Merton Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Merton Cleaner is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and the wider public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with our cleaning activities in homes, offices, and other premises.

We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property by following recognised good practice, complying with applicable health and safety legislation, and continually improving our standards.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Merton Cleaner rests with senior management, who ensure that adequate resources, information, and supervision are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations and for promoting a positive safety culture.

All employees, whether working on client premises or at any company location, are required to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any concerns or incidents promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify hazards and assess risks arising from our cleaning activities, including routine work, one-off deep cleans, and specialist tasks. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in work processes, products, or locations.

Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work. These include clear procedures for the use of chemicals, operation of machinery, working at height, manual handling, and the protection of building occupants while cleaning is carried out. Staff are trained in these procedures and are expected to follow them at all times.

COSHH and Chemical Safety

Cleaning often involves the use of chemical products. Merton Cleaner manages these under the principles of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, including the selection, storage, use, and disposal of cleaning agents. Safety data sheets are obtained and used to inform risk assessments and safe working practices.

Where possible, we select products that are effective while minimising risks to health and the environment. Staff receive instruction on:

Using the correct dilution and application methods, never mixing chemicals, recognising hazards such as respiratory irritation or skin contact, and dealing with spills safely and promptly. Chemicals are clearly labelled and stored securely, away from children, pets, food, and sources of heat.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where residual risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective clothing, and non-slip footwear.

Employees are required to use the protective equipment provided, to keep it in good condition, and to report any damage or defects immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced. Training is given on the correct selection, fitting, use, and maintenance of PPE.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Merton Cleaner recognises the risk of injury from lifting, carrying, and moving loads such as vacuum cleaners, buckets, and waste bags. We aim to reduce manual handling by using appropriate trolleys, tools, and techniques wherever practicable.

Staff are trained in safe manual handling, including assessing the load, planning the lift, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting or overreaching. Only trained personnel may use powered equipment such as buffer machines, carpet cleaners, or pressure washers. All equipment is maintained in safe working order and inspected regularly.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Working at Height

Slips and trips are a common cause of injury in cleaning work. We minimise these risks by using appropriate cleaning methods, displaying wet floor signs where necessary, keeping work areas tidy and free from trailing leads, and selecting suitable footwear.

Any work at height, including the use of steps and ladders, is planned and controlled. Staff are trained to inspect ladders, set them up correctly, and avoid overreaching. Only appropriate and well-maintained access equipment is used, and work at height is avoided wherever a safer alternative is available.

Safeguarding Clients, Visitors and the Public

Our cleaning operations are planned to minimise disruption and risk to anyone present on site. This includes using signage where necessary, cordoning off areas during high-risk tasks, controlling access to equipment and chemicals, and working considerately around occupants and visitors.

Where cleaning is carried out in homes, particular care is taken to protect children, vulnerable adults, and pets by securing chemicals and tools and by maintaining professional conduct at all times.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate health and safety induction and ongoing training proportionate to their role and responsibilities. This includes training in site-specific procedures where required. We provide clear information on hazards, precautions, emergency arrangements, and reporting processes.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that safety standards are maintained and that any deviations are addressed promptly. Additional training is provided if new equipment, substances, or cleaning methods are introduced.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay to a supervisor or manager. These are recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to identify trends and improvements.

Emergency arrangements, including fire safety, first aid, and evacuation procedures, are followed in accordance with the requirements of each site. Staff are briefed on site-specific rules and must comply with any instructions given by building management or responsible persons.

Health, Welfare and Occupational Health

Merton Cleaner seeks to promote the general health and welfare of its staff. Reasonable measures are taken to manage fatigue, protect against excessive noise and vibration, and reduce exposure to dust and other airborne contaminants encountered during cleaning activities.

Where there are indications of work-related ill health, we will consider reasonable adjustments to duties, provide guidance on safe working techniques, and review our risk assessments and controls.

Consultation, Review and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to express concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in health and safety discussions. Feedback from staff and clients is used to refine our procedures and raise standards.

This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, services, or applicable legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to employees and made available to clients upon request.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Merton Cleaner aims to deliver high-quality cleaning services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.