Health And Safety Policy

Cleaner Bow Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Cleaner Bow to provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees, contractors, visitors and clients. Our goal is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property while delivering professional cleaning services in a responsible and compliant manner.

Policy Statement

Cleaner Bow recognises its duty to manage health and safety risks associated with cleaning activities, both on client premises and in any facilities we control. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and implement proportionate control measures. Health and safety considerations are central to the planning, organisation and delivery of our cleaning services.

All employees are expected to support this policy by working safely, following training and procedures, and immediately reporting hazards or incidents. Management will provide leadership, resources and monitoring to ensure this policy is implemented and continually improved.

Roles and Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is in place, communicated, implemented and reviewed. They will allocate appropriate time, information and equipment to enable employees to work safely. Managers and supervisors are responsible for enforcing safe systems of work, delivering instruction and monitoring performance on a day-to-day basis.

Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment and cooperate with all health and safety arrangements.

Clients share responsibility for providing a safe environment on their premises, including safe access, clear information on site-specific hazards and cooperation with our safe working procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Bow conducts risk assessments for its cleaning tasks and services. These assessments identify hazards such as slips and trips, chemical use, manual handling, working at height, electrical equipment and lone working. Control measures are implemented and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and include clear instructions on how to carry out tasks safely. Employees are briefed on these procedures and must follow them at all times. Any change in work methods, new equipment or new cleaning products will be reviewed for safety implications before use.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used with care. We follow relevant guidance for the control of substances hazardous to health. Safety data information is obtained from suppliers and used to guide storage, handling, dilution and disposal procedures.

Employees receive instruction on the safe use of cleaning chemicals, including avoiding mixing incompatible products, using correct dosing and working in ventilated areas where required. Containers are labelled clearly, stored securely and never decanted into unmarked bottles. Any chemical spills are managed promptly and safely in line with training and product guidance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where necessary, based on risk assessment. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks, footwear or other protective clothing. Employees are responsible for using the equipment correctly, keeping it in good condition and promptly reporting any defects or shortages.

PPE is not used as a substitute for safer methods of work but as an additional measure when risks cannot be fully controlled by other means.

Workplace Safety on Client Premises

Many cleaning activities are carried out on client premises such as offices, residential buildings and commercial sites. Cleaner Bow will liaise with clients to understand site-specific rules, fire procedures, access routes and emergency arrangements. Employees are expected to sign in and out when required, respect security procedures and work considerately around building users.

To reduce the risk of slips and trips, we will use appropriate signage when floors are wet, position cables and equipment to minimise obstructions and keep work areas tidy. Where work is carried out outside normal hours, we will consider lone working risks and ensure suitable communication and check-in arrangements are in place.

Manual Handling and Equipment Use

Manual handling tasks such as moving cleaning equipment or supplies are assessed to reduce the risk of injury. Employees are trained to use safe lifting techniques and to avoid unnecessary carrying or overreaching. Mechanical aids such as trolleys are used where appropriate.

All electrical and mechanical equipment used for cleaning is maintained in safe working order. Employees must visually check equipment before use, report faults immediately and never attempt unauthorised repairs. Equipment is used only for its intended purpose and in line with training and manufacturer instructions.

Training, Information and Supervision

Cleaner Bow provides induction training for new employees that covers key health and safety responsibilities, site rules, emergency procedures and safe working practices. Task-specific training is given for specialised cleaning activities, equipment and chemicals.

Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks are used to keep knowledge current and to address new risks or procedural changes. Supervisors monitor the way work is carried out and provide guidance where needed to reinforce safe practices.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during work for Cleaner Bow must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. This enables appropriate first aid, recording, investigation and follow-up actions to prevent recurrence.

We maintain records of work-related incidents and use them to identify patterns, review risk assessments and improve our controls. Employees are encouraged to report hazards or unsafe conditions proactively, without fear of blame, so that risks can be addressed promptly.

Emergency Preparedness

Cleaner Bow employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures for the sites where they work, including fire exits, assembly points and alarm systems. On client premises, we follow local instructions and cooperate fully with any drills or emergency arrangements.

Where required, first aid arrangements will be clarified with clients or provided by Cleaner Bow in line with the nature of the work and level of risk. All employees must report any serious safety concerns immediately so that appropriate emergency steps can be taken.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, legislation or best practice. Monitoring activities may include workplace inspections, audits, feedback from employees and clients, and analysis of incident data.

Cleaner Bow is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We welcome suggestions from employees and clients on how to enhance the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by our cleaning services.

By implementing this policy and working together constructively, Cleaner Bow aims to maintain safe, healthy and efficient cleaning operations across all service areas.