Health And Safety Policy
Carpet Cleaning Putney Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Carpet Cleaning Putney manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during the provision of our carpet, upholstery and related cleaning services. We are committed to delivering high quality cleaning while preventing injury, ill health and damage to property.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Carpet Cleaning Putney recognises its duty to conduct all operations in a way that protects people, premises and the environment. Our objectives are to:
Identify and manage hazards associated with carpet and upholstery cleaning work.
Prevent accidents, near misses and work-related ill health.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
Provide safe equipment, products and methods of work.
Ensure that all staff are trained, competent and supervised as necessary.
Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Carpet Cleaning Putney rests with senior management. They ensure that appropriate resources, arrangements and monitoring are in place, and that this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety management on cleaning jobs, including carrying out on-site risk assessments, briefing operatives on safe systems of work, and checking that equipment and products are used correctly.
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 follow company procedures, use personal protective equipment as instructed, report hazards and incidents promptly, and refrain from any activities that could compromise safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess risks associated with our cleaning activities at our clients premises, including residential properties, offices and commercial locations. Before work begins, our operatives consider hazards such as slips and trips, electrical safety, manual handling, use of cleaning chemicals, noise, confined spaces and interaction with customers and visitors.
Suitable control measures are implemented, which may include cordoning off work areas, using warning signs, planning safe access routes, checking electrical sockets and equipment, and agreeing special arrangements with the customer where necessary. We adapt our methods to suit each property while maintaining consistent safety standards across our service area.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals
We only use cleaning solutions and stain treatments that are suitable for professional carpet and upholstery cleaning. Safety data information for all products is obtained and followed, including correct dilution, application and disposal instructions.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks or eye protection is provided and must be used. Chemicals are stored securely in vehicles or designated storage areas and kept out of reach of children and pets. We take care to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid mixing products that could release harmful vapours.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
All machines and tools used for carpet cleaning, including extraction machines, vacuum cleaners, rotary machines, hoses and attachments, must be properly maintained and in good working order. Pre-use checks are carried out to identify damage, leaks, faulty cables or plugs, and any defect is reported immediately.
Electrical equipment is used with suitable sockets and extensions, avoiding overloading circuits or trailing cables where they could cause trips. Where possible, cables are routed along walls or under protective covers. Only trained personnel may operate specialist machinery.
Manual Handling and Physical Safety
Our work can involve lifting and moving equipment, furniture and accessories. To minimise strain and injury, staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and encouraged to use mechanical aids or team lifting whenever practical.
Before cleaning, we assess whether furniture or other items need to be moved, and we agree with the customer what is appropriate. Heavy or unstable items are not moved if doing so would pose an unacceptable risk. Where movement is required, we ensure clear pathways, good lighting and stable footing.
Control of Slips, Trips and Falls
Carpet and upholstery cleaning often involves the use of water and liquid products, which can create slip hazards. We control these risks by managing hoses and cables carefully, using warning signs or verbal warnings, and cleaning up spillages promptly.
We ensure that walkways remain as clear as possible, and where damp carpets may take time to dry, we advise customers about drying times and the need to take care when walking on treated areas.
Customer, Visitor and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, employees and visitors during our work. This includes keeping equipment and chemicals under control at all times, never leaving machines running unattended in accessible areas, and ensuring that children and pets are kept away from the work zone.
Where work is undertaken in shared or communal areas, we use appropriate signage and, where necessary, agree access arrangements to reduce the risk of accidents to residents, staff and the general public.
Training, Information and Supervision
All new employees receive health and safety induction training that covers our procedures, emergency arrangements, hazard awareness and safe use of chemicals and machinery. Ongoing training is provided when new equipment, products or working methods are introduced, and refresher training takes place as needed.
Supervision levels are set according to the competence and experience of the individual. Less experienced operatives work under close guidance until they have demonstrated a full understanding of our safety requirements.
Accident 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. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and put measures in place to prevent recurrence.
Our operatives are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to the premises they are working in, including fire exits and assembly points. Basic first aid supplies are carried in vehicles or available on site where required. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services are contacted immediately and the area is made safe.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, chemicals or legal requirements. We welcome feedback from employees and customers on safety matters and use this information to improve our practices.
By following this policy, Carpet Cleaning Putney aims to maintain a safe and healthy working environment for everyone involved in or affected by our cleaning services, across all the homes and businesses we serve.