Health and Safety Policy for Pressure Washing Greenwich Operations

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures for all pressure washing and related exterior cleaning activities within the service area. It applies to staff, contractors and any visitors involved in pressure washing, power washing and pressure cleaning in and around Greenwich and neighbouring locations where rubbish removal and clearance services are provided as part of site preparation and post-clean operations. The document outlines roles, risk management, equipment controls and waste handling to ensure safe, compliant and consistent delivery of pressure washing services.

The policy emphasises that safety is a core value and that every person engaged in cleaning operations has responsibilities. Supervisors will ensure that risk assessments are completed before work begins and that method statements reflect the actual site conditions. Activities covered include high-pressure surface cleaning, chemical soft washing, gutter and pavement cleaning, and associated rubbish and debris clearance. All activities will be planned to minimise public exposure and environmental impact.

Risk assessment is mandatory for each job and must consider: access restrictions, proximity to pedestrians, traffic control, environmental receptors (drains, fragile surfaces, landscaping) and presence of hazardous waste or contaminated rubbish. Operators will record identified hazards and control measures on a site-specific risk assessment form. Controls include exclusion zones, signage, barriers, spill containment, and measures to protect adjacent properties from water or chemical overspray.

Equipment standards are critical: pressure washers, hoses, nozzles and accessories shall be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and inspected daily. Electrical equipment must be PAT-tested and gas-powered units checked for leaks and ventilation. Operators must use correct nozzle sizes and pressures for the surface type to prevent damage, and all waste water must be managed to avoid contamination of drains. Where water run-off contains pollutants or large volumes of sediment and rubbish from clearance work, appropriate containment and removal procedures are required.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements include, at minimum, splash-resistant eye protection, waterproof gloves, high-visibility clothing, and protective footwear. Depending on the task, operators will also use face shields, hearing protection and respiratory protection where aerosolised chemicals or fine particulate matter are present. Training records must demonstrate competence in both equipment operation and safe handling of cleaning agents, and refresher training is scheduled periodically.

Operational controls include safe setup and takedown procedures, secure storage of chemicals, and safe manual handling protocols for removing rubbish and heavy debris. Clearly documented incident reporting and near-miss procedures ensure lessons are learned and corrective actions are taken. Supervisors will undertake site checks to verify compliance and provide on-the-spot coaching where required.

Emergency preparedness and response plans are in place to address spillages, accidental contamination, equipment failure or injury. First aid provisions and trained personnel must be available on site or within a defined response time. Where operations affect public footways or private property, a communications plan will be in place to notify stakeholders and coordinate rubbish collection or temporary access adjustments without compromising safety.

The policy sets out environmental controls: minimize chemical use, select biodegradable agents where feasible, and prevent discharge of contaminated washwater to storm drains. Sediment and rubbish captured during pressure cleaning must be collected, segregated and disposed of in accordance with waste regulations and local authority requirements. Disposal practices will be documented to ensure traceability without providing specific contact or location details in this policy document.

Governance and continuous improvement are handled through regular audits, performance indicators and scheduled reviews of this health and safety policy. Responsibilities are allocated as follows: senior management provides resources and oversight, site managers ensure implementation, and operatives follow safe systems of work. A succinct checklist and toolbox talk topics will be used at the start of each shift to reinforce expectations.