Health and Safety Policy for Harringay Cleaners

At Harringay Cleaners, health and safety is treated as a core responsibility in every part of our work. This health and safety policy sets out the standards we follow to protect our staff, clients, visitors, and anyone affected by our cleaning activities. We recognise that cleaning services involve the use of equipment, chemicals, water, and repeated physical tasks, so careful control measures are essential.

Our approach is based on prevention, awareness, and consistent practice. We aim to reduce risks before incidents happen by maintaining safe working methods, using suitable products, and ensuring that all cleaning tasks are carried out by trained personnel. Every cleaner is expected to work in a way that supports a safe environment and reflects our commitment to safe cleaning operations.

This policy applies to all domestic and commercial cleaning work completed by the company. It covers routine cleaning, deep cleaning, specialist surface care, and the use of tools and substances brought to site. We also expect anyone working on our behalf to follow the same safety standards and to report hazards immediately. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, not only a management function.

Our Commitments

Harringay Cleaners will provide a workplace culture that encourages safe behaviour and open communication. We will carry out risk assessments where required, review working methods regularly, and take action when conditions change. Where a job introduces new risks, we will adapt our procedures before work begins. This includes checking access areas, identifying slip hazards, and confirming that the correct equipment is available.

We are committed to supplying suitable personal protective equipment where needed, such as gloves, masks, and other protective items. Staff are trained to use these correctly and to replace them when worn or damaged. In addition, products are selected with care to ensure they are appropriate for the surface, task, and environment. Hazardous substances are stored securely and labelled clearly in line with our cleaning safety policy.

All employees are expected to keep work areas tidy, avoid obstructing walkways, and handle materials responsibly. This includes storing tools safely, managing cords and equipment to reduce trip hazards, and using warning signs when floors are wet or may become slippery. These simple measures play a major role in preventing accidents and protecting property as well as people.

Training, Supervision, and Safe Practice

Training is a key part of our health and safety arrangements. New staff receive instruction on safe cleaning methods, manual handling, chemical awareness, and emergency procedures before undertaking work independently. Refresher training is provided when needed, especially if equipment, tasks, or substances change. Supervisors reinforce these standards through regular monitoring and on-site checks.

We expect all team members to use correct lifting techniques, avoid unnecessary strain, and request assistance when moving heavier items or awkward equipment. Manual handling injuries can often be prevented through planning and teamwork. Equally, electrical equipment must be used carefully, inspected before use, and removed from service if damage is found. No one should continue using unsafe equipment under any circumstances.

Managers are responsible for making sure that safe working conditions are maintained throughout each assignment. If a cleaner believes a task cannot be completed safely, the work should stop until the issue is assessed and resolved. This open approach supports a stronger health and safety culture and helps us maintain consistent standards across all services.

Risk Control and Emergency Response

We review the main hazards associated with each job and apply suitable control measures. Common risks include slips, falls, exposure to chemicals, cuts from sharp items, repetitive movement, and contact with contaminated waste. To manage these risks, we use practical steps such as proper dilution, careful handling, controlled access to cleaned areas, and clear communication between team members.

Emergencies must be handled calmly and in accordance with the situation. Staff are trained to report accidents, secure the area, and seek help where necessary. Spills, incidents involving chemicals, or injuries must be escalated immediately so that action can be taken quickly. Where first aid is needed, it should be provided by a competent person and recorded according to company procedure.

We also expect all workers to be alert to fire safety, safe evacuation routes, and the importance of leaving exits unobstructed. If a building has site-specific procedures, these must be followed without exception. Cooperation with building managers, occupiers, and other professionals is essential to maintaining orderly and safe operations during every cleaning visit.

Responsibilities and Review

Our policy is supported by clear responsibility at every level of the business. Management must provide the resources, supervision, and training needed to keep work safe. Employees must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. This shared duty helps ensure that Harringay cleaners operate to a high standard at all times.

We will review this policy regularly to make sure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current working practices. Reviews may also take place after an accident, significant change, or introduction of new equipment or methods. By maintaining this ongoing commitment, Harringay Cleaners aims to deliver a reliable service that protects people, property, and wellbeing through every stage of the job.