Health & Safety Policy for Pressure Washing St Johns Wood Operations

This policy sets out the commitment of the pressure washing team to manage health and safety risks effectively when delivering pressure cleaning and associated rubbish clearance services across the service area. It applies to all operatives, subcontractors and site managers involved in pressure washing, exterior cleaning, and complementary rubbish collection work. The objective is to ensure safe systems of work, protect the public and property, and maintain high standards for environmental and occupational safety. Safety is treated as a core part of every job, and the policy is implemented in line with recognised safe working practices for both powered jetting and low-pressure soft wash techniques.

Scope and responsibilities are defined so that every team member knows their duties. Senior management has overall responsibility for safety policy review and resource allocation. Supervisors ensure that risk assessments are conducted, that safe operating procedures are followed, and that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used. Operatives are expected to follow instructions, report hazards, and participate in training. This policy covers equipment inspection, chemical handling for cleaning agents, machinery operation, manual handling of waste and materials, and traffic management when operating near public access points.

Risk Assessment, Safe Systems and Working Controls

All jobs require a pre-start risk assessment that identifies hazards such as slip and trip risks, high-pressure water injury, electrical hazards, contaminants in removed rubbish, and environmental run-off. Control measures include isolation of work areas, use of non-slip footwear, secure ladders and access equipment, lock-out procedures for powered machinery, and containment methods to prevent cleaning residues entering drains. Where appropriate, a permit-to-work is issued for complex access or where hot water and detergents are combined. The team follows a clear permit and check process to reduce exposure to risk and to maintain a safe work environment for operatives and the local community.

Equipment management is key. All pressure washers, pumps, hoses and accessories are visually inspected before use, subject to periodic service schedules, and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Pressure settings are matched to the surface and the method employed (e.g., high-pressure driveways versus soft wash for delicate brickwork). All portable electrical equipment is PAT tested and used with RCD protection where required. Fuel and chemical storage follow accepted guidance to reduce fire and contamination risks while portable spill kits are carried to manage accidental releases.

Training, PPE and Competence for Pressure Washing Services

Operatives receive training on pressure washing techniques, chemical safety data sheets (SDS), manual handling, and working at height. Training records are maintained and refreshed regularly to ensure competence. PPE is mandatory and includes eye protection, gloves resistant to cleaning chemicals, hearing protection where noise thresholds are exceeded, and protective sleeves or aprons for chemical application. Respiratory protection is supplied when aerosolised cleaners or dusty rubbish loads present inhalation risks. Supervisors ensure PPE is fitted correctly and replaced when worn.

Waste handling and the rubbish company service area interface are managed to prevent cross-contamination and reduce manual handling injuries. Waste segregation is carried out on-site according to type and disposal requirements, and heavy or bulky items are managed using mechanical aids or team lifts. Chemical residues from cleaning operations are contained and removed in line with environmental controls. The operations team coordinates with appropriate waste disposal services to ensure that rubbish is handled responsibly and stored temporarily in secure, labelled containers until removed from the premises.

Traffic and public safety measures are implemented where work takes place near pavements, driveways or communal areas. Steps include setting up visible barriers, signage and, where necessary, traffic management plans to protect pedestrians and vehicles. Operatives are instructed to maintain clear egress for emergency access and to keep site housekeeping at the highest level to prevent slips, trips and falls. Public protection extends to minimising noise and dust nuisance, scheduling higher-impact activities at reasonable hours, and using attenuation measures for power equipment.

Emergency procedures are documented and rehearsed. First aid provision is available on every shift, and serious incidents trigger the internal incident report and investigation process to identify root causes and corrective actions. Near-miss reporting is encouraged and used as a proactive tool to prevent recurring issues. All incidents involving contaminants or hazardous materials are reported and handled in accordance with statutory obligations and internal protocols to safeguard both workers and the wider service area.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement form the backbone of this health and safety policy. Regular site audits, performance reviews and inspection records permit trend analysis and corrective measures where necessary. The policy is reviewed annually, or sooner when there are changes in legislation, equipment, scope of works or incident learnings. Stakeholders across the rubbish clearance and pressure washing service areas are engaged in consultation to ensure that practical experience informs policy changes. In signing up to these principles, the organisation commits to a measurable, documented approach to safety that balances operational efficiency with the protection of people, property and the environment.