Lambeth Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy explains how Lambeth Cleaner manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, clients and members of the public. Our cleaning services are carried out with a strong focus on risk prevention, safe working methods and continuous improvement in safety standards.

Policy Statement

Lambeth Cleaner is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, damage to property and any negative impact on the environment. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver all cleaning services.

Management will provide adequate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that all work is carried out safely and responsibly. Every employee and contractor is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed. Management will set clear objectives, allocate resources and lead by example in promoting safe working practices.

Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including communicating safe systems of work, carrying out checks on equipment, monitoring use of personal protective equipment and responding to reported hazards or incidents.

Employees and contractors have a duty to follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required protective gear and report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions immediately to their supervisor or manager.

Risk Assessments and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments are completed for the cleaning tasks we undertake, including routine cleaning, deep cleans, end of tenancy work and specialist cleaning activities where relevant. These assessments identify significant hazards, evaluate the level of risk and specify control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are developed from these risk assessments and cover topics such as correct use of cleaning chemicals, safe lifting techniques, working at height where required, electrical safety and secure handling of waste. Staff are expected to follow these procedures at all times.

Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly, and whenever there are changes to work processes, equipment, substances used or locations where work is carried out.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive induction training, which includes an overview of this Health and Safety Policy, emergency procedures, safe use of cleaning products, correct operation of equipment and the importance of personal protective equipment.

Ongoing training is provided as needed, including refresher sessions and specific instruction for specialist tasks or new equipment. Records of all training are kept and used to ensure that staff remain competent for the work they perform.

Supervisors and managers provide appropriate levels of supervision, particularly for new or inexperienced staff, and ensure that safe working practices are followed consistently on each site.

Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals and any other hazardous substances are managed carefully to minimise risk. Only approved products are used and they are stored, handled and disposed of in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety information.

Where required, product safety information is available to staff so they understand the potential risks, safe handling procedures, correct dilution methods and first aid measures. Staff are trained not to mix chemicals and to use suitable protective equipment such as gloves, masks or eye protection where identified in the risk assessment.

Personal Protective Equipment

Lambeth Cleaner provides appropriate personal protective equipment for tasks where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons and suitable footwear.

Staff are required to use the protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects or concerns so that items can be repaired or replaced. Supervisors monitor correct use of personal protective equipment as part of routine checks.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling tasks such as moving equipment, rubbish bags or furniture are assessed and planned to reduce risk. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, encouraged to break loads into smaller parts where possible and to use trolleys or other aids whenever available.

All equipment used in cleaning operations is maintained in a safe condition. Staff are instructed to use equipment only as intended, to inspect it before use and to remove from service any item that appears damaged or unsafe. Faulty equipment is reported immediately for repair or replacement.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported without delay. Details are recorded, investigated and used to identify underlying causes and improvements to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures, including fire safety, evacuation routes and first aid arrangements, are communicated to staff working on each site. Employees must familiarise themselves with the specific procedures and follow any instructions given by building management or supervisors.

Health, Welfare and Working Environment

Lambeth Cleaner aims to protect both physical and mental wellbeing. Work is organised to avoid excessive fatigue where practicable, and staff are encouraged to raise any concerns about workloads, stress or health issues that may affect their ability to work safely.

Welfare needs such as access to toilets, washing facilities, breaks and drinking water are respected in line with the facilities available at each location. Any concerns about welfare provisions are reported and addressed as far as is reasonably practicable.

Cooperation with Clients and Other Parties

The company recognises that many cleaning tasks take place in shared environments. We cooperate with clients, building managers and other service providers to coordinate safety arrangements and share relevant information about risks and controls.

Where multiple contractors operate on the same site, Lambeth Cleaner participates in joint safety briefings where appropriate and follows agreed procedures to ensure the safety of everyone present.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy is monitored through inspections, incident reviews and staff feedback. Findings are used to update risk assessments, improve procedures and identify additional training requirements.

This policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation or best practice. Updated versions are communicated to all staff so that everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards expected.

By working together and following this policy, Lambeth Cleaner aims to deliver high quality cleaning services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of employees, clients and the public.