Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing professional carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, visitors and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, injury and ill health during all cleaning activities conducted at domestic and commercial premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to maintain safe systems of work and a safe working environment wherever our services are delivered. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
We expect all employees and contractors working on our behalf to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions, to follow the procedures set out in this policy, and to cooperate fully in creating a safe and healthy workplace.
Responsibilities
The company management is responsible for implementing, monitoring and reviewing this policy. We will:
Identify hazards associated with carpet, rug, mattress and upholstery cleaning services, assess associated risks and introduce appropriate control measures.
Provide suitable equipment, machinery and cleaning products that are safe, maintained in good condition and used only for their intended purpose.
Ensure staff receive information, instruction, training and supervision relevant to their role, including safe handling of chemicals and equipment.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, take corrective action and share learning to prevent recurrence.
Employees and operatives are required to:
Work in accordance with this policy, site rules and any training or instruction provided.
Use personal protective equipment correctly and keep it in good condition.
Report hazards, defects, spillages, accidents or near misses without delay.
Refrain from taking shortcuts or unauthorised actions that could compromise safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting work at any property, a suitable and proportionate risk assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards arising from the premises, the tasks to be undertaken and the equipment and substances used. Any significant risks will be controlled through safe systems of work and, where necessary, written method statements.
We will consider issues such as slip and trip risks from wet floors or trailing hoses, manual handling of heavy machines, restricted access areas such as stairs, electrical safety, use of chemicals, and any vulnerable persons present such as children, older people or pets.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
The cleaning products and stain treatments we use are selected for effectiveness and safety when used as directed. All substances are handled in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. We will:
Obtain and retain safety data sheets for all chemicals and ensure staff can access them.
Store chemicals securely in clearly labelled containers and avoid decanting into unmarked bottles.
Follow manufacturer instructions on dilution, application, contact times, ventilation and disposal.
Use the least hazardous products suitable for the job wherever reasonably practicable.
Provide protective gloves, eye protection or other personal protective equipment where indicated by the risk assessment.
Use of Equipment and Electrical Safety
Our carpet cleaning machinery, vacuum cleaners, extraction units and accessories will be maintained, inspected and tested at appropriate intervals. Only trained personnel may use electrical equipment. We will:
Check cables, plugs and casings for damage before use and remove defective equipment from service immediately.
Avoid overloading sockets and keep leads routed to minimise trip hazards and prevent damage.
Never use electrical machines in standing water or outdoors in unsafe weather conditions unless designed for that purpose.
Switch off and unplug equipment before cleaning, adjusting or carrying out minor maintenance.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve moving machines, water containers and accessories between rooms, levels and vehicles. To reduce the risk of strains and injuries we will:
Provide training in safe lifting techniques and use of handling aids.
Encourage staff to split loads where possible and avoid awkward, rushed or excessive lifting.
Plan work to minimise unnecessary carrying of heavy equipment, for example by using portable units or additional hoses.
Working in Client Premises
Respect for client property and the safety of occupants is central to our service. When working in homes, offices or other venues we will:
Introduce ourselves upon arrival, explain the work to be undertaken and agree access arrangements and any restrictions.
Secure work areas as far as is reasonably practicable to prevent slips, trips or contact with equipment, particularly where children or pets are present.
Use warning signs when floors are damp or hoses cross walkways.
Protect furnishings, electrical items and delicate surfaces from overspray, moisture or chemical contact.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Staff are briefed on basic emergency procedures relevant to their work. This includes how to respond to fire alarms on client sites, the location of exits, and the importance of keeping escape routes clear of equipment and cables.
Any incident involving injury, chemical contact with eyes or skin, electric shock or damage to property will be reported to management promptly. Where required by law, serious incidents will be reported to the enforcing authorities. First aid arrangements, including access to basic first aid supplies, are maintained by the company.
Training, Consultation and Policy Review
Health and safety training is provided at induction and refreshed as needed, especially when new equipment, products or methods are introduced. Topics include hazard awareness, safe use of machinery, chemical safety, manual handling, personal protective equipment and incident reporting.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in reviews of procedures. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains effective, up to date and aligned with current legal requirements and good practice in the cleaning sector.
By implementing this Health and Safety Policy and continually improving our arrangements, Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners aims to provide a reliable, high quality carpet and upholstery cleaning service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.
