Barnes House Clearance Health and Safety Policy

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach of Barnes House Clearance to managing risks associated with house clearing, waste removal and rubbish collection across our service area. It applies to every employee, contractor and representative engaged in rubbish removal, house clearance and waste disposal activities. The policy aims to protect workers, the public and client property by establishing safe systems of work, clear responsibilities and a culture of continuous improvement.

Scope: The policy covers all site operations, including pre-clearance assessments, vehicle loading and transit, segregation of materials, handling of hazardous items and final disposal. We recognise that operating as a rubbish company requires special attention to manual handling, sharps and hazardous household waste. All staff must comply with safe working procedures, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow directions from supervisors. The policy supports compliance with applicable waste management and health and safety legislation without reference to any single locality.

Legal and organisational framework: Barnes House Clearance will meet legal duties to provide a safe workplace and will maintain insurance and records required by regulators. Management retains overall responsibility for safety performance while supervisors and operatives are responsible for implementing controls on site. Everyone engaged in waste clearance must understand risk assessments and adhere to the company’s safe operating procedures for rubbish collection, bulky waste removal and recycling operations.

Risk assessment and planning: Before any clearance, a documented risk assessment will identify hazards such as asbestos-containing materials, chemicals, biological waste, sharps and unstable structures. Control measures will be proportionate to the hazard; these may include exclusion zones, specialist contractors for hazardous waste, and the use of mechanical aids. Planners will record waste clearance risk controls and ensure operatives are briefed on the plan.

Training and competence: All operatives will receive training in manual handling techniques, PPE use, vehicle safety, fire prevention and basic first aid. Competency checks and refresher training will be scheduled periodically. Specialist training will be provided for team members who handle hazardous or chemical waste, ensuring compliance with safety data sheet (SDS) guidance and secure transport requirements.

Personal protective equipment and hygiene: Appropriate PPE — such as gloves, safety boots, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection where required — will be supplied and maintained. Employees must follow hygiene protocols to reduce exposure to contaminants. Waste-handling operatives will be encouraged to report damaged PPE and request replacements immediately.

Manual handling and equipment: Safe lifting techniques and the use of trolleys, hoists or other mechanical aids are mandatory to reduce musculoskeletal risks. We will maintain a fleet of vehicles and equipment in safe condition through scheduled inspections and records. Drivers will be trained in load-securing and safe driving practices to minimise incidents during transit of bulky waste and rubbish loads.

Segregation and disposal of hazardous materials: Items such as batteries, electrical goods, paints, solvents and asbestos suspect materials will be segregated and handled according to accepted hazardous waste protocols. Where waste is hazardous, the company will engage licensed specialists for removal or disposal. Clear labelling and containment prevent cross-contamination and reduce environmental risk.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: In the event of an accident, spill or exposure, operatives must follow emergency procedures which include first aid, containment and notification to supervisors. All incidents, near-misses and property damage will be reported and investigated to identify root causes. Lessons learned will inform revised procedures and training.

Monitoring, audits and continuous improvement: Barnes House Clearance will monitor safety performance through routine site inspections, vehicle checks and internal audits. Performance indicators will include incident rates, training completion and audit findings. Management reviews will assess the effectiveness of the rubbish company safety systems and allocate resources to address deficiencies.

Client and public safety: Operatives must protect clients and the public during house clearance activities by establishing safe perimeters, controlling access and using clear signage where necessary. Respectful communication helps prevent accidental entry into work zones and reduces the risk of injury. The company will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption while ensuring safety.

Records and documentation

We will maintain records of risk assessments, training, equipment inspections, waste transfer notes and incident reports. These documents support accountability and enable us to demonstrate safety due diligence. Regular record reviews feed into management meetings and policy updates.

Responsibilities and review

Senior management is responsible for policy implementation and resourcing. Supervisors ensure daily compliance and operatives are expected to follow procedures and report hazards. This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change to operations, equipment or legislation affecting waste clearance and rubbish removal services.

Commitment: Barnes House Clearance is committed to delivering a reliable, safe rubbish removal service across our service area. By following this policy, we aim to protect people, property and the environment while providing efficient waste and house clearance services.

Approval: This policy is endorsed by company leadership and will be communicated to all staff. Continuous improvement, risk management and staff engagement are central to maintaining a high standard of health and safety in our rubbish company operations.