Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Ickenham

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures adopted by our house clearance and rubbish removal teams to protect staff, clients, and the public during all domestic and commercial clearance operations. The policy applies to house clearance, property clearance, and associated waste handling activities carried out by a professional clearance service. It reflects an emphasis on safe working practices, risk management, and compliance with relevant standards and best practice for removal and rubbish company operations.

All employees and contractors engaged in clearance work are required to follow this policy. Management is committed to providing adequate resources for training, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe vehicles and tools, and appropriate supervision. The objectives are to minimise incidents, prevent avoidable harm, and ensure that every clearance, bulky waste uplift or rubbish collection is conducted with due regard for health, safety and environmental protection.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before any clearance begins, a competent person will carry out a written risk assessment. The assessment covers hazards such as manual handling, sharp objects, hazardous materials (including batteries, asbestos suspect items, and chemicals), trip and fall risks, and biohazards. The safe system of work will include control measures such as safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and lifting aids, segregation of waste, and decontamination procedures for rubbish removal tasks.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring policy implementation, monitoring compliance, and reviewing procedures. Supervisors must ensure that teams follow written method statements for each job, that vehicles are secure and roadworthy, and that staff are briefed about site-specific hazards. Staff are responsible for completing toolbox talks, reporting hazards, and wearing required PPE at all times. Contractors and agency staff must be briefed and must provide evidence of competence where required.

Training and Competence: All operatives will receive induction training covering manual handling, hazardous waste recognition, traffic and vehicle safety, and incident reporting. Additional training in first aid, safe use of power tools, and working at height will be provided when tasks require. Training records are maintained and reviewed to ensure that the clearance team remains competent in safe waste handling and rubbish company practices.

Equipment and PPE: Employees will be supplied with appropriate PPE including gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, and eye protection. Additional equipment such as dust masks, respirators, or chemical-resistant gloves will be provided where hazardous materials are identified. Maintenance schedules for lifting equipment, harnesses and vehicles form part of the safety management plan for every clearance operation.

Operational Controls and Waste Management: This policy requires correct segregation of waste, secure containment of sharps and hazardous items, and adherence to legal requirements for disposal. Where items might be recyclable or reusable, teams are instructed to follow environmentally responsible disposal routes. The clearance crew will complete waste transfer records and ensure compliance with waste carrier responsibilities to prevent fly-tipping and environmental harm during rubbish collection.

Vehicle and Traffic Safety: Vehicles used for house and garden clearance must be suitably maintained, load-secured, and driven by competent, licensed drivers. Loading and unloading protocols are in place to protect operatives and members of the public. On-site traffic management, use of cones or signage, and communication between crew and driver are mandatory on busy or confined sites to reduce the risk of collisions or accidental injuries during a clearance service.

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Procedures

The company operates a clear incident reporting procedure. Any accident, near miss, or exposure to hazardous material must be reported immediately and recorded in the incident log. First aid equipment is maintained in vehicles and at operational bases, and trained first aiders are available for rapid response. Emergency procedures cover evacuation, emergency contact chains, and arrangements for dealing with hazardous substances and suspected asbestos-containing materials. In the event of contamination or serious injury, operations will be halted until the area is made safe by authorized personnel.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: Regular audits, toolbox talks, and site inspections will assess compliance with this policy. Where incidents or near misses occur, management will carry out investigations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant changes in legislation, service delivery, or operational practice affecting house clearance and rubbish removal activities.

Health and wellbeing are also addressed through workload management and safe rostering to reduce fatigue-related risks during heavy clearances. Mental health support and a supportive reporting culture are encouraged so that staff feel able to raise concerns about safety or operational pressures.

Policy Commitment and Implementation: This document is the framework for delivering safe, lawful and environmentally responsible removal and clearance services. All personnel, from management to operatives, are required to uphold the standards set out herein and to cooperate with continuous improvement measures. Compliance with this policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting people, property and the environment while providing professional house clearance, rubbish clearance and related services.