Health And Safety Policy

Cleaner Balham Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Balham is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and promoting safe working practices across all locations where we operate.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our cleaning services. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, reducing risks to an acceptable level, and continually improving our health and safety management systems.

Management at Cleaner Balham accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and is committed to providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure this policy is implemented effectively.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Cleaner Balham will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice, and recognised industry guidance applicable to the cleaning sector. We recognise that every employee, regardless of role, has a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed. Employees must co-operate fully with Cleaner Balham in implementing this policy, report hazards or concerns promptly, and use equipment and materials correctly and safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Prior to commencing work at any site, Cleaner Balham will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments to identify hazards associated with cleaning tasks, equipment, substances, and the working environment. These assessments will be reviewed regularly or when there are significant changes in work processes, equipment, or locations.

Based on the findings of risk assessments, we will develop safe systems of work tailored to each client site and the specific cleaning services provided. These procedures will cover, where applicable, the use of cleaning chemicals, manual handling, working at height, operation of machinery, lone working, and out-of-hours activities.

Chemical Safety and Control of Substances

Cleaner Balham uses cleaning products and substances that are suitable for professional use and, where possible, selects low hazard or environmentally considerate options. All substances are assessed for health risks before use, and appropriate control measures are implemented in line with recognised guidance on chemical safety.

Employees are trained in the safe storage, handling, dilution, and disposal of cleaning chemicals. Original containers and labels must always be used, and decanting into unmarked containers is not permitted. Personal protective equipment will be provided and must be worn as identified by the relevant assessments.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaner Balham provides suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, masks, and protective clothing where required by risk assessments. Employees must use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition, and report any defects immediately.

Where PPE is identified as necessary, tasks must not be carried out without it. Cleaner Balham will replace worn or damaged PPE promptly and ensure that staff are trained in its correct use, storage, and limitations.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction training when they join Cleaner Balham, covering general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, safe use of equipment, and specific cleaning methods. Additional task-specific training is provided for specialist equipment, high-risk activities, or new products.

Ongoing refresher training is carried out as needed to maintain competence and awareness. Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance, and ensure that employees follow issued procedures and instructions.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Cleaner Balham recognises the risks associated with manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling equipment or materials. We minimise manual handling where reasonably practicable and provide training in safe lifting techniques and correct posture.

All machinery and equipment used in cleaning activities are selected to be safe and suitable for their intended purpose. Equipment is maintained in good working order, and any faults or defects must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired. Employees are only permitted to use equipment for which they have been trained and authorised.

Workplace Environment and Welfare

Cleaner Balham works closely with clients to ensure that work areas are safe and that adequate welfare facilities such as washing and restroom facilities are available. We promote good hygiene practices, including the use of hand washing or sanitising facilities, particularly when handling waste or working in sanitary areas.

Where employees are required to work alone or outside normal hours, appropriate measures are put in place to manage risks, including communication procedures and agreed check-in arrangements.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to Cleaner Balham management as soon as possible. We will investigate these events to identify causes, implement corrective actions, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Employees are informed of emergency arrangements at each site, including fire evacuation procedures, alarm points, escape routes, and assembly points. Participation in any site-specific drills or exercises is mandatory where required by the building management or client.

Health, Wellbeing, and Occupational Ill Health

Cleaner Balham recognises the importance of safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of our employees. We seek to prevent work-related ill health through appropriate risk control, training, and the provision of suitable equipment and PPE.

Employees are encouraged to report any health concerns that may be affected by their work, so that reasonable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered where appropriate.

Consultation and Communication

Cleaner Balham promotes open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are encouraged to suggest improvements to working practices. Health and safety information is communicated through training, instructions, and verbal briefings where appropriate.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We regularly monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, audits, and review of incident reports. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective measures are implemented promptly.

This policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to employees and made available to clients on request. Cleaner Balham is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to maintaining a safe, healthy working environment for all.