Health and Safety Policy — Pressure Washing Seven Sisters

Purpose: This policy sets out the health and safety standards for our pressure washing operations and associated rubbish clearance support across our service area. It is designed to protect staff, visitors, clients and the general public while performing pressure washing and ancillary waste handling, and to ensure that all activities are undertaken with careful risk control and continuous improvement.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all personnel involved in pressure washing in Seven Sisters, subcontractors, and anyone engaged in site preparation, waste management or rubbish removal tasks linked to exterior cleaning operations. It covers equipment use, chemical handling, traffic management around working zones, and procedures for safe debris and rubbish collection. The policy is to be read alongside operational procedures and task-specific risk assessments.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure that resources, training and supervision are provided to maintain safe standards. Employees and operatives are required to follow instructions, report hazards and use personal protective equipment. Site supervisors will conduct pre-start checks and checklists prior to deploying the pressure washer or arranging rubbish collection, and will confirm that exclusion zones and signage are in place.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Every job will be preceded by a written risk assessment identifying hazards such as slip and trip risks from wet surfaces, high-pressure water injuries, chemical exposure from cleaning agents, and manual handling of waste. Control measures include barrier systems, anti-slip footwear, appropriate PPE, and the selection of cleaning agents with the lowest practical hazard profile. For jobs that involve rubble or heavy waste, mechanical aids and correct lifting techniques are mandatory.

Equipment and Maintenance: All pressure washers, hoses, nozzles and ancillary rubbish handling tools will be maintained to a high standard. Routine inspections, scheduled servicing and immediate repair or quarantine of faulty equipment reduce the chance of failure on site. Only trained operatives are permitted to operate high-pressure equipment; training records must be retained.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE requirements include eye and face protection, gloves suitable for chemical and mechanical risks, hearing protection where necessary, and waterproof protective clothing. For rubbish handling tasks, cut-resistant gloves and sturdy boots are required. Supervisors must check PPE before tasks begin and replace worn items promptly to maintain protection levels.

Working at Height and Environmental Protection

Working on ladders, low scaffolds or raised platforms for façade cleaning is to be minimized. Where unavoidable, a safe system of work is required: proper edge protection, harnesses where appropriate and a documented permit-to-work for elevated tasks. Waste containment and rubbish removal must prevent pollutants entering drains or the local environment; containment mats, debris nets and controlled waste bags are standard practice.

Traffic and Public Safety: For operations near roads or public walkways, traffic management measures are implemented, including signage, cones and, when required, traffic marshals. A safe exclusion zone must be maintained to keep passersby clear of spray, debris and the potential for slipping. Communication with neighbours and site users is encouraged to minimize disruption and avoid accidental exposure to high-pressure spray or waste materials.

Training, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Training is a cornerstone of safe operations. All operatives receive induction on safe use of pressure washers, correct rubbish handling and emergency procedures. Incident reporting is mandatory; near-misses and accidents are investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Regular audits, toolbox talks and refresher training support ongoing improvement and ensure compliance with this policy across the entire service area.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

Should an incident occur, operatives will follow site-specific emergency procedures: isolate the hazard, provide first aid where needed, and summon emergency services if required. First aid kits are present in vehicles and on site; personnel nominated as first-aiders are identifiable by their training records. Chemical exposure or significant injuries will trigger a formal incident review to prevent recurrence.

Waste Management and Disposal: Rubbish collected during pressure wash operations is segregated for reuse, recycling or disposal in accordance with permitted waste handling practices. Harmful residues, oils and concentrated cleaning solutions are managed to prevent contamination; absorbents and licensed disposal routes are used when necessary. Records of waste movements are maintained to demonstrate responsible disposal.

Policy Review: This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually and amended as necessary to reflect changes in equipment, methods or statutory expectations. All employees are encouraged to participate in safety meetings and to contribute practical suggestions for risk reduction. Our ongoing commitment is to provide safe, efficient and environmentally considerate Seven Sisters pressure cleaning and associated rubbish handling services that protect people and property.