Health & Safety Policy for Flat Clearance Battersea

This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and safe working practices required of our flat clearance and rubbish removal teams. It applies to every activity carried out by the company when providing flat clearance, apartment clearance and rubbish clearance services. Our aim is to protect employees, contractors, residents and the public by preventing injury, ill health and environmental harm through effective risk management, training and supervision.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that resources are available to maintain safe operations. Line managers and supervisors must ensure that safe systems of work are followed on every job, from initial survey to final waste removal. Employees are expected to work safely, use provided personal protective equipment and report hazards immediately. The organisation will maintain clear accountability for safety performance across all flat clearance activities in the service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All tasks will be preceded by a documented risk assessment that identifies hazards such as manual handling, sharps, asbestos suspicion, hazardous chemicals, slip and trip risks and vehicle movements. Controls will be proportionate and include safe work procedures, use of mechanical aids, segregation of materials and exclusion zones where appropriate. The flat clearance team will adopt a hierarchy of control: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute, engineer controls, introduce administrative controls and provide PPE as a last measure.

Training, Competence and Personal Protective Equipment

Employees will receive induction training and task-specific training relevant to rubbish removal, flat clearance and apartment clearance roles. Training covers manual handling techniques, safe use of tools and equipment, waste classification and segregation, and awareness of hazardous materials. We will maintain records of certificates and refresher training. Required PPE includes gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, eye protection and respiratory protection where assessments indicate. The company will provide appropriate PPE and instruct staff on correct use, storage and inspection.

Operational Controls and Waste Management

Operational controls are designed to reduce exposure to common hazards encountered during rubbish removal and flat clearance operations. These controls include clear work plans, pre-task briefings, use of trolleys and sack trucks, safe lifting methods, and segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste. We will follow lawful disposal routes and ensure hazardous wastes are isolated and handled by competent contractors. The policy emphasises careful handling of electronic waste, batteries, aerosols, liquids and potentially contaminated items.

Vehicle, Traffic and Site Safety

Safe operation of vehicles and plant is essential for the delivery of flat clearance services in the area. Drivers must be competent, vehicle checks completed before use and loads properly secured. Where work takes place near roads or on shared sites, traffic management plans will be implemented to protect workers and the public. Temporary signage, barriers and approved parking arrangements will be used as necessary. Contractors and subcontractors must meet our safety expectations before being allowed on site.

Emergency Procedures, Incident Reporting and Monitoring

All personnel must be familiar with emergency procedures including first aid arrangements, fire and evacuation plans, and procedures for dealing with hazardous material incidents. Any accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence must be reported promptly and recorded. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Regular safety inspections, audits and toolbox talks will be used to monitor compliance and drive continuous improvement.

Communication, Supervision and Enforcement

Clear communication underpins safe flat clearance work. Pre-job briefings, client notifications about potential hazards and on-site supervision are mandatory. Managers will enforce safety standards and take corrective action where non-compliance is observed. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of reprisal; the company supports an open safety culture in which issues are dealt with promptly and constructively.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is significant change in operations, legislation or following a serious incident. Reviews will aim to improve health and safety performance and align practices with industry best practice for rubbish removal and flat clearance services. The company commits to ongoing investment in training, equipment and systems to ensure safe, lawful and responsible delivery of its services throughout the service area.