Teddington Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Teddington Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, visitors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services carried out in homes, offices, and commercial premises within our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety will never be compromised for operational or commercial reasons. We aim to continually improve our performance through regular review, training, and communication with all relevant parties.

This policy applies to all employees of Teddington Carpet Cleaners, as well as contractors, agency workers, and others engaged on our behalf. All staff are required to co-operate fully with this policy and follow safe systems of work at all times.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for the management of health and safety across all cleaning operations. This includes providing appropriate resources, information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable employees to work safely and competently.

Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are built into planning for all cleaning projects and that necessary risk assessments, method statements, and safety controls are documented, communicated, and reviewed as required.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Teddington Carpet Cleaners has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.

Employees are expected to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, maintain good housekeeping in their work areas, and immediately notify their supervisor of any defects in equipment, spillages, or conditions that may present a risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing work, appropriate risk assessments will be carried out for each type of cleaning service and, where required, for specific sites. These assessments will identify significant hazards such as wet floors, electrical equipment, manual handling, working in occupied premises, and the use of cleaning chemicals.

Based on the findings of these assessments, we establish safe systems of work and method statements, which may include controlled access to work areas, clear signage, the use of non-slip mats or warning cones, avoidance of trailing leads, and safe handling procedures for machinery and solutions.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Teddington Carpet Cleaners uses cleaning products appropriate for professional carpet and upholstery cleaning. All substances are evaluated for their potential health risks, and where applicable, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health assessments are completed and maintained.

Chemicals are selected to minimise risk while delivering effective results. Products are labelled and stored securely, and employees receive training on safe dilution, application, ventilation requirements, contact time, and first aid measures. Staff are instructed never to mix chemicals and to follow manufacturer guidelines at all times.

Use and Maintenance of Equipment

All machinery and equipment used in our cleaning services, including carpet cleaning machines, vacuums, extraction units, and accessories, must be fit for purpose, maintained in good condition, and used only by trained personnel.

Regular inspections are carried out to check for defects such as damaged cables, leaking hoses, worn parts, or unsafe attachments. Any defective equipment is taken out of service immediately until repaired or replaced. Staff are trained to use electrical equipment safely, avoiding overloading sockets and ensuring that equipment is switched off and unplugged when not in use.

Manual Handling and Physical Safety

Our work often involves lifting, carrying, and moving equipment, water containers, and furniture. To reduce the risk of strains and other injuries, we provide manual handling training covering the correct techniques for lifting, pushing, pulling, and team handling where appropriate.

Where possible, mechanical aids, lighter equipment, or alternative methods will be used to reduce manual handling requirements. Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items that are too heavy or awkward and to request assistance when needed.

Protection of Customers, Visitors, and the Public

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, building occupants, visitors, and members of the public while delivering services. Work areas will be clearly identified, and suitable warning signs will be used where slip, trip, or other hazards may be present.

Technicians will plan work to minimise disruption, ensure that cables and hoses are routed safely, and keep exits, corridors, and fire routes clear. Special care is taken in homes with children, pets, or vulnerable occupants, with additional precautions used to restrict access to wet floors, machinery, and chemicals.

Hygiene and Infection Control

Good hygiene is an integral part of our working practices. Staff are trained to maintain high standards of personal cleanliness, use appropriate protective gloves and other items where necessary, and wash or sanitise hands regularly throughout the working day.

Where we are informed of specific hygiene or infection control concerns, additional measures will be implemented. This may include enhanced cleaning techniques, extra protective equipment, and stricter waste handling procedures in line with relevant guidance.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive induction training that covers health and safety expectations, safe use of cleaning equipment, chemical handling, manual handling, and emergency procedures. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided whenever equipment, methods, or legislation change, or where additional competence is required.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site to ensure that safety procedures are followed consistently. Any unsafe behaviour is addressed promptly, and corrective actions, additional training, or disciplinary measures may be implemented where necessary.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This enables investigations to be carried out, root causes to be identified, and improvements introduced to prevent recurrence.

Employees are instructed in emergency procedures including safe evacuation, isolation of equipment, and raising the alarm in case of fire or other incidents. First aid provisions are made available as appropriate for the size and nature of the work being undertaken.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Teddington Carpet Cleaners regularly monitors its health and safety performance through inspections, incident reviews, feedback from staff and customers, and external guidance. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or in applicable regulations.

We are committed to continuous improvement and to fostering a positive health and safety culture throughout the business. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safer working methods and to raise any concerns they may have without fear of reprisal.

This Health and Safety Policy reflects the values of Teddington Carpet Cleaners and our ongoing commitment to conducting all cleaning activities in a safe, responsible, and professional manner within the communities we serve.