INTRODUCTION

This document defines Chelsea Cleaning contractor’s policy on all matters relating
To Health and safety and detailed responsibilities within the organisation for implementing and monitoring that policy.

WE BELIEVE

Our employees are our strength and their mutual protection is our future.

THE ACT

The Heath and Safety at work act 1974 is an enabling Act imposing general rules of care on all persons associated with work activities.  The act has four main objectives;

1. To secure the health and safety of people at work.
2. To protect the public against risks to health and safety arising from work related activities.
3. To control the keeping of explosive of highly flammable or other dangerous substances.
4. To control the emission of dangerous, or noxious or offensive fumes into the atmosphere.

The act imposes a duty not only on employers but also employees to ensure whilst at work that as far as is reasonable and practicable, health and welfare
Is maintained.  Section 7 of the act places the following responsibilities on all employees.

1. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who might be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
2. To co-operate with their employer or his representative in so far as is necessary to perform any duty, or comply with requirements imposed as a result of any law which may be in force.
3. Section 8 of the act states that any employee who misuses or recklessly interferes with any item which is provided in the fulfilment of a legal obligation and in the interest of health and safety, will be guilty of a criminal offence.
4. These duties, like all duties created under the act, are supported by criminal sanction.  Any employee who conducts himself in such a way as to endanger either his or another person’s health and safety whilst at work may be prosecuted.

POLICY STATEMENTS

The managing director’s policy statement on health and safety is contained in annexe (A) in addition; the objectives and responsibilities for health and safety within Chelsea Cleaning contractors are as follows;

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the policy document are;

1. To promote high standards of health and safety.
2. To ensure that places and methods of work are safe and healthy.
3. To protect personnel from for see able hazards whether they are employees or visitors.
4. To ensure adequate training.
5. To ensure health and safety are fostered by all.
6. To ensure personnel are aware of their responsibilities.
7. To ensure full and active consultation on all safety matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of individuals within Chelsea Cleaning contractors are.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

1. For all aspects of safety management.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

1. For ensuring that day to day requirements regarding health and safety at work are met.
2. To review accident reports and ensure appropriate action is taken where necessary.
3. If any new process or operation is undertaken to ensure that any precautions deemed necessary are taken and if required a COSHH assessment is carried out.

SUPERVISORS
The application of the day to day health and safety procedures rests with the supervisors.  All accidents are to be investigated and remedial safety action taken.  They are to ensure that all new staff receives instruction regarding their individual safety responsibility.  They are to make frequent inspections of their areas of responsibilities to ensure that company health and safety policies are being implemented.

COMPETENT PERSON
The competent person will assist the supervisors in all aspects of safety management so that they can meet their health and safety responsibilities.  He will act as chairman of Chelsea cleaning safety committee which will meet when necessary.  He/She will ensure that complete reviews of the company health and safety policy are carried out at six monthly intervals with annotations of such reviews held in a suitable register.

EXTERNAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSULTANT
The company has appointed an external health and safety consultant Barbara Back who will be undertaking reviews of the health and safety management system every six months.  The consultant will also offer on –going advice and assistance to management on all health and safety matters.

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
The committee will be made up of;

1. The operations manager.
2. Safety representatives found from supervisors.
3. A member of any contracted service supplied to the company.  Clients or their representatives if it is felt necessary by the competent person.  The committee as a whole, or through individual members, is to monitor the health and safety performance and recommend any remedial action should it appear or prove necessary.  The operations manager is to assume the chair of the safety committee.  As such He/She is to ensure requirement of sec, 2 of the HASAWA are carried out using both verbal and written mediums as appropriate.

APPOINTMENTS
The following are specialist health and safety appointments with Chelsea cleaning (see annexe b)

1. The competent person- Ken J Wooster Director.
2. COSHH focus adviser –A nominated supervisor.
3. First aid advisers- supervisors.

MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
Managers are to ensure that safe operating instructions are promulgated within their areas of responsibility to protect all personnel from dangers to their health and safety.  Any accident or injury sustained by personnel employed by the company is to be reported to the competent person.  Any practice or condition likely to have an adverse effect on the health or safety of employees is to be reported and all such reports to be recorded.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
All defects found in tools and equipment owned by Chelsea Cleaning and used by employees of the company are to be reported to the respective supervisor immediately.  The supervisor is to ensure that such defects are or rectified and that defective items are withdrawn from use and stored separately under His/Her personal control until repaired and certified safe.  When employees use items with manufacturers operating instructions, they are to be strictly complied with.  Where freestanding ladders of any type are being used they are to be supported by an assistant.  When employees are operating above or below ground level, they are to ensure that correct foot and headwear are worn.

TIDINESS
Tidiness and cleanliness are essential factors in the promotion of health and safety.  Accidents can be prevented if:

1. Work areas are kept clean and tidy and unobstructed state.
2. Floors are kept clean.
3. Emergency exits are not obstructed.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Electrical equipment, which is known or thought to be defective, is not to be used and action in accordance with this documents section on tools and equipment (see annex C) taken.  Only authorised and fully qualified personnel are to install, repair or attempt to repair electrical equipment.  When using electrical equipment, the following safety precautions are to be taken.

1. Only 1 plug per electrical socket is to be used.
2. The correct size fuse is to be installed in all plugs and electrical equipment as detailed in manufacturer instructions.
3. If equipment becomes faulty whilst in use it is to be withdrawn immediately and action in action in accordance with paragraph headed tools and equipment.
4. All electrical equipment used by companies forming the Chelsea cleaning is to be certificated annually.

USE OF POTENTIALLY HARMFUL SUBSTANCE
When using potentially harmful substances, whether material or chemical, all personnel are to ensure that adequate precautions are taken to prevent injury or harm to health.  No new material or chemical is to be used without the authorisation of the relevant supervisor and a safety data sheet raised. Products authorised for use by Chelsea cleaning are shown in (annexe d).

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Reduction in the risk of serious disease, illness or injury can be achieved by use of correct protective clothing.  All personnel are to wear the clothing provided for their protection.  To reduce risk of dry skin conditions and dermatitis protective rubber gloves are to be worn when handling or using cleaning chemicals.  Where practical, barrier cream is to be applied commencing work.  Clothing contaminated with chemicals likely to cause problems to the health and safety of operatives is to be changed.  To this end, employees should avoid placing contaminated cloths or other materials in pockets or pouches of protective clothing.  When identified as necessary at risk assessment safety footwear will be provided.  Any other from of protective equipment, I.E. eye protection, ear defenders and breathing apparatus (etc) to be issued if working conditions require them.  It is the responsibility of the employee to make use of them.

SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed in areas where a fire hazard exists or where fumes may be hazardous to health when inhaled.  Observance of all ‘NO SMOKING’ sings is to be strictly complied with.

USE OF VEHICLES
Only authorised persons in possession of the appropriate licence are to drive company vehicles.  Passengers travelling in company vehicles do so at their own risk.  Drivers and passengers are to use fitted seat belts when mobile.  No vehicle used by company personnel in the execution of their duties, be they owned, rented or borrowed on behalf of the company, is to be overloaded.

DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (DSE)
Working with (DSE) is not generally considered to be a high risk area and any illnesses that employees feel are related to this work should be treated the same as any other case of ill health.  To improve working conditions employees of the company using (DSE) will ensure:

1. The chair used has adjustable height and back support.
2. They are able to sit and change positions to reduce tiredness.
3. Keyboard and screen are appropriately adjusted.
4. Adequate workspace to accommodate working papers is maintained.
5. Light is not allowed to be reflected onto the screen and operators are not facing bright lights or windows.

THAT DSE IS ADJUSTED TO ENSURE

1. Characters on the screen are sharply defined.
2. Characters do not flicker or move.
3. Brightness controls are suited to room lighting conditions.
4. Layers of dust, grains or finger marks on screens are removed.
5. Operators are to take sufficient breaks to avoid fatigue of not less than 10 minutes in every hour of continuous work.
6. Operators who experience eye difficulties are to contact the competent person who will, if considered appropriate, arrange for an eyesight test at company expense.

FIRE PREVENTION
Fire orders and preventative measures available at all locations where personnel are employed are to be made know to employees by supervisors.  All personnel are responsible for knowing the location of fire fighting equipment, fire exits and evacuation and emergency routes.  The competent person is to ensure the following are completed.

1. Notices of action to be taken in the event of a fire are displayed in appropriate locations
2. Fire equipment is inspected and serviced where necessary at frequent intervals.
3. Fire alarm systems are tested at frequent intervals of not less than once a month.
4. Fire evacuation procedures are practised not less than once every six months.
5. Records of checks and practices are maintained.
6. A requirement of any relevant fire certificate is complied with.
7. To ensure that employees are to be conversant with the fire potential of materials and substances used by them. They are to exercise particular care when handling anything marked as ‘FLAMMABLE’

VISITORS
It is the responsibility of all employees to safeguard the health and safety of all visitors to any location where company personnel are employed.  Visitors are to be instructed to wear appropriate protective clothing and are not allowed entry unless agreeing to abide by all health and safety polices in force.  Likewise, any contractor working for, or with company employees, is to comply with these health and safety instructions.

FIRST AID
Supervisors are to ensure that all persons under their authority receive instruction in the basics of first aid.  They are also to appoint first aiders in each location under their control unless the number involved prevents the implementation of this policy, (IE) where the number on any site is less than 3.
A first aid box containing the following is to be carried in company vehicles:
1) First aid guidance leaflet
2) 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings
3) 2 sterile eye pads.
4) 4 individually wrapped sterile triangular bandages.
5) 6 Safety pins.
7) 6 Medium sized individually wrapped unmediated dressings.
8) 2 Large sized individually wrapped unmediated dressing.
9) 1 Pair of disposable gloves.
This is a suggested list only, equivalent but different items will be considered acceptable.  Risk assessment may conclude the need for additional items as scissors, tape, and moist wipes (etc)

PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CLOTHING
It is imperative that a good standard of personal hygiene and dress is maintained in order to present the best possible image for the company.  Uniforms are provided to project the company image and to act as protective clothing.  Supervisors are to ensure employees do not wear loose clothing or jewellery, which may catch on machinery (etc) when working.  Footwear must be of a sensible supportive construction with closed in toes.  Slippers and flip- flops type shoes are not permitted

WORKING ALONE
Working alone can cause particular problems.  It is therefore essential that supervisors are informed if there is any change from agreed arrangements.  Employees should make sure they know the location of fire fighting equipment, first aid, and equipment means of escape (etc) and should check there is a safe means of access to and from work place.  Employees must not expose themselves to significantly more risks than employees who work together.  And should only handle substance and goods, which can be safely handled by one person.

CHEMICALSAND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The control of substance hazardous to health regulations restricts use and access to hazardous substances.  These are those that fall into categories of being irritant, corrosive, toxic and harmful or substances which have an occupational exposure standard.  All chemicals that the company has in use are listed in a register of chemicals call the (COSHH) assessment sheet, detailing emergency procedures up [on spillage or accidents in usage as well as first aid treatment.  Each site of work has the ‘lowest risk’ chemicals, which will perform the task required adequately.  If any hazard is present the supervisor will provide all the information, instruction and training in the use of the substance and appropriate protective clothing to ensure the use of the chemical results in the lowest risk possible.

COSHH POLICY 
EVERY EMPLOYEE MUST ENSURE THAT NO CHEMICALS OTHER THAN THOSE DESIGNATED BY THE COMPANY ARE BROUGHT ONTO SITE.
All employees ensure personal safety of others with who contact may be made during the work, the following safe working practices must be adhered to:

1. Use only chemical substances that are correctly labelled
2. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Always wear protective gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment when using chemicals
4. Never mix chemicals.
5. When diluting chemicals, always place the chemicals into the water and NOT water into the chemical.  This prevents neat chemicals being splashed.
6. Do not decant chemicals into unmarked containers.
7. Bleach is not permitted with out authority from the operations manager and then only with the clients agreement.
8. Employees are to refer to their supervisor when doubt as to use exists.

RISK CONTROL
RISK ASSESSMENTS The management of health and safety at work regulations requires that an adequate assessment is made of the risks.

1. To which the employee or self-employed persons are exposed whilst they are at work.
2. To other persons arising out of or in connection with the activity being undertaken.

These are assessed by references to hazards and evaluating risks that arise from them and identification of control measures to combat the identified risks.  In some of the arrears where employees work, there may be additional hazards resulting from the normal use of the area (IE) laboratories or process plants.  These hazards will be identified on the contract cover sheet.  Employees are to be made aware of these details by the supervisors.  Any significant hazards, over and above those encountered in normal work, will be assessed separately by the competent person.  If an employee encounters any activity which represents a significant hazard, they are to be instructed to report it to their supervisor who will arrange for the competent person to carry out a risk assessment of the hazard.

MANUAL HANDLING
The manual handling operations regulations requires that unless the operation is very simple, written assessment must be made of the lifting/carrying operation.  This assessment takes account of the task load working environment and the individual’s capacity.  To avoid back injuries, which from the largest category of work injury, mechanical lifting and handling equipment must be used wherever possible?  Employees, when identified as required, will be given information, instruction and training in the correct methods of handling and lifting.  Where avoidance of heavy handling is impossible, the following control measures can prevent years of suffering.

1. If the load is to awkward or too heavy- GET HELP.
2. If mechanical aids are available USE THEM to move the load, providing of course that full instruction in their safe use has been received.
3. Check in advance there is adequate room to lift or move the object, a clear path is available to the destination and there is adequate room for putting it down.
4. Check for sharp edges, wear protective gloves if necessary.
5. Wear suitable footwear.

LIFTING
When lifting an object, remember the following:

1. Keep the back straight.
2. Keep arms close to the body.
3. Keep chin in
4. Stand with feet slightly apart and one foot slightly in front of the other.
5. Grip with the palm of the hand not just the fingers.
6. Bend knees and lift by straightening the legs, keeping the load close to the body.

PULLING AND PUSHING
For both pulling and pushing, a secure footing should be ensured and the hands applied to the load at a height between waist and shoulder wherever possible.  A further option, where safety considerations allow.  Is to push with the back against the load using the strong leg muscles to exert force.

WORK EQUIPMENT
Electrically operated/winding machines.

1. Always unwind cable fully.
2. Ensure cable is not damaged or twisted.
3. Ensure plugs and sockets are not cracked or broken.
4. Do not attempt to repair the machine.
5. Do not use faulty machines- label ‘OUT OF ACTION’ and report to the supervisor.
6. Do not allow cable to run under doors.
7. Do not cause a tripping hazard –use safety signs.

EXTENSION CABLES

1. Always unwind cable fully.
2. Ensure cable is not damaged or twisted.
3. Ensure plugs and sockets are not cracked or broken.
4. Ensure that only authorised extension leads are used.
5. Ensure extension is not longer than 18 meters in length.
6. Ensure socket joins are not left on wet floors.
7. Do not ‘double up’ extensions.
8. Do not cause a tripping hazard-use safety sings.

FLOOR MACHINES

1. As above.
2. Ensure safety switches are not taped down.
3. If the machine is vacuum assisted, ensure vacuum bag is emptied regularly.
4. Ensure base plate and pad/brush is attached before machine is switched on.
5. Ensure handle is lowered to correct height for operator.
6. Ensure cable is well away from area of operation at all times.
7. If floor scrubbing or stripping in operation, ensure ‘WET FLOOR’ signs are in use.

LADDERS
Working at heights is inherently dangerous, particularly if both hands are required to do a job.  A working platform is safer than a ladder or a stepladder.  Consult the competent person if the working height is over 9 metres for extra safety control measures.  Only personnel who have received information, instruction and training, and who have been assessed by competent person are authorised to use a ladder.  Ladders must be inspected for defects before use. Faulty equipment is not to be used.  The ladder must be erected at an angle of 75 degrees  (i.e.) the foot of the ladder should be 1 foot out from the vertical line for every 4 feet of height, and should extend about 5 rungs above any working landing.  Personnel must be sensibly dressed, wearing footwear no loose clothing and act in a sensible manner.  Before work commences, the surrounding area must be checked for the following.

1. A ladder base must not be used if the ground is soft or uneven
2. Ladders must not be used if there are overhead electricity cables (etc) in close proximity.
3. The area around the base of the ladder must be cleared of all obstructions.
4. The top of the ladder must be secured or safety support legs attached to the bottom of the ladder, or must it be ‘footed’.
5. Check the ladder is clean and the rungs are free from slippery substances.
6. Only one person on the ladder at any one time.
7. Do not overreach.
8. Beware of people working in the proximity and below the ladder.
9. Never throw equipment down always carry it down the ladder.

ACCIDENT BOOK AND REPORTS
The accident book is maintained by the operations manager. Any accident details are to be entered in the accident book as soon as possible.  It is required that the accident book shall be preserved for a period of 3 years after the date of the last entry.

ACCIDENTS REPORTS
All accidents must be reported to the operations manger immediately by the quickest rout available, the accident book will be completed as soon as is possible after the event.  If the accident is reportable to the enforcing authority under RIDDOR then the operations manger will be responsible for:

1. Sending e-mail reports to: riddor@natbrit.com.
2. Phoning the report to 0845 300 9924 or posting report to incident contact centre Caerphilly business park, Caerphilly , CF83 3GG.

TRAINING
Each employee of the company will receive training commensurate with the need for awareness of health and safety requirements.  Supervisors will ensure:

1. Training needs are properly identified.
2. Training is carried out.
3. Training records are accurately kept.
4. No employee is allowed to use any plant or equipment until they have been fully instructed in its use or until any pervious training can be confirmed.
5. No employee is allowed to use or handle hazardous or potentially hazardous material until they have been fully instructed in its use and trained in the precautions to be taken in the event pf spillage or contamination.

SUMMARY
These instructions are designed to create a safe working environment for all members of Chelsea cleaning.  All personnel are to comply with the provisions contained in these instructions and where contraventions occur is to report details of the event to their immediate supervisors without delay.

OUR JOINT AIM IS THE PROTECTION OF ALL STAFF, OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR STAFF AND ALL WHO COME INTO CONTACT WITH OUR ORGANISATION.