Health and Safety Policy — Pressure Washing Palmers Green

Purpose and commitment: This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy for our pressure washing operations serving the local service area, including rubbish company service area duties. Our objective is to deliver safe, compliant pressure washing and power washing services while protecting staff, contractors, customers, and the environment. The company commits to meeting statutory obligations and to continuous improvement in safety performance through clear leadership, resources and documented systems. We adopt a precautionary approach: all tasks are planned to avoid risk and controls are implemented and reviewed regularly.

The scope of this policy covers all activities associated with pressure cleaning, high-pressure jetting, and ancillary works such as surface preparation and debris removal. It applies to permanent employees, temporary staff, contractors and any third parties working on site during operations. Variations of the service may be described as pressure wash, power wash, pressure cleaning or external surface cleaning; for the purpose of this policy these are treated under the same safety framework. Responsibilities are allocated to ensure that safe systems of work are created, maintained and enforced.

Roles and responsibilities: Senior management are responsible for ensuring resources, training and monitoring are provided. Supervisors and team leaders must carry out and sign off detailed risk assessments and method statements before work begins. Operatives must follow safe systems, wear required personal protective equipment and report hazards immediately. Hazard reporting and incident notification procedures are mandatory and will be treated seriously: failures to comply may lead to disciplinary action. Suppliers and subcontractors are required to demonstrate equivalent safety standards before they are engaged.

Risk assessment and control measures: All pressure washing jobs require a specific risk assessment that considers surface type, water run-off, chemical use, access equipment and proximity to traffic or pedestrians. For jobs adjacent to rubbish handling or collection points, controls address the safe management of waste, reducing slip and contamination risks. Controls include exclusion zones, pedestrian diversion, signage and use of bunds or containment to prevent contaminated water entering drains. Equipment checks are performed daily and any defects are remedied before the machine is used.

Safe systems of work: Work will only proceed when a written method statement has been approved and understood by the crew. Operatives will use appropriate PPE such as protective boots, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection. High-pressure hoses and lances are inspected for wear; fittings are tightened and secured. When cleaning near rubbish company service area operations, teams coordinate timing to minimise interaction with waste collection processes and to protect both operatives and the public. Any chemical agents used are selected for effectiveness and environmental profile, and Safety Data Sheets are kept on site.

Training and competence: All staff receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher courses. Training covers safe operation of pressure washers, manual handling, working at height where applicable, spill response and first aid. Competency is recorded and reviewed. A training matrix documents qualifications and expiry dates. Supervisors conduct toolbox talks before each shift to highlight hazards identified in the risk assessment and to reinforce safe working practices.

Environmental protection and waste management: The company recognises that pressure washing can generate contaminated wash water and dislodged debris. Measures to mitigate environmental impact include containment, silt traps and using permitted discharge routes. Where possible, water is recovered and directed to authorised holding tanks. Collaboration with local waste handlers and rubbish collection services is arranged to ensure debris and residues are removed responsibly. The policy emphasises pollution prevention and adherence to relevant environmental controls.

Emergency procedures and spill control: Emergency arrangements are in place including clear evacuation routes, spill kits, and designated first aiders. In the event of an accidental release, operatives must isolate the source where safe, deploy containment, and notify the supervisor. Incidents are recorded, investigated and corrective actions are implemented. Fire safety, electrical isolation and working near vehicular traffic are treated as high-priority risks with documented control steps.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: The effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy is monitored through site inspections, audits and review of near-misses and incidents. Records of risk assessments, method statements, training, equipment checks and incident reports are retained for audit and legal compliance purposes. Management reviews the policy at least annually or after any significant event, and commits to implementing improvements. By combining clear roles, documented processes, and active engagement with the workforce, the company seeks to deliver safe and reliable pressure washing and pressure cleaning services in the service area while minimising harm to people and the environment.