Health and Safety Policy for House Clearance Greenwich

Purpose and scope: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures for safe operation of a house clearance and rubbish removal business operating in the service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in house clearance, waste removal and property clearance tasks. The aim is to protect employees, clients, the public and property through a consistent, risk-based approach to work planning and delivery.

The policy covers routine house clearance operations, bulky waste lifting, domestic and commercial rubbish removal, hazardous materials handling, vehicle movements and site set-up. Responsibilities are defined at all levels: company management retains overall accountability for safety performance; supervisors and team leaders ensure safe systems of work; and all operatives are expected to follow procedures and report hazards. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable care of their own and others' safety.

Legal compliance and risk assessment

The business will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and local environmental controls relevant to waste handling and disposal. Before each job a documented risk assessment is completed to identify hazards such as manual handling risks, sharp objects, contaminated waste, unstable structures and traffic hazards. Control measures are implemented using the hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Roles, training and competence

Management will ensure staff receive induction training and ongoing competency development for house clearance tasks, waste segregation and safe operation of equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks and compactors. Training includes manual handling techniques, correct use of PPE, recognition of asbestos, safe vehicle loading and techniques for working in confined spaces. Records of training and qualifications are maintained.

Personal protective equipment and clothing: Standard PPE for clearance work includes gloves, steel-toe boots, hi-vis clothing, eye protection and respiratory protection where dust or contaminants are present. Respirators will be selected to suit the risk (e.g., approved particulate respirators for dusty conditions). PPE is provided free of charge, inspected regularly and replaced as necessary.

Equipment, vehicles and traffic safety: Vehicles used for collections and deliveries are maintained to a documented schedule. Operators receive training in vehicle loading, securing loads, reversing and urban driving precautions. Work sites are assessed for safe parking, pedestrian exclusion zones and traffic management. All vehicle movements on site are controlled to minimise risk to operatives and the public.

Waste handling and segregation is conducted to protect health and the environment. Materials are segregated into recyclable items, general household waste and controlled wastes. Hazardous materials such as chemicals, batteries, fluorescent tubes, paint and oils are identified, isolated and dealt with according to hazardous waste procedures. Staff are trained to recognise potentially hazardous items and to refer unknown materials for specialist assessment.

Handling of sharps, clinical-type waste and suspected asbestos: Any sharps or suspected clinical waste encountered during clearances are treated as hazardous and reported immediately. Sharps are not handled directly; they are isolated and removed by competent personnel using appropriate tools and containment. Suspected asbestos-containing materials are not disturbed; work stops and specialist asbestos survey and removal is arranged. Clear, documented procedures govern how such discoveries are reported and managed to prevent exposure.

Emergency procedures, incident reporting and first aid

The company maintains clear emergency arrangements including first aid provision, emergency contact procedures and arrangements for dealing with fire or major spillages. All incidents, near misses and occupational illnesses are reported and recorded. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and near-misses without fear of reprisal.

Site protection, client property and public safety

Prior to work, properties and access routes are inspected and any fragile features noted. Measures to protect client property include use of protective sheets, corner guards and secure handling methods. Public safety is maintained by cordoning work areas where appropriate and ensuring debris is contained during removal. Litter and small debris are cleared as work progresses to prevent slips and trips.

Monitoring, audits and continuous improvement: Regular site audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews are conducted to ensure the policy is effective. Key performance indicators include incident rates, training completion, vehicle maintenance records and compliance audits. Findings are used to update procedures, training and resource allocation to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and review: Management will review this policy annually or after significant incidents, changes to operations or regulatory updates. All staff must familiarise themselves with the policy, attend required training and follow safe working procedures. A clear chain of responsibility ensures that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and delivery of all house clearance and rubbish removal activities.

Key commitments:

• Protect people: prevent injury and ill health through risk assessment and control.
• Comply with requirements: follow applicable safety and waste regulations.
• Train and support staff: maintain competence and provide PPE.
• Manage waste responsibly: segregate, recycle and dispose of materials safely.

This policy provides the framework for safe house clearance, rubbish removal and property clearance activities across the service area. It is endorsed by company leadership and supported by practical procedures and training to ensure safe, compliant and professional clearance services.