleaner will use products safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable safety data information.

We will ensure that:

All chemical containers are clearly labelled and kept in suitable storage when not in use. Staff are trained in safe dilution, use and disposal of cleaning agents. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks or eye protection is provided where necessary. Sprays and solutions are used in well-ventilated areas wherever possible. Products are never mixed unless expressly authorised by the manufacturer.

We will take particular care when working in homes or premises where children, pets or individuals with respiratory conditions may be present, ensuring that products are used and stored so as not to endanger occupants.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

Putney Cleaner will provide suitable cleaning equipment that is safe and fit for purpose. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles, ladders and any other tools used in our services.

Equipment will be maintained, inspected and, where applicable, tested at appropriate intervals. Defective or damaged items must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Employees will be instructed in the correct and safe use of all equipment they are expected to operate, including the importance of using attachments, cables, plugs and accessories correctly to prevent trips, shocks or mechanical injuries.

Manual Handling and Working at Height

Our cleaning work can involve lifting, carrying and moving equipment or materials. Putney Cleaner will reduce manual handling risks by using trolleys, lighter tools and careful planning of work wherever practical.

Staff will receive guidance on good manual handling techniques, including assessing the weight and stability of loads, using correct posture and avoiding unnecessary twisting or overreaching.

Where working at height is unavoidable, only stable and appropriate equipment will be used, such as approved step ladders or platforms. Standing on chairs, unstable surfaces or makeshift supports is strictly prohibited. Employees must follow all instructions when working at height and must not overreach or move equipment while standing on it.

Personal Protective Equipment

Putney Cleaner will provide personal protective equipment where risk assessments show it is required. This may include gloves, masks, aprons, eye protection or other items relevant to specific tasks.

Employees must use personal protective equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report loss or damage promptly so that it can be replaced. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not replace the need for safe working practices and appropriate cleaning methods.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees will receive an induction that includes health and safety information relevant to their role and the environments in which they will work. Additional task-specific training will be provided as required, covering topics such as chemical safety, equipment use, manual handling and lone working.

Refresher training will be given where needed to maintain safe performance and to introduce new procedures or products. Supervisors will monitor standards of work, provide guidance and correct unsafe practices promptly.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries and unsafe conditions must be reported to Putney Cleaner management as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees will be briefed on emergency arrangements relevant to the premises they are working in, including fire evacuation routes, alarm points and any site-specific procedures. Cleaners must cooperate with the building or household emergency plans at all times.

Lone Working and Client Premises

Many cleaning tasks are carried out by individuals working alone in client premises. Putney Cleaner recognises the particular risks of lone working and will put in place reasonable measures to ensure employee safety, such as sign-in procedures, agreed check-in arrangements or scheduled contact with supervisors.

While on client premises, employees must respect house rules and building regulations, maintain professional conduct and avoid actions that may endanger themselves, occupants or visitors. Doors and windows will be secured as appropriate during and after work to maintain the security of the property.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, our services or the nature of risks associated with cleaning activities. Any significant changes will be communicated to all employees and, where relevant, to clients.

By implementing this policy, Putney Cleaner aims to deliver reliable, high-quality cleaning services while maintaining safe and healthy conditions for everyone involved.