Canary Wharf Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Canary Wharf Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, and any other individuals who may be affected by our carpet and upholstery cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy explains our approach to managing risks, preventing accidents, and ensuring that all work is carried out safely and responsibly across our service areas.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our performance. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with professional cleaning services, protect property and the environment, and promote a proactive safety culture throughout the company.
Management Responsibilities
Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that adequate resources are provided so that health and safety can be effectively managed alongside operational and commercial priorities.
Management responsibilities include:
Ensuring that risk assessments are conducted and regularly reviewed.
Providing suitable training, instruction, and supervision for all staff.
Selecting and supplying appropriate cleaning products, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Maintaining safe systems of work for all cleaning services.
Monitoring performance and updating policies and procedures when required.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Canary Wharf Carpet Cleaners has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
All employees are expected to:
Follow training, instructions, and safe working procedures at all times.
Use cleaning chemicals, machinery, and personal protective equipment safely and correctly.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards to management immediately.
Cooperate with any investigation or review of working practices.
Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment, or any unsafe behaviour in the workplace.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Risk assessments are carried out for all key tasks related to carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning, including domestic and commercial work. Assessments consider potential hazards such as slips and trips, electrical risks, manual handling, chemical exposure, noise, and working in client premises.
Findings from risk assessments are used to establish safe systems of work. These include, but are not limited to:
Planning access routes to avoid trailing hoses and cables creating trip hazards.
Using warning signs where floors or carpets may be damp or slippery.
Positioning machines and hoses to minimise obstruction in busy areas.
Avoiding overloading sockets and using only safe, tested electrical equipment.
Providing guidance to clients and building users on areas to avoid during and immediately after cleaning.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Cleaning chemicals are selected and used in accordance with relevant guidance and manufacturer instructions. Where required, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are completed.
We ensure that:
All chemical containers are clearly labelled and stored securely.
Staff are trained on correct dilution rates, application methods, and contact times.
Protective gloves, masks, or goggles are provided and used where necessary.
Ventilation is considered, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Spills are contained and cleared using safe and appropriate methods.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
All cleaning machines, tools, and accessories are maintained in safe working condition. Regular checks are carried out to ensure that equipment is clean, functional, and safe to use.
Our approach to equipment safety includes:
Routine inspection and maintenance schedules for cleaning machinery.
Ensuring electrical equipment is visually checked before use.
Taking faulty or damaged equipment out of service until repaired or replaced.
Providing training on correct setup, operation, transportation, and storage of equipment.
Manual Handling
Carpet and upholstery cleaning often involves the handling of machines, hoses, and containers. To reduce the risk of strain or injury, manual handling training is provided where appropriate, and staff are instructed to:
Use correct lifting techniques when moving equipment or materials.
Avoid carrying loads that are too heavy or awkward without assistance.
Make use of trolleys or other aids where available.
Plan routes to avoid unnecessary lifting or carrying.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is provided where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other means. This may include gloves, footwear, masks, eye protection, or other items as identified by risk assessments.
Employees are required to use personal protective equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or defects so that replacements can be arranged.
Working in Client Premises
Our teams work in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and shared buildings. While on site, staff are expected to respect client property and follow any site-specific rules and safety instructions.
We will:
Agree safe access and working areas with clients before starting work.
Inform clients of any temporary restrictions while cleaning is in progress.
Keep workspaces as tidy as possible and remove equipment promptly after completion.
Secure doors, gates, or alarms as agreed with the client on entry and exit.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of ill health arising from our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Employees are trained in basic emergency procedures relevant to their work, such as responding to chemical splashes, electrical faults, or fire alarms, and are expected to follow any site-specific emergency arrangements.
Training, Communication, and Policy Review
Health and safety information is communicated to staff during induction and through ongoing training and briefings. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions for improving safety.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all employees so that safe working practices remain current and effective.
By following this policy, Canary Wharf Carpet Cleaners aims to deliver professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of staff, clients, and the wider community.