End of Tenancy Cleaning Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out how we manage risks and protect our employees, subcontractors, clients and any other people who may be affected by our end of tenancy cleaning services. It applies to all properties where we work and to all tasks carried out during end of tenancy cleans, including deep cleaning, appliance cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and related activities.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing accidents, injuries and ill health. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources and reviewing performance. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day health and safety on each job, including site checks, briefings and monitoring of safe working practices. All cleaning staff and subcontractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, follow training and instructions, use equipment properly and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting an end of tenancy clean, a site-specific assessment is carried out where reasonably practicable. This includes identifying access issues, trip and slip hazards, electrical risks, condition of fixtures and fittings and any specific client requests that may affect safety, such as working at height or moving heavy items. Work is planned to minimise risks, reduce manual handling, avoid lone working where possible and ensure that tasks are allocated to staff with suitable competence and training.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used in line with current safety data and product guidance. Only authorised products are used on site. We maintain COSHH information for all hazardous substances used during end of tenancy cleans. Staff receive training on safe use, dilution, application, storage and disposal of chemicals, as well as on recognising symptoms of exposure. Chemicals are kept in original containers with labels intact, never mixed unless explicitly directed by the manufacturer, and stored securely away from children, pets and food preparation areas during the clean.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and must be used correctly whenever required. This may include protective gloves, eye protection, face coverings or masks where indicated, and suitable clothing and footwear with slip-resistant soles. PPE is inspected regularly and replaced when damaged or worn. Staff are instructed on correct fitting, use, removal and disposal of PPE to avoid contamination or skin contact with chemicals and soiled materials.

Safe Use of Equipment

All vacuum cleaners, carpet machines, steam cleaners and other electrical tools used in end of tenancy cleans are maintained in safe working order and inspected at appropriate intervals. Only trained personnel may use powered equipment. Extension leads, plugs and cables are checked visually before use, routed to avoid trip hazards and kept away from wet areas. Any defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported. Staff are instructed never to tamper with property electrics and to report damaged sockets, exposed wiring or other electrical defects found on site.

Manual Handling and Task Ergonomics

End of tenancy cleaning often involves moving equipment, cleaning under and behind appliances and reaching high or awkward areas. Staff receive manual handling training and are instructed to avoid lifting items that are too heavy or unstable, to use correct posture and team lifts where required, and to request assistance or alternative methods when needed. We discourage unnecessary movement of large furniture or appliances and will not carry out movements that present a significant risk of injury or damage to the property.

Control of Slips, Trips and Falls

Floors may become wet or slippery during cleaning. Work is organised to manage this risk by using warning signs where available, working in sections so that alternative routes are kept dry where possible, and promptly wiping up spillages. Loose cables, hoses, tools and materials are kept tidy and arranged to minimise trip risks. When using steps or small platforms for high-level cleaning, staff must ensure they are stable, on a level surface and used according to training. Unsafe access methods such as standing on sinks, railings or unsuitable furniture are strictly prohibited.

Working in Occupied and Vacant Properties

End of tenancy cleans may take place in vacant or partially occupied properties. Where the property is occupied, extra care is taken to protect occupants and visitors from exposure to chemicals, equipment and wet floors. Cleaning schedules are arranged to reduce disruption and maintain safe access routes. In vacant properties, staff remain alert to building safety issues such as broken glass, structural damage or lack of lighting. Any serious hazards identified are reported to the client or managing party and work may be paused if safety cannot be assured.

Hygiene, Waste and Sharps

End of tenancy cleans can involve handling waste, contaminated surfaces and discarded household items. Staff use appropriate gloves and hygiene measures, including regular handwashing, especially before breaks and after completing work. Waste is segregated where possible and disposed of safely and responsibly in line with local requirements. If hazardous items such as needles or unknown substances are discovered, work in the affected area is stopped and the finding is reported immediately so that specialist arrangements can be made.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded, investigated and used to improve procedures, training and equipment. We review this Health and Safety policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, our services or working methods. Updated guidance is communicated to all relevant staff.

Cooperation with Clients and Other Parties

We expect reasonable cooperation from landlords, tenants, letting agents and property managers to support safe working conditions. This includes providing accurate property information, ensuring access and utilities are available where agreed, and informing us of any known risks such as asbestos, structural damage or previous contamination. When other contractors are present, we will coordinate activities where practicable to avoid conflicts and ensure safe access and egress for everyone on site.

By implementing this Health and Safety policy and promoting a culture of safe working, we aim to protect people, reduce risk and deliver reliable end of tenancy cleaning services across our operating area.