Health and Safety Policy for House Clearance Chessington Services

This policy sets out the health and safety approach adopted by our house clearance operation in Chessington. It applies across our clearance services, including domestic clearances, garden waste removal and light commercial waste collection. The aim is to protect staff, contractors, customers and the public by reducing risks associated with rubbish removal and related site activities. This document is intended to be a clear, practical statement of duty and process rather than a legal interpretation.

Our waste clearance teams follow a structured risk assessment process before work begins. Supervisors will identify hazards such as manual handling, sharp objects, hazardous materials, vehicle movements and working in confined spaces. Controls include the use of appropriate PPE, safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids where possible and the segregation of hazardous items. Emphasis is placed on continuous monitoring to ensure measures remain effective throughout a clearance job.

The policy requires that everyone engaged in house clearing or rubbish removal duties receives training commensurate with their role. Training covers manual handling, COSHH awareness, traffic and vehicle safety for drivers and operatives, and the safe use of hand tools. Where necessary, refresher sessions and toolbox talks are delivered on site to reinforce safe systems of work and the importance of reporting near-misses and incidents promptly.

Responsibilities and Safe Systems of Work

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this health and safety policy across our service area. They must ensure risk assessments are recorded and that method statements are available for complex clearance projects. Operatives are expected to follow instructions, wear required protections and cooperate in maintaining a safe environment. Visitors to a clearance site will be briefed on hazards and required behaviours before work commences.

Key actions include safe access and egress for teams, clear delineation of vehicle loading zones, secure storage of sharp and hazardous waste, and the prompt removal of trip hazards. The approach applies to mixed loads generated during house clearance and to specialist collections such as electrical goods and bulky furniture that require additional handling precautions.

Our safety culture promotes reporting and learning: incidents are reviewed for root causes, and corrective actions are documented. Regular inspections and audits help verify that rubbish company operations comply with the policy. Where external contractors are engaged, they must demonstrate equivalent safety standards before work begins and provide evidence of training and insurance.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Workers must use PPE appropriate to the task: gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and masks where dust or contaminants are present. PPE is maintained and replaced when damaged. Handwashing facilities, sanitising gel and first-aid kits are provided for all crews, and operatives are encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices when handling waste to reduce contamination risks.

Special procedures apply for hazardous items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemical containers or sharps. These items are identified during the pre-clearance survey and are handled only by trained personnel or arranged with licensed specialist disposal services. Uncertain items are treated with caution and segregated until properly assessed.

Our teams also follow vehicle safety protocols: secure loads to prevent shifting, use tailboards and ramps safely, and ensure traffic management is in place on busy streets or estates. Drivers complete vehicle checks and record any defects to prevent avoidable incidents during transit.

Emergency procedures are clearly defined. Operatives are trained in first aid basics and in the steps to take in the event of fire, spill or medical emergency. Emergency contacts and procedures are available in the site-specific method statement and are reviewed at the start of operations. Evacuation routes and assembly points must be kept clear and communicated to everyone on site.

Environmental controls are integral to our policy: rubbish is sorted where practical to maximise recycling and reduce landfill. Hazardous waste is isolated and managed in line with current standards. Efforts are made to minimise noise, dust and disturbance during domestic clearances, particularly in residential areas within our service area.

Monitoring and review ensure the policy remains effective. Key performance indicators include incident frequency, near-miss reports, and audit outcomes. Management reviews the policy annually or sooner after significant change, and updates are communicated to staff and contractors. Continuous improvement is driven by lessons learned and evolving best practice in waste handling and collection.

In summary, this Health and Safety Policy for house clearance and rubbish removal services emphasises prevention, training and accountability. It applies across all operations, whether a single-room domestic clearance, a whole-house clearance in Chessington area properties, or commercial site tidy-ups. Everyone involved from planning to disposal has a role to play in maintaining safe systems of work.

To support compliance, we maintain written records of risk assessments, training, incident reports and equipment maintenance. These records demonstrate the consistent application of the policy and allow for transparent review. The policy is a living document; feedback is used to refine procedures while maintaining a strong focus on safety for staff, clients and the community.

All employees, contractors and subcontractors are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and to act in accordance with its principles. By prioritising safety and adopting robust rubbish clearance procedures, we limit harm, protect the environment and sustain reliable clearance services across our service area.