1. Introduction

This policy outlines DMS Power Cleaning Ltd.’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all employees, contractors, visitors, and the public during interior and exterior cleaning operations. It details procedures and guidelines for minimizing risks associated with cleaning activities, handling chemicals, working at heights, and operating equipment. Adherence to this policy is mandatory for all personnel.

2. Policy Statement

DMS Power Cleaning Ltd. is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We believe that all accidents and ill health are preventable, and we strive to eliminate hazards and control risks through effective risk assessments, safe systems of work, appropriate training, and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).

3. Responsibilities

Managing Director: Overall responsibility for health and safety performance.
Supervisors: Responsible for ensuring safe working practices are followed on site, conducting risk assessments, providing training, and reporting incidents.
Employees: Responsible for following safety procedures, using PPE correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating with safety initiatives.
Contractors: Required to comply with this policy and demonstrate their own health and safety competence.

4. Risk Assessments

Before commencing any cleaning task, a risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential hazards, assess their severity and likelihood, and implement control measures.

Risk assessments will consider factors such as:

• Working at height (ladders, scaffolding, MEWPs)
• Chemical hazards (cleaning products, COSHH assessments)
• Electrical hazards (power washers, electrical equipment)
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Manual handling
• Lone working
• Traffic management (for exterior cleaning)

Risk assessments will be documented, reviewed regularly, and updated as needed.

5. Safe Systems of Work

Safe systems of work will be developed for all cleaning tasks and documented in method statements.

These will include procedures for:

• Using cleaning equipment safely
• Handling and storing chemicals
• Working at height
• Managing waste
• Emergency procedures

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Suitable PPE will be provided and maintained for all employees.

This may include:

• Gloves (different types for various chemicals)
• Eye protection
• Respiratory protection (where necessary)
• Safety footwear
• High-visibility clothing
• Hearing protection (for noisy equipment)

Employees are responsible for wearing PPE correctly and reporting any damage or defects.

7. Training

All employees will receive appropriate training on:

• Health and safety procedures
• Safe use of cleaning equipment and chemicals
• Working at height
• Manual handling
• Emergency procedures

Refresher training will be provided regularly.

8. Chemical Safety (COSHH)

• All chemicals will be assessed under COSHH regulations.
• Safety data sheets (SDS) will be readily available for all chemicals.
• Chemicals will be stored, handled, and disposed of safely according to manufacturer instructions and COSHH regulations.

9. Equipment Maintenance

• All cleaning equipment will be maintained in good working order and inspected regularly.
• Faulty equipment will be removed from service immediately.
• Electrical equipment will be PAT tested regularly.

10. Accident Reporting and Investigation

• All accidents, near misses, and incidents must be reported immediately to a supervisor.
• A formal accident investigation will be conducted to identify the root cause and prevent recurrence.

11. Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures will be developed and communicated to all employees.

This will include:

• Fire evacuation procedures
• First aid arrangements
• Spill response procedures

12. Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or working practices.
• Regular inspections and audits will be conducted to monitor compliance with this policy.

13. Communication

• This policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Regular toolbox talks and safety briefings will be held to reinforce key safety messages.

 

This policy is a living document and will be updated as needed. Any questions or concerns regarding this policy should be addressed to a supervisor or the Managing Director.