Battersea Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Battersea Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with carpet, upholstery, and floor cleaning services in residential and commercial properties within our service area.
We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. We also expect all employees and contractors representing Battersea Carpet Cleaners to take personal responsibility for working safely and for helping maintain a culture of safety and care on every job.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our key objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to protect property and the environment. We seek to:
Identify and control hazards associated with carpet and upholstery cleaning tasks. Provide and maintain safe equipment, materials, and systems of work. Ensure that all employees are trained, competent, and supervised as appropriate. Communicate clearly with clients about any health and safety implications of our work. Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.
Responsibilities and Management
The management of Battersea Carpet Cleaners is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources to support it, and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision-making.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for cleaning activities. Ensuring safe work procedures are in place and followed. Providing staff with appropriate training and information. Checking that equipment, tools, and products are used correctly and safely. Investigating health and safety concerns, incidents, and near misses, and taking corrective action.
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Following all safety procedures, instructions, and training. Using personal protective equipment correctly. Reporting hazards, defects, incidents, and near misses promptly. Cooperating fully with health and safety requirements and reporting any concerns.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting work at any premises, we will consider the specific risks associated with the job, including the layout of the property, type of flooring and furnishings, access and egress routes, and the presence of occupants, pets, or vulnerable individuals.
We will implement control measures to manage risks such as slips, trips and falls, electrical hazards, manual handling, use of cleaning chemicals, and the safe operation of carpet cleaning machinery. When necessary, additional precautions will be taken for work in shared areas, multi-storey buildings, or premises with restricted access.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Battersea Carpet Cleaners uses professional cleaning products suitable for carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard floors. We manage cleaning chemicals in line with recognised control of substances hazardous to health principles.
We will:
Use only approved cleaning agents and products. Ensure all containers are correctly labelled and stored safely. Follow manufacturers instructions on dilution, application, contact time, and ventilation. Provide staff with information on the hazards associated with each product and the required control measures. Use the least hazardous product that is effective for the task wherever reasonably practicable.
Where necessary, we will inform clients about the products being used and advise on any temporary restrictions, such as keeping children or pets away from treated areas until they are dry.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include gloves, masks or respirators, eye protection, and protective footwear.
Employees are required to wear and use this equipment as instructed, to keep it in good condition, and to report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced.
Manual Handling and Equipment Use
The movement of carpet cleaning machines, extraction units, hoses, and other equipment will be planned to minimise manual handling risks. Staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, correct use of trolleys or aids where available, and safe methods for negotiating stairs and tight spaces.
All equipment will be maintained in good working order and inspected regularly. Defective items will be removed from service until repaired or replaced. Staff will only operate equipment for which they have been trained and authorised.
Slips, Trips, Falls, and Site Safety
During cleaning operations, wet carpets, rugs, and floors can increase the risk of slipping. We will use warning signs where appropriate and will advise clients and occupants about areas that should be avoided until surfaces are dry and safe to walk on.
Hoses, cables, and tools will be routed and positioned to minimise trip hazards. We will keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable and maintain clear access routes and exits at all times.
Protecting Clients, Occupants, and the Public
Our teams will work with care and consideration in all properties. We will plan work to minimise disturbance, noise, and obstructions. Extra precautions will be taken when children, older people, or individuals with mobility issues are present.
We will communicate with clients about the timing and nature of our work, any temporary restrictions required, and any residual risks, such as damp carpets or treated areas. We will always respect client property and take reasonable steps to prevent damage or contamination.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering safe work methods, equipment operation, chemical handling, emergency procedures, and specific risks associated with carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Supervision levels will reflect the experience and competence of staff and the complexity of the work being undertaken. Safety instructions and procedures will be communicated clearly and reviewed periodically.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and significant hazards must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We will investigate these events to identify causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.
Staff will be instructed on what to do in the event of fire, electrical incidents, chemical spills, or sudden illness while working. First aid arrangements will be in place, and emergency exits and access routes will be kept clear.
Monitoring and Review
Battersea Carpet Cleaners will regularly review this Health and Safety Policy and our related procedures to ensure they remain effective and up to date. Reviews may be prompted by changes in legislation, technology, work activities, or following any significant incident.
We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety and welcome feedback from employees and clients to help us maintain safe and professional cleaning services throughout our service area.
