Brompton Carpet Cleaning Health and Safety Policy

Brompton Carpet Cleaning is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our carpet and upholstery cleaning activities. We recognise our duties under applicable health and safety legislation and follow industry best practice across all domestic and commercial sites where we operate.

This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, stain removal, and related services. It applies to all staff and contractors working on behalf of Brompton Carpet Cleaning, regardless of location or size of project.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Brompton Carpet Cleaning. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, information, and training are provided so that work is carried out safely and without risk to health.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring safe working practices, and addressing any health and safety concerns raised by staff or customers.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment properly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and report hazards, accidents, or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting work at any property, Brompton Carpet Cleaning will identify and assess potential hazards, including those associated with cleaning chemicals, electrical equipment, wet floors, manual handling, and access routes. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out to determine appropriate control measures.

Safe systems of work will be developed for our core services, including carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and spot or stain treatments. These procedures will be communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed regularly to reflect changes in methods, equipment, or legislation.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Brompton Carpet Cleaning uses professional cleaning products that are selected with regard to both effectiveness and safety. All substances that may pose a risk to health will be assessed in accordance with relevant control of substances regulations.

We will maintain up-to-date safety information and instructions for each product and ensure that staff are trained in their correct use, storage, dilution, ventilation requirements, and disposal. Chemicals will only be used for their intended purpose and in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

Where possible, we will choose low hazard or environmentally considerate products without compromising cleaning quality. Chemicals will be securely stored in vehicles or designated areas to prevent unauthorised access, leaks, or spills.

Use of Equipment and Electrical Safety

All carpet cleaning machinery, extractors, vacuums, and other electrical tools used by Brompton Carpet Cleaning will be regularly inspected, maintained, and where appropriate, electrically tested in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Employees may only use equipment for which they have received appropriate training. Equipment that is damaged or suspected to be unsafe must be removed from service immediately and reported to a supervisor.

When working at customer premises, care will be taken to avoid overloading sockets, trailing cables across walkways, or creating trip hazards. Where possible, cables will be routed safely and clearly communicated to anyone present in the area.

Personal Protective Equipment

Brompton Carpet Cleaning will provide suitable personal protective equipment where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, safety footwear, protective clothing, eye protection, or face masks, depending on the nature of the task and risk assessment.

Staff are required to use the personal protective equipment supplied, maintain it in good condition, and report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced promptly.

Manual Handling and Physical Safety

Our staff may be required to lift, move, or carry equipment, hoses, and furniture in order to access carpets and soft furnishings. To reduce the risk of injury, Brompton Carpet Cleaning will provide manual handling guidance and training, emphasising correct posture, lifting techniques, and the use of lifting aids where appropriate.

Where heavy items such as furniture need to be moved, this will be planned carefully, and assistance sought when necessary. We will avoid unsafe lifting, awkward movements, and overreaching when carrying out cleaning tasks.

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Wet floors, hoses, and power leads can create slip and trip risks during carpet and upholstery cleaning. Our operatives will use warning signs where appropriate, especially in shared or public areas, and will keep workspaces as tidy as possible while cleaning is in progress.

Spillages will be cleaned up promptly, and staff will choose equipment positions that minimise the risk of trips for both workers and building occupants. Customers will be informed of any areas that remain damp and advised on safe access until floors and carpets are fully dry.

Protection of Customers, Property and Environment

Brompton Carpet Cleaning places strong emphasis on protecting the health and safety of customers, their families, employees and visitors at every site. We will plan our work to minimise disruption, noise, and exposure to cleaning agents.

We will take care to protect furniture, fixtures, electrical items and other sensitive areas from moisture, overspray or accidental damage. Wastewater and used solutions will be disposed of responsibly in accordance with local requirements and environmental best practice.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees and contractors will receive a health and safety induction that covers company procedures, emergency arrangements, and safe use of equipment and products. Ongoing training will be provided to ensure staff remain competent and informed about any changes to methods or legislation.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the individual operative. More complex or higher risk tasks will be supervised more closely until competence is demonstrated.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring during Brompton Carpet Cleaning activities must be reported as soon as possible to management. We will record and investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Our staff will familiarise themselves with emergency procedures at each site, including fire exits, assembly points, and first aid arrangements. Where first aid is required, appropriate assistance will be sought promptly and any serious incidents will be escalated in line with legal reporting requirements.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates

Brompton Carpet Cleaning will monitor the effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy through regular site checks, feedback from staff and customers, and review of accident and incident records. Where improvements are identified, we will update procedures, training, and equipment accordingly.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services, or applicable legislation. The latest version of this policy will be made available to employees, contractors, and customers on request.

By working in accordance with this Health and Safety Policy, Brompton Carpet Cleaning aims to maintain safe, professional, and reliable carpet and upholstery cleaning services in every area we serve.