Bermondsey Carpet Cleaning Health and Safety Policy

Bermondsey Carpet Cleaning is committed to providing carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice and work to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health in all areas of our operations.

This policy applies to all members of staff, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, and to all cleaning activities carried out at residential and commercial premises within our service area.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate procedures, resources and training are in place. Management is responsible for regularly reviewing this policy and implementing any changes required by updated legislation or operational needs.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including monitoring working practices, checking equipment, and ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work at all times.

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 actions. Staff must cooperate with the company in all health and safety matters, follow instructions and training provided, and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our carpet cleaning activities and review them at suitable intervals or after significant changes in our processes, equipment or service locations. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk and determine appropriate control measures.

Safe working procedures are developed from these assessments and include guidance on safe use of cleaning machines, handling and dilution of cleaning chemicals, manual handling, electrical safety and working in occupied premises. Staff are trained to follow these procedures and to adapt them as needed to the specific conditions at each property.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Bermondsey Carpet Cleaning uses professional cleaning solutions that are selected for their effectiveness and safety when used correctly. All substances are managed in line with control of hazardous substances requirements and we maintain up-to-date safety information for the products we use.

Only authorised and trained staff may handle and use cleaning products. Chemicals must always be stored in their original, clearly labelled containers and kept secure when transported to and from client premises. Staff must follow the manufacturer instructions for dilution and application and must never mix chemicals unless explicitly permitted by the product information.

Where possible, low hazard or environmentally friendly alternatives are chosen to reduce risks to clients, staff and the wider environment.

Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate personal protective equipment to our staff based on risk assessments for typical carpet and upholstery cleaning tasks and any specific conditions at a client premises. This may include protective gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, knee pads and protective footwear.

Employees are required to use the protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage immediately so that it can be replaced. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and is used in conjunction with safe working methods and good housekeeping practices.

Manual Handling and Equipment Safety

Our teams regularly move and operate carpet cleaning machines, vacuum units, hoses and other equipment. To prevent injury, staff receive manual handling training and are instructed to assess each lifting or moving task before starting work. Heavy or awkward items must be moved using correct techniques or with assistance.

All machinery and electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Defective items must not be used and must be reported to a supervisor promptly. Staff are trained to check cables, plugs, switches and hoses before use and to avoid creating trip hazards in client properties.

Where extension leads are required, they are to be routed safely, kept away from water and not overloaded. Only staff with appropriate training may operate specialised cleaning machinery.

Working in Client Properties

When working at residential and commercial properties, our employees are expected to show consideration for the safety of clients, their families, employees and visitors. This includes maintaining clear walkways, securing hoses and cables, using warning signs where appropriate and keeping chemicals and equipment out of reach of children and pets.

We take care to ventilate areas where chemicals are used and to minimise noise and disruption where reasonably practicable. Staff must follow any site-specific rules or instructions provided by the client, provided they do not conflict with safe working practices.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of such events and review them to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to chemical spills, electrical incidents, slips or falls and sudden illness. First aid arrangements are maintained in line with the size and nature of our workforce and the locations in which we operate.

Clients are encouraged to inform our teams immediately if they notice any safety concern during a visit so it can be addressed without delay.

Training, Information and Supervision

Bermondsey Carpet Cleaning provides health and safety induction training to all new employees and ongoing instruction relevant to their roles. This includes training on risk assessments, safe use of machinery and chemicals, manual handling, personal protective equipment and working safely in client premises.

Written guidance is made available to staff and supervisors provide regular on-the-job coaching and monitoring to ensure that safe systems of work are followed consistently. Additional training is provided when new equipment, products or procedures are introduced.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. This policy and our associated procedures are reviewed periodically, and also following any significant incident, change in legislation, introduction of new equipment or expansion of services.

Feedback from staff and clients is welcomed and used to improve our approach to safety. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in or affected by our carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning services.