Catford Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Catford Cleaners is committed to providing professional cleaning services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, promoting safe working practices, and ensuring continual improvement in all areas of our operations.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our cleaning activities. We aim to create and maintain a safe working environment, whether on client premises or within any facility we use. We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and industry standards, and we integrate these responsibilities into everyday management and supervision.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, and every employee is required to cooperate and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Responsibilities and Management

Senior management at Catford Cleaners is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources are available to implement this policy effectively. This includes providing training, suitable equipment, safe systems of work, and appropriate supervision. Management will review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or legislation.

Site supervisors are responsible for communicating safety procedures to cleaning staff at each location, monitoring compliance with those procedures, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly. Employees must follow all instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing work at any premises, Catford Cleaners will identify hazards and undertake risk assessments appropriate to the tasks to be carried out. These assessments inform our safe systems of work, including methods for cleaning, waste handling, and the use of chemicals and machinery.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated when work processes, products, or locations change. Control measures may include substitution of products, adjusting working methods, providing additional equipment, or implementing restricted access to certain areas during cleaning.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Many cleaning tasks require the use of substances that could pose risks if not managed properly. Catford Cleaners only uses cleaning chemicals that are suitable for professional use and supplies safety data information for each product. We comply with relevant regulations for controlling exposure to hazardous substances.

Employees receive instructions on the safe storage, dilution, application, and disposal of cleaning products. Chemicals are always kept in clearly labelled containers and never decanted into unmarked bottles. Staff are trained to avoid mixing incompatible substances and to follow ventilation, contact time, and rinsing requirements as specified by the manufacturer.

Equipment, Tools, and Electrical Safety

All equipment and tools used by Catford Cleaners, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and extension poles, are selected for safety and suitability. Equipment is inspected regularly, maintained in good working order, and removed from service if found to be defective.

Employees are trained to use equipment only for its intended purpose and to carry out pre-use checks, such as examining cables and plugs for damage. Electrical equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and never operated with wet hands or near standing water unless it is specifically designed for such use and suitable precautions are taken.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Cleaning tasks often involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Catford Cleaners aims to minimise manual handling risks by using equipment such as trolleys, mops with extendable handles, and lightweight tools where possible. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and on organising their work to avoid unnecessary strain.

Employees are encouraged to adjust their working posture, take short breaks when needed, and report any discomfort, pain, or repeated strain symptoms so that tasks can be reviewed and, where possible, modified.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, eye protection, masks, or protective clothing. Employees are instructed in its correct use, limitations, and maintenance.

Good personal hygiene is an essential part of our health and safety approach. Staff are expected to wash their hands regularly, especially after using cleaning chemicals, handling waste, or completing bathroom and kitchen cleaning duties. Where necessary, hand sanitising products are provided.

Infection Control and Specialist Cleaning

Cleaning services can play an important role in infection control. Catford Cleaners implements procedures for the safe cleaning of high touch surfaces, sanitary areas, kitchens, and shared spaces. Where infection risks are identified, we use suitable disinfection methods and products and may adjust work routines to reduce potential exposure.

In situations requiring specialist cleaning, such as after illness or contamination events, additional control measures are introduced, including enhanced personal protective equipment, restricted access zones, and stricter waste handling procedures.

Working on Client Premises

When working in homes, offices, or other premises, Catford Cleaners respects any site-specific health and safety rules and cooperates fully with the client or building management. We take care to prevent slips, trips, and falls by using visible signs, keeping cables and equipment organised, and promptly cleaning or drying any spillages we create.

We plan work schedules to minimise disruption, avoid unnecessary noise at sensitive times where practicable, and maintain clear escape routes in case of emergency. Our staff are briefed on what to do in the event of fire, evacuation, or other emergencies at client sites.

Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Catford Cleaners records and investigates such events to understand their causes and to identify preventive action. Where necessary, reports are made to relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.

We encourage open reporting without fear of blame, focusing on learning from incidents to prevent reoccurrence and improve safety performance across our cleaning operations.

Training, Consultation, and Continuous Improvement

Catford Cleaners provides health and safety induction training for all new employees and ongoing instruction as tasks, products, or equipment change. Training may include safe use of chemicals, correct operation of machinery, manual handling, emergency procedures, and the specific hazards present in different cleaning environments.

We consult with employees about health and safety matters and value their input on improving working methods. This policy is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in guidance, working practices, and the nature of the cleaning services we provide. Our commitment is to maintain a safe, healthy, and professional cleaning service for every client and every member of our team.