Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Richmond Upon Thames

This document sets out the health and safety policy for our house clearance service and related rubbish removal operations. It applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged in property clearance, waste removal and bulky rubbish collection within our service area. The policy seeks to protect people, property and the environment by establishing clear responsibilities, risk controls and safe systems of work for every stage of a clearance job. Our commitment is to maintain safe working conditions and to integrate best practice for rubbish removal and waste management into daily operations.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers pre-clearance surveys, on-site clearance, transport of materials, recycling and disposal. Management is responsible for ensuring adequate resources, training and supervision, while employees are required to follow procedures and report hazards. Key duties include:

• Risk assessment: completing and recording site-specific assessments before work begins.
• PPE provision: ensuring all operatives have suitable protective equipment.
• Safe manual handling: enforcing correct lifting techniques and using mechanical aids when appropriate.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Before any house clearance activity starts, a formal risk assessment must be completed to identify hazards such as sharps, asbestos, refrigerated appliances, chemicals, vermin or unstable structures. Control measures will include segregation of hazardous items, clear labeling, and provision of containment for contaminated materials. For specific waste types that may pose a health risk, such as fluorescent tubes, electronic waste or contaminated textiles, the team will follow regulated disposal routes and use licensed waste carriers.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

All operatives must wear appropriate PPE for the task: gloves, boots with toe protection, hi-vis clothing and respiratory protection where dust or allergens are present. Workers are required to maintain personal hygiene standards on-site: wash hands before breaks, avoid eating in contaminated areas and use sanitiser where washing facilities are limited. Training in correct PPE use and fit is mandatory and recorded on personnel files.

Handling Hazardous and Bulky Items

Special procedures are in place for hazardous, fragile or bulky items encountered during a property clearance. Appliances containing refrigerant, paint, solvents, batteries and asbestos-containing materials are identified and segregated. The team will not remove items that require specialist licensing without the appropriate subcontractor. Manual handling assessments are carried out for heavy furniture and appliances, and two-person lifts or lifting equipment will be used as required to minimise musculoskeletal injuries.

Transport, Vehicle and Site Safety

Vehicles used for rubbish removal and property clearance must be maintained to a high standard, with documented checks for brakes, lights and securement of loads. Loads must be secured and covered when transporting waste. Drivers must comply with driving time regulations and safe loading practices. Site safety measures include cordoning off hazardous zones, supervising access points and providing clear communication between drivers and on-site operatives.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

Clear emergency procedures are essential. Staff will be trained in first aid, fire response and incident reporting. Any accident, near miss or environmental release must be reported immediately to management and recorded in the incident log. Management will investigate significant events, implement corrective actions and communicate lessons learned across the team. This ensures continuous improvement and reduces the likelihood of repeat incidents during clearances.

Environmental Controls and Waste Duty

We are committed to minimising environmental impact through segregation, reuse and recycling where feasible. Waste will be classified and directed to authorised facilities following the waste hierarchy. Documentation such as transfer notes and records of recycling are retained to demonstrate compliance. Our approach supports responsible disposal and promotes the recovery of materials from house clearance and rubbish collection operations.

Training, Monitoring and Review

Continuous training, supervision and monitoring ensure the policy is effective. New staff receive induction training covering this health and safety policy, manual handling, PPE use and vehicle safety. Periodic refresher training and toolbox talks will be provided. Management will carry out regular audits and reviews of procedures, risk assessments and incident records, ensuring the policy remains current and reflects operational changes in the rubbish company service area and house clearance practices.

Policy enforcement and commitment: adherence to this policy is mandatory for all staff and contractors. Non-compliance will be addressed through performance management and corrective action. This policy is reviewed at least annually or more frequently if legislation, operational risk, or service changes require an update. Our priority is a safe, compliant and professional house clearance operation that protects workers, clients and the environment.