Lambeth Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures of Lambeth Carpet Cleaners to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, subcontractors, clients and members of the public during the provision of our carpet and upholstery cleaning services.
Policy Statement
Lambeth Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and unsafe conditions arising from our cleaning activities at residential, commercial and communal premises.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards, and we review this policy periodically to ensure its continued effectiveness and suitability for our cleaning operations.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Management will:
Identify significant risks associated with carpet and upholstery cleaning, stain removal, hard floor cleaning and related activities.
Provide clear instructions, information and adequate training to enable employees to work safely.
Ensure that equipment, machinery and cleaning solutions are suitable, properly maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
Employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided.
Use personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our core cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning and end of tenancy cleaning. These assessments identify hazards such as slips and trips, electrical risks, manual handling, exposure to cleaning chemicals and noise from machinery.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work. These include:
Planning work to minimise trip hazards from hoses, cables and equipment.
Checking access routes, stairways and communal areas before starting work.
Positioning equipment to avoid blocking fire exits or escape routes.
Using warning signs where floors may be damp or slippery.
Reassessing risks if the work environment or client requirements change.
COSHH and Safe Use of Chemicals
Cleaning chemicals and solutions are managed in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. For all products used in carpet and upholstery cleaning, we obtain and follow the relevant safety data sheets.
Our approach includes:
Selecting low hazard and environmentally considerate products where reasonably practicable.
Ensuring chemicals are clearly labelled and stored securely in original containers.
Providing training on correct dilution, application and disposal of cleaning solutions.
Avoiding mixing chemicals and preventing aerosol formation wherever possible.
Ventilating work areas adequately, particularly where solvents or stain removers are used.
Staff are instructed to stop work and seek guidance if they are unsure about any product or process involving chemical use.
Personal Protective Equipment
Lambeth Carpet Cleaners supplies suitable personal protective equipment to employees and subcontractors based on risk assessment. This may include gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, face masks or coverings and protective clothing.
PPE must be worn whenever specified and kept in good condition. Defective or contaminated PPE is to be reported and replaced promptly. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices and engineering controls.
Manual Handling and Equipment Safety
Our work often involves moving portable extraction machines, vacuum cleaners, hoses, tools and containers of water or solution. To reduce the risk of injury:
Staff receive manual handling guidance on lifting, carrying and using handling aids.
Loads are kept as light as reasonably practicable and split into smaller quantities where possible.
Team lifting is used when items are bulky, awkward or located on stairs.
Equipment is inspected regularly, and any defects or damage are reported immediately.
Electrical equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and kept away from water sources as far as reasonably practicable. Cables are routed to minimise trip risks and prevent damage.
Occupational Health and Welfare
We recognise the importance of occupational health for cleaning operatives working in varied environments. Our measures include:
Encouraging regular breaks and rotation of tasks where work is physically demanding.
Minimising prolonged or awkward postures when cleaning stairs, corners and high traffic areas.
Reducing exposure to dust, allergens and residues through effective vacuum filtration and ventilation.
Providing information on safe hydration, hygiene and the correct reporting of any work-related health concerns.
Client Premises and Public Safety
When working in client homes, offices and shared buildings, our priority is to carry out cleaning in a way that protects clients, visitors and the public. We will:
Agree safe access arrangements with clients, including start and finish times.
Clearly identify wet areas and potential slip risks.
Avoid leaving equipment unattended in circulation routes wherever possible.
Secure chemicals and tools when not in use, particularly where children, pets or vulnerable persons are present.
Maintain professional conduct and respect for client property at all times.
Training, Communication and Review
All new team members receive an introduction to our Health and Safety policy and procedures before carrying out unsupervised work. Ongoing training is provided to refresh knowledge and to cover new equipment, cleaning methods and risk controls.
Health and safety information is communicated through verbal briefings, written instructions and on-site supervision. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving safety and to raise concerns without fear of disadvantage.
This policy is reviewed regularly and following any significant change in our cleaning services, equipment or legal requirements. Revisions are communicated to all relevant personnel to ensure consistent and safe working practices across our service area.