Harrow Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Harrow Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all cleaning activities carried out in homes, workplaces and other premises within our service area.

Policy Aims and Commitment

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, work-related ill health and damage to property arising from our cleaning work. We recognise that effective health and safety management is integral to delivering reliable, high quality services and to maintaining the trust of our customers.

We are committed to:

Identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with cleaning tasks, equipment and substances. Providing suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to all staff. Supplying and maintaining safe equipment, materials and personal protective equipment. Ensuring safe systems of work in all locations where we operate. Continuously improving our health and safety performance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources and arrangements are in place to implement this policy. Management will review health and safety performance regularly and update this policy when necessary.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of health and safety procedures, carrying out risk assessments for specific jobs and ensuring that staff follow agreed safe working practices.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must follow training and instructions, use protective equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with the company on health and safety matters.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting work at any site, we will consider the specific risks associated with the premises and the cleaning tasks required. Where necessary, formal risk assessments will be carried out and recorded.

Typical risks in cleaning work may include slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, lone working, and working in occupied premises. Harrow Cleaner will put in place appropriate control measures for each job, such as clear access routes, correct lifting techniques, suitable cleaning methods, and restricted use of higher-risk substances or equipment.

Safe systems of work will be communicated to employees through training, written procedures and on-site instruction. Staff are required to follow these systems at all times and raise any concerns if they consider a task cannot be completed safely.

Chemicals and Cleaning Products

Cleaning chemicals will be selected, stored, transported, used and disposed of in a safe and responsible way. We will use product information and safety data to understand potential hazards and required precautions.

Employees will be trained in correct dilution, application, ventilation requirements and contact times for cleaning products. They must never mix chemicals, decant into unlabelled containers, or use products for purposes other than those specified by the manufacturer.

Where possible, we will favour lower risk or eco-conscious products while maintaining effective cleaning standards, especially in domestic properties and sensitive environments.

Equipment Safety

All equipment provided by Harrow Cleaner, including vacuums, floor machines, steam cleaners and other tools, will be regularly inspected and maintained in safe working order. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use.

Electrical equipment will be checked for visible damage, used only with suitable power outlets and never operated with wet hands or in standing water. Cables will be routed carefully to reduce tripping risks.

Only trained and authorised staff may operate specialised machinery. Instructions and operating procedures must be followed at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Harrow Cleaner will provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection, footwear and aprons.

Employees must use the protective equipment supplied for the tasks specified, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or defects. PPE is not a substitute for safe working methods and should be used alongside other controls.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling equipment and materials. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, employees will receive guidance on manual handling techniques, posture and safe load limits.

Where practicable, equipment such as trolleys will be used to move heavier items. Staff must not attempt to lift or move loads that they consider too heavy or awkward and should request assistance when required.

Working in Customer Premises

When working in customers premises, our staff will show respect for the property, contents and privacy of occupants. They will also be mindful of the safety of customers, visitors and other contractors on site.

Access routes will be kept as clear as possible, and warning signs will be used where appropriate. Staff will communicate with customers about any temporary hazards, such as wet floors, and will aim to minimise disruption.

Where customers have specific health or safety needs, such as allergies, mobility issues or vulnerable individuals in the property, we will take reasonable steps to adapt our cleaning methods and scheduling accordingly.

Training, Information and Supervision

Harrow Cleaner provides employees with health and safety induction, job-specific training and ongoing refreshers as needed. Training covers topics such as chemical safety, equipment operation, manual handling, personal hygiene and emergency procedures.

Information on risks and controls will be shared in a clear and understandable way. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure standards are maintained.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, work-related health issues and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to provide appropriate support, investigate causes and implement preventative measures.

Records of incidents and any corrective actions will be maintained and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency Procedures

Employees will be made aware of emergency procedures at each site, including fire exits, assembly points and any specific instructions given by the property owner or manager.

In the event of an emergency, staff must prioritise their own safety and that of others, follow established procedures and report details to management once it is safe to do so.

Monitoring and Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or identified risks. We welcome feedback from employees and customers to help improve our approach.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Harrow Cleaner aims to ensure that all cleaning activities are carried out safely, responsibly and with care for everyone involved.