Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Dulwich

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all operations carried out by our flat clearance and rubbish removal teams. We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors, clients and the public, and to ensuring that every flat clearance task is conducted in accordance with relevant health and safety standards. The policy sets out roles, responsibilities and procedures for safe waste removal, house and flat clearing, and related junk removal services.

Scope and Purpose

The scope covers pre-clearance site assessments, manual handling, hazardous materials control, and safe disposal of household waste. It supports Dulwich flat clearance operations and wider rubbish collection services while avoiding unnecessary local detail. The purpose is to protect people and property during every stage of a flat clearing service.

Responsibilities

Company leadership is responsible for defining policy, providing resources and ensuring legal compliance. Supervisors and crew leaders must implement safe systems of work, carry out briefings and ensure that rubbish removal activities are properly planned. Employees are required to follow procedures, report hazards and use provided personal protective equipment (PPE).

All team members will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their duties. Training covers manual handling, use of mechanical aids, handling of bulky items and safe loading of waste vehicles. Records of training, toolbox talks and competency checks will be maintained by management to support continual improvement in our waste removal and clearance services.

Risk assessments will be completed before each job. These assessments identify potential hazards such as unstable furniture, sharps, chemical residues or restricted access. Control measures will be implemented and reviewed. Where necessary, tasks will be altered or additional resources deployed to reduce risk during flat clearing and rubbish collection tasks.

PPE and Equipment: employees must wear suitable PPE including gloves, hi-vis clothing, steel-toe boots and eye protection where required. Mechanical aids, trolleys and appropriate lifting equipment will be used for heavy or awkward items to prevent injury. Equipment is maintained, inspected and replaced as needed to ensure safe operation during house clearance and junk removal jobs.

Waste segregation and disposal procedures are defined to ensure safe handling of recyclable materials, general rubbish and hazardous waste streams. Chemicals, asbestos suspect materials and electrical items are managed under specific control measures and, where required, specialist removal contractors will be engaged. The aim is to minimise environmental impact while protecting staff and clients during each flat clearing operation.

Site safety includes safe access and egress, securing work areas, and protecting communal spaces in multi-occupancy buildings. Signage and barriers may be used to restrict public access during active clearance work, and measures are taken to avoid damage to floors, stairways and lifts during rubbish removal tasks.

Incident reporting and first aid: any accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence must be reported immediately to a supervisor and recorded. First aid kits and trained responders are available on site or en route. Investigations are conducted to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Contractor management: when sub-contractors are used for specific aspects of a clearance (for example hazardous waste disposal), they must demonstrate appropriate insurance, training and compliance with our safety standards. A permit-to-work or written agreement may be required for specialist activities to ensure clear responsibilities and accountability.

Employee welfare: provisions for rest breaks, hydration and appropriate shift patterns are in place to reduce fatigue-related incidents. Mental health awareness and support information are provided to staff, recognising that clearances can at times be emotionally demanding and physically taxing.

Monitoring and review: the policy effectiveness is monitored through audits, site inspections and review of incident data. Performance indicators for safety, near misses and compliance are used to drive improvements in our flat clearing and waste removal operations. The policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant changes in legislation or operational practice.

Compliance and legal obligations: the company will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and waste management regulations. Insurance, vehicle safety checks and waste carrier documentation are maintained to support lawful and safe rubbish transportation and disposal. This policy does not constitute legal advice but outlines the company’s commitment to legal compliance.

Conclusion: by adhering to this Health and Safety Policy, our flat clearance and rubbish removal teams strive to deliver a professional, safe and responsible service. Continuous training, risk assessment, and clear responsibilities ensure that each flat clearing project is carried out with due care for people, property and the environment. This policy is endorsed by management and forms an integral part of our operational standards.

Key controls and practical measures:

• Pre-job risk assessments and job briefings
• Mandatory PPE and equipment checks
• Segregation of waste streams and safe disposal
• Incident reporting, investigation and corrective actions

These measures are implemented consistently across all service areas, from small studio clearances to larger multi-room flat clearing operations. The emphasis remains on safe work practices, waste minimisation and protecting everyone affected by our operations.

The policy is a living document and will be updated to reflect changing best practice, legislation and operational lessons learned. Employees are encouraged to contribute observations and suggestions to further strengthen our approach to health, safety and environmental stewardship.