Health and Safety Policy — Chiswick House Clearance

Chiswick House Clearance maintains a clear and practical health and safety policy that applies across our house clearance and rubbish removal operations. This document sets out our commitment to protecting the health and safety of staff, contractors and members of the public when providing a professional clearance and waste disposal service. Our aim is to reduce risks associated with domestic and commercial clearances and to ensure compliance with statutory obligations while delivering efficient, responsible rubbish company services.

We adopt a risk-based approach: assessment, control and review. Every job receives a site-specific risk assessment before work begins. Staff are trained to identify hazards such as manual handling risks, sharps, asbestos suspicion, hazardous waste and fire risks. Training is ongoing and documented; employees are required to hold relevant certifications for vehicle use, lifting and safe handling. Protective equipment is provided, including gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing, and is maintained to standards.

The policy covers duties for managers, supervisors and operatives in our clearance service area. Managers must ensure safe systems of work are implemented and communicated. Supervisors must monitor compliance during rubbish removal and waste transfer activities. Operatives are expected to follow instructions, report unsafe conditions and use provided PPE. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks form part of our routine to keep safety awareness high across the team.

Operational Controls and Safe Working Practices

To maintain safety during house clearances we apply practical controls: segregation of waste types, correct handling techniques, use of suitable lifting aids and secure vehicle loading. Vehicles used for collections are inspected daily and loaded to prevent shifting. Where bulky or heavy items are present, two-person lifting or mechanical aids are employed. Our operational procedures articulate clear steps for the collection, transportation and lawful disposal of waste to minimise environmental and injury risks.

We emphasise the safe management of hazardous items often encountered in clearance work. Batteries, solvents, asbestos-containing materials and medical waste are treated in accordance with hazardous waste regulations. If suspect asbestos is found, work is stopped and specialist removal is arranged. Staff receive training to recognise and isolate potentially dangerous materials, and to communicate risks to property owners and occupants in a clear and measured way.

Personal Safety and Welfare

Personal safety is central to our rubbish company ethos. Workers are encouraged to take regular breaks, hydrate and use ergonomically sound techniques to reduce strain. First-aid kits and trained first-aiders are available on-site or on call. In inclement weather, operations are adjusted to reduce slips, trips and exposure risks. We promote mental wellbeing through open communication channels, ensuring operatives can report stressors related to challenging clearances.

Communication and reporting systems underpin safe delivery of every clearance. Job briefings outline hazards and required controls. Unexpected incidents or near misses are recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence; corrective actions are implemented and shared across the team. We maintain an incident log and undertake periodic reviews to update procedures and training. Our documentation supports continual improvement and demonstrates a proactive approach to occupational health and safety within the house clearance and rubbish removal field.

Compliance with legal requirements and industry standards is a cornerstone of our policy. We ensure that waste is classified and transported according to regulations, with appropriate waste transfer documentation retained. Subcontractors and partners operating within our service area are selected for competence and must adhere to our safety expectations. Insurance and licensing checks are carried out to confirm that all parties involved in the clearance chain operate lawfully and safely.

Key responsibilities are summarised for clarity:

• Managers: ensure systems and training are in place;
• Supervisors: monitor and enforce safe working;
• Operatives: follow procedures, report hazards;
• All staff: participate in reviews and continuous improvement.

This shared responsibility model helps maintain high standards and protects everyone involved in a clearance job.

Emergency procedures are clearly defined. Fire risks are assessed on site and extinguishers or suppression measures are available where required. In the event of injury, emergency services will be contacted promptly and senior management notified. Evacuation routes and meeting points are established for each job location to ensure a rapid, coordinated response if necessary.

Monitoring and review of this policy occur regularly to reflect changes in legislation, technology and best practice in the clearance and rubbish removal sector. Performance is measured through routine inspections, audits and feedback from operatives. Where improvements are identified, actions are logged and tracked to completion to reinforce accountability and continual enhancement of safety standards.

Chiswick House Clearance is committed to delivering safe, compliant and ethical clearance and rubbish removal services across its service area. This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as required. By embedding safety into every task, we protect people, property and the environment while providing a professional and reliable waste and clearance service.