Health And Safety Policy

Finchley Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Finchley Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our clients, employees, subcontractors, visitors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing workplace risks and maintaining safe working practices at all locations where we operate.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan and deliver all cleaning services, including domestic, commercial, and end of tenancy work.

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, supervision, and equipment are provided so that work can be carried out safely. All employees and subcontractors are required to cooperate fully with this policy and follow the procedures and instructions put in place.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Finchley Cleaner complies with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, approved codes of practice, and industry guidance applicable to cleaning operations. We seek to maintain standards that meet or exceed legal requirements.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that the policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety on site, including communicating procedures and monitoring compliance. Every employee and subcontractor has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are carried out for our cleaning activities and working environments. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, use of ladders and steps, electrical equipment, and exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Control measures and safe working procedures are then developed and implemented. These include the selection of suitable tools and equipment, clear instructions for safe use, restrictions on high-risk activities, and requirements for personal protective equipment. Where site-specific risks exist, additional assessments and procedures are developed for that location.

COSHH and Safe Use of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals and substances are controlled in accordance with recognised safety standards for hazardous substances. Before any product is used, appropriate information is obtained from the manufacturer and a written assessment is completed where required.

Chemicals are stored, handled, diluted, and disposed of in line with labelled instructions and the relevant safety data information. Only trained staff are permitted to use certain products. Contact with skin, eyes, and clothing is minimised, and suitable ventilation is ensured when using products that release vapours or aerosols.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, masks, and protective clothing, is provided where a risk assessment identifies a need. Employees and subcontractors must use PPE correctly, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or defects immediately.

PPE is not used as a substitute for eliminating or reducing risks at source, but as an additional layer of protection where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

Training, Supervision, and Competence

Finchley Cleaner ensures that all staff receive appropriate instruction and training relevant to their role and the tasks they perform. This includes induction training, safe use of equipment, chemical handling, manual handling, working at height, and emergency procedures.

Training needs are reviewed regularly, and refresher training is provided where necessary. Supervisors monitor standards of work, provide ongoing guidance, and intervene if unsafe practices are observed. No one is allowed to undertake tasks for which they have not been trained and deemed competent.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling tasks, such as moving machinery, waste bags, and supplies, are assessed to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and encouraged to use trolleys or other mechanical aids where reasonably practicable. Loads should be kept to a manageable weight and height, and team lifting used where necessary.

Cleaning equipment and machinery, such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and other powered tools, are maintained in good working order. Only authorised and trained staff may use them. Pre-use checks are carried out, and any faults must be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of service if unsafe.

Control of Slips, Trips, and Falls

As cleaning often involves wet floors and trailing leads, particular attention is paid to preventing slips, trips, and falls. Appropriate signage is used when floors are wet or being cleaned. Work areas are kept tidy, obstructions removed promptly, and cables managed to avoid trip hazards.

Ladders and step stools are only used when necessary and in accordance with safe working procedures. Improvised access methods, such as standing on furniture, are strictly prohibited.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are maintained and investigated where appropriate, so that underlying causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented.

Emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, first aid, and dealing with spillages or chemical exposure, are communicated to staff. Where work is carried out on client premises, we cooperate with the client’s own emergency arrangements and ensure our staff are familiar with them.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Finchley Cleaner encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees and subcontractors are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in the development of safer working methods.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly or following significant changes in legislation, working practices, or incident findings. Amendments are communicated to all staff to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Responsibility and Policy Review

Management is committed to leading by example and promoting a positive health and safety culture throughout Finchley Cleaner. Everyone working with or on behalf of the company is expected to cooperate with this policy and take personal responsibility for working safely.

This policy forms part of our wider commitment to quality, professionalism, and the wellbeing of our employees and clients across all locations where we provide cleaning services.