Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Putney

Policy Statement: This health and safety policy sets out the commitment of our flat clearance and rubbish removal operations to protect employees, contractors and the public. Our flat clearance service and apartment waste clearance teams will take all reasonable steps to ensure safe working methods, compliance with statutory requirements and continuous improvement in safety performance. The purpose of this document is to define responsibilities, outline safe systems of work and record the principles that govern safety during property and waste clearance operations.

Scope and Application: The policy applies to all activities carried out by our household rubbish clearance crews, flat clearance teams and ancillary staff involved in recycling, transport and disposal. It covers operational tasks including risk assessments, manual handling of bulky items, segregation of waste, safe use of equipment and vehicle loading/unloading. Everyone engaged in domestic and residential clearance, including subcontractors, must adhere to these safety requirements and report hazards promptly.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure adequate resources are provided for training, personal protective equipment and safe plant. Supervisors must implement safe systems of work and monitor compliance. All staff have a duty to follow instructions, use provided PPE, and take reasonable care for their own and others' safety. Contractors engaged for rubbish removal tasks must provide evidence of competence and operate in line with this health and safety policy.

Risk assessments will be completed for all significant hazards associated with domestic clearance, including asbestos disturbance, sharps and hazardous household waste, manual handling of bulky furniture and restricted access situations. Controls include eliminating hazards where possible, substituting hazardous methods, using mechanical aids, and implementing safe lifting techniques. Each clearance job will be assessed on arrival and the assessment recorded.

Safe Working Procedures: Procedures for safe removal, sorting and transport of waste will be documented and communicated. Staff will be trained in correct use of sack trucks, trolleys and lifting belts, and in procedures to prevent slips, trips and falls. For high-risk tasks such as loft access or stairway removal, work will only proceed with an approved plan and designated spotter. All employees must follow lockout procedures for equipment maintenance and adhere to vehicle safe loading standards.

Emergency arrangements are in place to deal with incidents on site or during transit. First aid provisions, reporting mechanisms and evacuation processes are maintained. Any accidental exposure to harmful substances or injury must be reported immediately and documented in the incident log. Regular reviews will ensure emergency procedures remain effective and relevant to the flat clearance and rubbish collection service area.

Training and Competence: Staff competence is essential for safe rubbish clearance and flat disposal activities. Training programmes cover manual handling, hazardous material identification, use of PPE, vehicle safety and customer site etiquette. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be arranged regularly, and training records retained. New or temporary staff will be supervised until competent.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, including gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and eye protection, will be provided and maintained. Specific tasks may require respiratory protection or specialist gloves for hazardous waste. It is the responsibility of each worker to wear PPE when required and to report any defects. The company will provide guidance on correct selection and maintenance of protective equipment for each rubbish clearance scenario.

Operational Controls and Transport: Vehicles used for house and flat clearance must be roadworthy, fitted with suitable restraints and maintained to a high standard. Loads will be secured to prevent movement in transit. Drivers and loaders must follow safe loading protocols and ensure waste is segregated for recycling or disposal in accordance with waste management regulations. Vehicle checks and maintenance records will be kept up to date.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: Regular inspections, audits and performance reviews will monitor compliance with this health and safety policy. Lessons learned from incidents and near misses will inform changes to procedures and training. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or whenever significant changes to operations occur, ensuring that the rubbish clearance service and flat clearance practices remain aligned with best practice and legal obligations.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: This policy commits to meeting applicable health and safety and waste management legislation. While this document does not serve as a legal interpretation, it expresses the organisation's approach to fulfilling statutory duties and cooperating with enforcement bodies as required. All staff are expected to be familiar with the key legal responsibilities relevant to waste handling and workplace safety.

Summary of Key Controls:

• Conduct job-specific risk assessments before work begins.
• Provide and use appropriate PPE for rubbish collection and flat clearance.
• Maintain training records and ensure staff competency.
• Secure loads and maintain vehicle safety standards.
• Report incidents, investigate causes and implement corrective actions.

This policy is a living document for our flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. All personnel are responsible for contributing to a safe workplace through vigilance, adherence to procedures and open reporting of hazards.