Health & Safety Policy — Ealing House Clearance

Ealing House Clearance maintains a clear and comprehensive Health and Safety policy that applies to all elements of our house clearing, waste removal and rubbish collection services. This statement sets out our commitment to safe working practices within the rubbish company service area and to maintaining a safe environment for staff, clients and the public. The policy reflects our duty to control risk, to provide appropriate training and to ensure safe systems of work across all clearance operations.

Policy Scope and Purpose

This policy covers house clearance, domestic and commercial rubbish collection, hazardous material handling and vehicle operations in our service area. It is designed to comply with statutory obligations while remaining practical for day-to-day waste removal work. Our aim is to prevent accidents and occupational ill-health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying proportionate controls. All employees, subcontractors and temporary staff are required to follow the arrangements detailed below.

Responsibilities are shared: senior management will ensure adequate resources and review, supervisors will oversee on-site safe systems, and individual workers must follow instructions and report concerns. Key responsibilities include maintaining certifications, providing PPE, managing manual handling risks and ensuring safe access during clearance jobs. The rubbish clearance service area is organised so that roles are clear and communication channels are open for reporting near misses or hazards.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

We carry out regular risk assessments for all types of clearances and waste removal activities. Assessments identify potential hazards such as sharps, asbestos-containing materials, sharable waste, unstable furniture and confined spaces. Control measures are implemented using the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. Work plans are created for each job to reflect the findings and to define safe methods of work for the specific rubbish collection or clearance task.

Training and competence are essential. All operatives receive induction training, periodic refreshers and task-specific instruction for safe manual handling, use of lifting equipment and safe driving for waste delivery vehicles. We maintain training records and ensure that staff understand the risks associated with different types of rubbish, including electrical items, furniture, garden waste and mixed household refuse. Supervisors conduct toolbox talks and spot checks to reinforce safe practice.

Control of hazardous materials is critical. Where suspect asbestos or other hazardous waste is encountered, work is stopped and specialist disposal procedures are followed. We use recognised contractors for hazardous waste removal and strictly adhere to licensing and disposal requirements. Segregation of recyclable materials and safe containment of sharps or liquids are standard procedures during any clear-out job.

Equipment, Vehicles and PPE

All plant and vehicles used by the rubbish company are maintained under a planned maintenance schedule to ensure roadworthiness and safe operation. Drivers and operatives are trained in safe loading, securement and manual handling to minimise risks during transport of waste. Equipment checks are recorded and defects are reported immediately to reduce the chance of incidents in the service area.

Contractor management and site coordination form part of our safety arrangements. When working with third parties, we ensure that contractors understand and can meet our safety expectations. Risk controls for shared access sites include clear signage, cordons, and a single point of contact to manage logistics. The policy requires that any subcontractor engaged for clearance or rubbish removal demonstrates adequate insurance, permits and evidence of safe working practices.

Incident reporting, monitoring and continual improvement underpin our approach. All incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and reviewed to prevent recurrence. We set measurable health and safety objectives and undertake regular audits to ensure the policy is effectively implemented. Management reviews are carried out at least annually, or sooner where circumstances change, to confirm that the policy remains relevant and effective within the waste removal and rubbish collection service areas.

Emergency procedures are in place for on-site injuries, vehicle incidents and environmental contamination. Staff are trained in first aid provision and in prompt notification procedures for emergencies. Spill kits, containment materials and contact protocols for competent emergency services are identified in job-specific plans.

We emphasise a culture of safety where everyone has a role. Employees are encouraged to suggest improvements and to participate in safety discussions. The policy is reviewed regularly and updated when legislative changes, new risks or operational changes occur. Commitment from all levels is essential to deliver a safe and compliant house clearance and rubbish handling service.

By following these procedures and maintaining vigilance, Ealing House Clearance aims to deliver effective, lawful and safe rubbish removal across our service area, protecting people, property and the environment while providing a professional house clearance service.