Acton Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Acton Cleaner manages and promotes safe working practices in all cleaning services we provide. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect health, and maintain a safe, hygienic environment for our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities.

Health and safety is a core part of how we plan and deliver our cleaning services. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current good practice in the cleaning industry.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

Acton Cleaner accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management will provide appropriate resources, guidance, and supervision so that all work can be carried out safely and without risks to health. Every member of staff is required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by what they do or fail to do.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring that risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are followed, and that staff understand their duties.

Employee Duties and Cooperation

All employees of Acton Cleaner must cooperate fully with this policy and any related procedures. Staff are expected to:

Work in accordance with training and instructions provided, use equipment correctly, follow site rules, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and promptly report any hazards, incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions they observe during their work.

Employees must never intentionally misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health, safety, or welfare, including equipment, signage, or protective devices.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Acton Cleaner will identify and assess foreseeable risks arising from cleaning tasks, equipment, substances, and working environments. Risk assessments will be carried out before starting new contracts, introducing new equipment or products, and whenever there are significant changes in working conditions.

From these assessments, we will develop safe working procedures tailored to typical cleaning activities such as general office cleaning, domestic cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, deep cleaning, and specialist cleaning tasks. Staff must follow these procedures at all times.

Training, Instruction and Supervision

We are committed to ensuring that all staff receive suitable and sufficient training relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, product and equipment training, safe handling of chemicals, manual handling techniques, use of personal protective equipment, infection control and hygiene, and emergency procedures.

Training will be refreshed when required, especially if new risks or processes are introduced. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that training is understood and applied consistently on site.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals and other substances will be assessed before use to understand any risks to health or safety. Safety data and guidance will be made available to employees, and only authorised products will be used during cleaning tasks.

All staff must follow the specific instructions for dilution, application, ventilation, storage, and disposal of products. Chemicals will be stored securely, clearly labelled, and never mixed unless directed by manufacturer instructions. Where necessary, suitable protective equipment will be provided and must be worn as instructed.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Acton Cleaner will provide appropriate and well-maintained equipment for each cleaning task. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, mops, cloths, and specialised tools where required. Equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Suitable personal protective equipment will be provided, such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing, depending on the level of risk. Staff must use and care for this equipment properly and report any damage or loss immediately so it can be replaced.

Manual Handling and Working Environment

Manual handling tasks are common within cleaning services, including moving equipment, waste, and supplies. We will assess manual handling risks and introduce safe systems such as using trolleys, breaking loads into smaller units, and training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques.

We will also consider environmental factors that may affect health and safety, such as lighting, floor conditions, access routes, ventilation, and working at height when cleaning higher surfaces. Where necessary, we will implement additional controls to reduce risks.

Infection Control and Hygiene

Acton Cleaner recognises the importance of infection prevention when cleaning homes and workplaces. Staff will follow site-specific hygiene procedures, including the appropriate use of disinfectants, colour-coding of cloths and mops where required, and correct handling and disposal of waste.

Particular care will be taken in washrooms, kitchens, and other high-contact areas. Staff will be instructed on hand hygiene practices and any infection control measures relevant to the site they are working on.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable so they can be recorded and investigated. Acton Cleaner will review the circumstances, identify root causes, and take steps to prevent a recurrence.

Where appropriate, we will communicate any lessons learned to employees and update risk assessments and working procedures accordingly.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns, suggestions, or ideas for improving safety. Feedback from staff, clients, and site representatives will be considered when reviewing this policy and our procedures.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our work activities or legal requirements that affect how we operate. The updated policy will be communicated to all employees and made available to clients on request.