Flat Clearance Health & Safety Policy

Scope and Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the approach taken by Flat Clearance Gunnersbury to manage risks associated with flat clearance, rubbish removal and waste management across our rubbish company service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and any persons undertaking clearance activities on behalf of the company. The document aims to ensure safe operations, protect workers and the public, and minimise environmental impact while offering reliable rubbish and waste clearance services.

Policy Statement

Flat Clearance Gunnersbury is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety during every stage of a clearance job, including pre-clearance assessment, manual handling, hazardous waste identification, vehicle loading and site tidy-up. We recognise that effective safety management supports efficient rubbish collection and waste removal across our service area and reduces injury, damage and incident-related disruption.

Responsibilities

All team members and contractors must follow safe working practices. Specific responsibilities include:

• Management – provide training, appropriate equipment and clear procedures for rubbish clearance and site risk control.
• Supervisors – ensure compliance on site, conduct risk assessments and report any hazards or near misses.
• Operatives – follow instructions, use PPE, and stop work if a serious hazard is identified.

Risk Assessment & Job Planning: Every flat clearance job requires a systematic risk assessment before work begins. This covers manual handling risks, chemical or sharps hazards, structural issues, access and egress, and traffic management for vehicle movements. Job planning identifies control measures such as mechanical aids, two-person lifting, and exclusion zones to protect the workforce and the public.

Training and Competence

The company ensures that staff receive training for rubbish clearance tasks relevant to their role, including safe lifting techniques, hazardous waste awareness, and equipment operation. Induction training, refresher courses and on-site coaching are provided so everyone remains competent to deliver waste clearance services safely.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Operatives are provided with and required to wear suitable PPE when on clearance duties: high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, sturdy footwear and respiratory protection where dust or airborne contaminants are present. PPE is a last line of defence and must be used alongside engineering and administrative controls.

Safe Systems of Work: We implement safe systems that include:

• Pre-job briefings and documented method statements for complex clearances.
• Segregation of general waste, recyclable materials and hazardous items to reduce contamination risks.
• Use of mechanical aids, trolleys and communal skips to lower manual handling incidents.

Hazardous Materials and Disposal: Items such as batteries, asbestos-suspect materials, chemicals and sharps are identified and handled separately. Where specialist removal is needed, the company arranges licensed contractors. Our rubbish clearance teams are trained to isolate hazards, label them clearly and prevent cross-contamination while ensuring safe transportation and lawful disposal within the wider rubbish company service area.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All incidents, near misses and injuries are reported promptly and recorded. Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as significant injury, chemical spill or fire. Staff are trained to follow emergency protocols and to use first-aid equipment; serious incidents are escalated to management for investigation and corrective action.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: Health and safety performance is monitored through site inspections, audits and regular safety meetings. We set measurable targets to reduce incidents, and lessons learned from investigations are incorporated into procedures. This continuous improvement cycle ensures our waste clearance operations remain safe and efficient across the service area.

Final Provisions: Implementation of this policy is mandatory. Every person involved in flat clearance or rubbish removal must understand and follow it. Management will provide the necessary resources for compliance and will review this policy periodically to reflect operational changes, emerging risks and legal requirements. By maintaining robust safety standards, Flat Clearance Gunnersbury commits to delivering responsible, safe and professional rubbish clearance services to clients throughout the service area.