Merton Carpet Cleaning Health and Safety Policy

Merton Carpet Cleaning is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors and contractors. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide how we manage risks associated with carpet, upholstery and other specialist cleaning services in homes and commercial premises.

Policy aims and scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. It applies to all employees of Merton Carpet Cleaning, including permanent, temporary and agency workers, as well as any subcontractors working under our control.

This policy covers all cleaning activities carried out by Merton Carpet Cleaning, including carpet and rug cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, stain treatment, deodorising, hard floor cleaning and any associated tasks such as moving furniture and handling equipment and chemicals.

Management responsibilities

The management of Merton Carpet Cleaning accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and for ensuring that appropriate resources are provided to implement this policy. Management will:

Ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision-making related to cleaning services. Provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment and safe working environments for all employees. Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed and regularly reviewed. Select cleaning products and equipment that meet relevant safety standards and are appropriate for each job. Provide relevant information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees can carry out their work safely and competently. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Review this policy periodically and update it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or company operations.

Employee responsibilities

All employees of Merton Carpet Cleaning have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company. Use equipment, tools and cleaning products in accordance with manufacturer guidance and training. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as instructed, such as gloves, masks, eye protection or knee pads. Report any hazards, defects, spillages, faulty equipment or unsafe practices to management without delay. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and work-related health concerns so that they can be investigated. Cooperate fully with any risk assessments, training, monitoring or health and safety initiatives introduced by the company.

Risk assessment and safe working practices

Merton Carpet Cleaning carries out risk assessments for typical cleaning tasks and individual sites where necessary. Hazards are identified and control measures implemented to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in work activities, equipment or products.

Safe working practices are developed for key activities, including the operation of carpet cleaning machines, portable extraction equipment, steam cleaning units, electrical extension leads and vacuum cleaners. Special attention is given to manual handling, slips and trips, electrical safety, chemical safety and the prevention of damage to client property.

Chemical safety and COSHH

Merton Carpet Cleaning uses professional cleaning solutions and products that may be hazardous if misused. All substances are selected, stored, transported and used in accordance with relevant safety data and applicable regulations. Where required, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are completed for cleaning agents and treatments.

Employees receive training in the safe handling, dilution, application and disposal of cleaning solutions. Chemicals are clearly labelled and stored securely when not in use. Only authorised and trained personnel are permitted to handle specialist stain removers, deodorisers or other concentrated products.

Manual handling and ergonomic safety

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying and moving equipment, furniture or materials. Merton Carpet Cleaning takes steps to minimise manual handling risks by using trolleys, hoses, protective mats and appropriate lifting techniques. Heavy items are not moved unless a safe method is available.

Employees are trained in ergonomically sound work methods, including safe lifting, pushing and pulling practices, and in how to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Team lifting is required for heavier items where movement is unavoidable, and all staff are encouraged to stop and seek assistance whenever a task appears unsafe.

Electrical safety and equipment maintenance

Carpet cleaning machinery and associated electrical equipment are inspected, tested and maintained at appropriate intervals. Defective or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately and reported to management. Only competent persons are permitted to carry out repairs.

Employees are instructed to check cables, plugs and casings before use, to avoid overloading sockets and to route hoses and leads in a way that minimises trip risks. Where possible, warning signs or cones are used to highlight temporary trip hazards created by hoses, cables or wet floors.

Working in client premises

When working in clients homes or commercial spaces, Merton Carpet Cleaning staff respect the specific health and safety requirements of each location. This includes following any site rules, access procedures, fire safety arrangements and emergency instructions provided by the client or building manager.

Technicians ensure work areas are kept as tidy and organised as practicable, with clear walkways and minimal disruption. Wet floor areas are identified and left secure, and any potential hazards created by our activities are clearly communicated to those on site.

Personal protective equipment

Where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. This may include gloves, masks or respirators suitable for fine particles or vapours, safety glasses or goggles, protective footwear and suitable workwear.

Employees are trained in the correct use, cleaning, storage and replacement of personal protective equipment. Faulty or damaged items are replaced promptly to ensure continued protection.

Training, consultation and communication

Health and safety training is provided to all new employees as part of their induction and refreshed periodically. Additional training is given when new equipment, chemicals or methods are introduced, or when risk assessments identify the need for further instruction.

Merton Carpet Cleaning consults with employees on health and safety matters and encourages feedback on ways to improve safety performance. Information about hazards, procedures and changes to this policy is communicated clearly, and employees are supported in raising concerns without fear of reprisal.

Accident reporting and review

All accidents, incidents and near misses involving Merton Carpet Cleaning personnel or activities are recorded and investigated proportionately. Findings are used to identify trends, improve control measures and strengthen training and procedures.

Management reviews overall health and safety performance and this policy regularly to ensure that it remains effective, relevant and aligned with current best practice for cleaning operations.

Policy review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in legislation, company structure, services or work practices. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and replace previous editions with immediate effect.