Islington Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Islington Cleaner is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and the wider public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with commercial and domestic cleaning activities, including routine, deep, and specialist cleaning services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We aim to provide safe working conditions, suitable equipment, and effective systems of work that minimise risks, while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene for all clients.

Health and safety is an integral part of our cleaning services and business planning. We expect all employees and contractors working on our behalf to follow this policy and any related procedures or instructions.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes

Ensuring that all cleaning activities are risk assessed and that appropriate control measures are in place and maintained.

Providing necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision so that employees can carry out their duties safely and competently.

Supplying and maintaining safe plant, equipment, and cleaning products, and ensuring they are used correctly.

Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where needed.

Reviewing the policy regularly and when changes in operations, legislation, or best practice occur.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Islington Cleaner has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are required to

Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures, and site rules.

Use equipment, materials, and personal protective equipment correctly and as instructed.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions without delay.

Attend and participate in training, briefings, and toolbox talks as required.

Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, such as misusing equipment or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for all significant cleaning activities, taking into account the environment, the nature of the work, and the people who may be affected. Based on these assessments, we implement safe working procedures designed to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Where work is carried out at client premises, our staff are briefed on site-specific hazards, access arrangements, fire procedures, and any additional safety measures required. We cooperate with clients and building managers to coordinate activities and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Use of Chemicals and Cleaning Products

Islington Cleaner uses cleaning chemicals and products in line with supplier instructions and relevant safety guidance. For all substances that could pose a risk, we undertake suitable assessments and keep information on hazards and safe handling.

Employees are trained in the correct dilution, application, storage, and disposal of chemicals. They must never mix products unless explicitly instructed in the manufacturer guidance, and must ensure that containers are labelled, closed securely, and stored safely when not in use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, we provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and protective clothing. Staff are required to wear the specified items for each task and to keep them in good condition.

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be replaced. We ensure employees receive guidance on how to use, remove, and dispose of protective items safely to prevent contamination or exposure.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Cleaning work often involves moving equipment, waste, and supplies. We train staff in safe manual handling techniques, including how to lift, carry, and move loads with minimal strain. Where practical, we use trolleys or other aids to reduce manual effort.

All electrical and mechanical equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and floor machines, is selected and maintained with safety in mind. Staff are instructed to carry out simple pre use checks and to remove from service any item that appears unsafe or defective, reporting it to a supervisor.

Working at Height and Slips, Trips, and Falls

Certain cleaning tasks require the use of steps or small ladders. We only permit working at height where it is necessary and where appropriate equipment and training have been provided. Improvised methods such as standing on chairs or unstable surfaces are strictly prohibited.

We take steps to minimise the risk of slips, trips, and falls by managing trailing cables, using caution signage when floors are wet, and planning work to reduce obstruction in walkways. Staff are responsible for keeping their work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable.

Health, Welfare, and Hygiene

We recognise the importance of protecting the general health and wellbeing of our staff. Employees are encouraged to report any health condition that might be affected by their work so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, safe use of gloves, and appropriate use of sanitising products, are promoted throughout our operations. This is especially important when dealing with washrooms, kitchens, high touch surfaces, or any potentially contaminated areas.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and potentially dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. We investigate incidents to identify underlying causes, learn lessons, and prevent recurrence.

Employees working at client locations must familiarise themselves with the building emergency arrangements, including fire exits, alarm points, and assembly locations. In an emergency, staff must follow both our procedures and any site specific rules, prioritising safe evacuation and the protection of life.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

Islington Cleaner provides initial and ongoing health and safety training suitable for each role, including induction training for new staff and refresher training where required. Supervisors are given additional guidance in overseeing safe working practices.

We communicate important safety information through briefings, written instructions, and updates. We encourage open communication and consultation on health and safety matters, and we welcome suggestions from employees and clients on how safety performance can be improved.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with our services and activities. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to maintaining a positive safety culture across all cleaning operations.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide safe, reliable cleaning services that protect everyone who may be affected by our work.