Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Thames Ditton

This policy sets out the commitment of our house clearance and waste removal teams to maintain safe working practices across all domestic and commercial removal projects. House clearance services will be delivered with a focus on preventing injury, minimising environmental impact and ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety standards. The purpose of this document is to communicate clear responsibilities, safe systems of work and the controls used to manage hazards associated with rubbish collection, clearing, and transport in the service area.

Scope and Objectives

The policy applies to every person engaged in our Thames Ditton house clearance operations including employees, sub-contractors and any visitors to sites where waste handling and clearance work are carried out. Our objectives include: maintaining accident-free operations, ensuring safe manual handling and correct segregation of waste, and implementing emergency response procedures. All staff must understand this policy and align their day-to-day actions with the company's safety expectations.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Management will provide adequate resources, training and supervision to implement this policy. Supervisors are responsible for conducting risk assessments, ensuring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and that tools and vehicles are maintained. Workers have a duty to follow safe working practices, report hazards and incidents promptly, and use PPE correctly. The success of our rubbish removal and house clearing activities depends on shared responsibility and active participation.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

A documented risk assessment process is in place to identify hazards commonly encountered during a clearance job: manual handling, trip and fall risks, sharp objects, asbestos suspicion, chemical containers, and vehicle movements. Control measures include job-specific safe systems of work, exclusion zones during loading, and clear traffic management when operating near roads or driveways. Regular review of assessments will take place when new hazards are identified or procedures change.

PPE, Equipment and Manual Handling All operatives must wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing and eye protection as required by the task. Lifting techniques are emphasised in training and mechanical lifting aids are used where practical to prevent back injuries. Equipment used for collection, containment and transport of waste is inspected before use and maintained to industry standards. Whenever heavy or awkward loads are handled, a team lifting approach or mechanical aid is applied to reduce strain and risk.

Waste Classification and Hazardous Materials The company follows a clear procedure for identifying, segregating and handling hazardous materials. Items suspected of containing asbestos, solvents, batteries, electronic waste or sharps are isolated and managed in line with legal requirements. Where specialist disposal is needed, certified carriers will be engaged. Documents and permits required for hazardous waste movements are completed and retained as required.

Vehicles, Transport and Site Security Vehicles used in our service fleet are subject to routine maintenance, daily checks and are loaded to safe limits. Drivers must adhere to road safety rules and company policies for secure load restraint. Site security during house clearance operations includes securing properties after access, protecting members of the public from access to work zones, and clear signage where appropriate. Keys and property access protocols are handled responsibly to protect client assets.

Training, Communication and Competency All staff receive initial induction training covering this policy and ongoing refresher training tailored to specific roles. Toolbox talks and briefings are used to communicate job-specific risks before each major clearance. Competency assessments are recorded and training needs are identified through supervision and monitoring. Clear channels are maintained so operatives can raise concerns and suggest improvements to safe systems.

Incidents, Reporting, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Any incident, near miss or property damage is reported immediately and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Records of incidents, risk assessments, training and vehicle checks are retained and reviewed periodically. Performance is measured through audits and routine inspections; findings drive continuous improvement. Strong emphasis is placed on learning from events to prevent recurrence and to refine the approach to rubbish collection and removal tasks across our service area.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid Emergency response plans are in place for severe injuries, fires or hazardous substance exposure. First aid kits are available on-site and designated first aiders are assigned for each project. Emergency services are contacted immediately when required, and a post-incident review is undertaken to update procedures if necessary. Evacuation routes and muster points are communicated at the start of each job.

Legal Compliance, Audits and Recordkeeping The company commits to meeting applicable statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to waste management, transportation and occupational safety. Periodic internal audits and external inspections ensure compliance. Accurate records of waste consignment notes, training certificates and maintenance logs are maintained and produced for inspection as necessary.

Implementation and Review This health and safety policy is active and will be reviewed at least annually or following significant changes in work scope, legislation or after serious incidents. The aim is to ensure safe, reliable and legally compliant house clearance and rubbish removal operations, protecting staff, clients and the public while delivering a professional service across the service area.