Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing carpet, upholstery and floor cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and the general public. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance, and we work to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health in all areas of our cleaning operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this Health and Safety policy is to ensure that cleaning work is carried out safely and responsibly at all times. We aim to identify and control risks associated with cleaning equipment, chemical products, manual handling, work at client premises and travel between locations. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision so that all staff can carry out their duties safely and competently.
This policy applies to all employees and contractors working on behalf of Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners, whether they operate at residential properties, commercial premises or shared buildings across our service area.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety policy. Management will:
Conduct and regularly review risk assessments for cleaning tasks, equipment and substances used in the course of our work. Put in place safe systems of work and clear procedures for routine and non-routine tasks. Ensure that cleaning products and machinery are supplied, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and safety requirements. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure that it is used and maintained correctly. Arrange health and safety training for employees, including induction for new staff and refresher training where necessary. Investigate accidents, near misses and incidents, and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Review this policy periodically and update it in line with changes in legislation, guidance or our business activities.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners. Use equipment, chemicals and protective gear only as trained and instructed. Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, defects in equipment or concerns about working practices to management without delay. Cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy and any related safety measures. Refrain from misusing anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting work at customer premises, staff will consider any site-specific risks such as access routes, trip hazards, ventilation, electrical supply points and the presence of other occupants. Where appropriate, a site-based risk assessment will be completed and control measures agreed.
Safe working practices will cover the use of carpet cleaning machines, vacuum cleaners, extraction equipment, power cables, hoses and hand tools. Cables will be routed to reduce trip risks and equipment will not be left unattended where it could cause obstruction or harm. Only trained staff are authorised to operate powered machinery.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Cleaning solutions, pre-sprays, stain removers and other chemical products used by Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners will be assessed for health risks. Safety data information will be obtained from suppliers and used to determine appropriate handling, storage and usage precautions.
Where required, staff will wear gloves, eye protection or other specified personal protective equipment. Chemicals will be clearly labelled and kept in secure containers during transport and at customer premises. Products will only be diluted or mixed in line with manufacturer instructions and never in unlabelled bottles. Staff will ensure good ventilation when using products that emit vapours or strong odours.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying and moving equipment, water-filled tanks and furniture. To reduce the risk of strains and other injuries, employees will receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, the use of handling aids and how to assess the weight and stability of loads before moving them.
Where possible, equipment will be transported using trolleys or wheeled systems. Heavy or awkward items will not be lifted by one person where team handling is more appropriate. Staff are expected to avoid over-reaching and to adjust their working position to reduce unnecessary bending or twisting.
Electrical and Equipment Safety
All electrical equipment used by Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners will be maintained in a safe condition. Visual checks will be carried out before use to look for damaged cables, plugs or casings. Faulty equipment will be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Employees must not attempt unauthorised repairs to electrical items. Equipment will only be connected to suitable power supplies and will not be overloaded with adaptors or extensions beyond safe limits. Machines will be switched off and unplugged before cleaning, adjusting or moving them where required.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Carpet and floor cleaning can create temporary slip and trip risks due to wet surfaces, hoses and power leads. Employees will manage these risks by clearly advising occupants of wet areas, positioning hoses and cables to minimise obstruction and working methodically to keep routes clear.
Where appropriate, staff will inform customers about drying times and advise them to restrict access to freshly cleaned floors until they are safe to walk on. Any spills or leaks from equipment will be dealt with promptly.
Transport and Lone Working
Many cleaning visits involve travel between different locations and working alone at customer premises. Staff are required to follow road safety rules, keep company vehicles in a roadworthy condition and allow sufficient time for journeys.
Lone workers must maintain agreed contact with the office or supervisor, especially when working at isolated or unfamiliar locations. Employees should remain alert to personal safety, secure vehicles and equipment, and withdraw from any situation where they feel at risk, reporting the incident as soon as possible.
Information, Training and Communication
Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners will provide employees with information and training that is proportionate to their duties and the level of risk they may encounter. Induction training covers general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures and the safe use of core equipment and products.
Ongoing communication, toolbox talks and updates will be used to reinforce safe working practices and share learning from any incidents or changes in guidance. Staff are encouraged to suggest improvements to health and safety arrangements.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Employees will be briefed on what to do in the event of fire, serious accident, chemical exposure or other emergencies at customer premises or while travelling. This includes raising the alarm, contacting emergency services where necessary and reporting the incident to management.
Appropriate first aid supplies will be available to staff and any use of first aid materials will be recorded and followed up where required. Any incident involving injury, property damage or significant near misses will be investigated so that lessons can be learned and controls improved.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy reflects the current operations of Kidbrooke Carpet Cleaners and will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Revisions will be communicated to all employees and incorporated into training and working procedures. By working together and following the principles set out in this document, we aim to deliver high quality cleaning services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
