Cleaners Brent Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Brent is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with cleaning work and forms part of our wider commitment to high standards of service and legal compliance.
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance, and we aim to continually improve our performance through regular review, training and communication.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaners Brent rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate systems, procedures and resources are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring compliance and taking corrective action where required.
Supervisors are responsible for day to day health and safety management at the sites they oversee, including induction of new staff, communication of site specific risks, and monitoring work practices to ensure they are safe and in accordance with company procedures.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating fully with all health and safety measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Cleaners Brent conducts suitable and sufficient risk assessments for cleaning tasks undertaken at client premises, including offices, homes, communal areas and commercial spaces. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, chemical exposure, electrical equipment and working at height where applicable.
Based on the findings of our risk assessments, we put in place safe systems of work and written procedures. Staff are made aware of these procedures during induction and refresher training, and supervisors check that they are being followed. Where conditions change, risk assessments and methods are reviewed and updated.
We encourage clients to share any site specific hazards, access arrangements or special requirements in advance so that we can plan work safely and minimise disruption.
Chemicals and Cleaning Products
The safe handling, storage and use of cleaning substances is a key priority. Cleaners Brent only uses cleaning products that are suitable for professional use and, where possible, selects products with lower environmental and health risks.
All substances are assessed under relevant regulations, and Safety Data Sheets are kept available for reference. Staff receive training in the correct dilution, application and disposal of chemicals, as well as the importance of ventilation and avoiding mixing incompatible products.
Chemicals are stored securely when on client premises, kept out of reach of children and vulnerable persons, and clearly labelled. Any spills are dealt with promptly using safe, approved methods.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, Cleaners Brent provides appropriate personal protective equipment. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks, safety footwear and other items depending on the task.
Employees are instructed in the correct use, cleaning and storage of personal protective equipment and are required to wear it whenever specified. Damaged or defective items must be reported immediately so that they can be replaced without delay.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a frequent part of cleaning work and can present risks of injury if not managed properly. We provide training on safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and avoidance of unnecessary carrying or overreaching. Staff are instructed not to attempt to move loads that are too heavy or awkward and to seek assistance when needed.
All machinery and equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines and tools, are selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable for use. Employees receive instruction in the correct operation of equipment and must not use any item for which they are not trained or that appears faulty.
Slips, Trips and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips and falls during cleaning operations. Wet floor areas are clearly identified, and wherever possible, work is scheduled to minimise risk to building users.
Trailing cables and equipment are positioned to reduce trip hazards, and any damage to flooring or fixtures that may create a risk is reported to the client or the responsible person on site. Staff are asked to keep work areas tidy and to remove waste promptly and safely.
Training, Information and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided to all cleaners as part of their induction and is reinforced through refresher sessions, toolbox talks and on the job supervision. Training covers general safety, safe use of chemicals, manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures and site specific requirements.
Supervisors monitor performance and provide additional guidance where necessary. Cleaners Brent is committed to ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise any health and safety concerns without fear of disadvantage.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and concerns are to be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. We maintain records of incidents and investigate them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Staff are informed of emergency procedures at each site, including evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of first aid facilities where this information is available. Employees must cooperate fully with site emergency arrangements and follow any instructions given by responsible persons.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
Cleaners Brent recognises the importance of protecting not only physical health but also the general wellbeing of its staff. We aim to organise work so that it is achievable and does not place unreasonable demands on individuals. Where particular health conditions or needs are disclosed, we will consider reasonable adjustments to work methods where practicable.
We do not tolerate harassment, bullying or abuse and expect our employees and clients to treat each other with respect. Any concerns about behaviour or working conditions should be reported so that they can be addressed promptly.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, operations or identified risks. Feedback from employees and clients is welcomed and used to improve our health and safety management.
Cleaners Brent is dedicated to maintaining a safe working environment and delivering cleaning services that protect people, property and the wider community through responsible and professional practices.