House Clearance Gunnersbury Health & Safety Policy

House Clearance Gunnersbury is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for staff, clients and the public across our rubbish company service area. This policy outlines responsibilities, procedures and safe working practices for all clearance activities, including waste removal within our service zone. Our aim is to protect people and the environment while delivering an efficient and reliable rubbish removal service area offering.

Scope and Objectives

The policy applies to every activity carried out by our team, from initial site assessment to final disposal. It covers manual handling, hazardous waste identification, vehicle operations, site security and traffic management when delivering a clearance or rubbish collection in the service area. The objectives are to: prevent injury, limit environmental impact and ensure legal compliance while operating as a trusted rubbish collection service area provider.

Risk Assessment and Site Preparation

Before any job begins we conduct a documented risk assessment tailored to each location within our waste removal service area. Assessments consider access, trip hazards, confined spaces, sharps, asbestos risk and presence of hazardous liquids. Where risks are identified, control measures such as signage, cordons and task rotation are implemented. Staff are briefed about specific site hazards and safe systems of work, and supervisors confirm that controls are in place prior to starting.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing safe equipment, training and oversight. Supervisors must enforce safe working methods and report incidents promptly. Every operative has the personal responsibility to follow procedures, use issued PPE and report hazards. Key accountability points include:

• Managerial duties: policy implementation, provision of resources and routine audits.
• Supervisor duties: site induction, monitoring and incident investigation.
• Operative duties: correct PPE use, safe handling and reporting near misses.

Training is mandatory and covers manual handling techniques, correct use of lifting aids, hazardous waste awareness and safe vehicle loading. We emphasise continual competence through toolbox talks, practical refreshers and routine assessments so staff remain competent across the breadth of our rubbish removal service area operations.

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment Safety

PPE is selected according to risk assessments and includes gloves, hi-vis clothing, safety boots, eye protection and, where necessary, respiratory protection. All equipment used for clearances, from trolleys and sack trucks to compactors and vans, is maintained to a high standard and subject to regular inspections. Damaged tools are removed from service and replaced immediately.

Vehicles used across our rubbish company service area are driven only by authorised, trained staff. Drivers must complete vehicle checks before departure and ensure loads are secured to prevent shifting or spillages. Loading procedures minimise manual handling and use mechanical aids when available.

Waste segregation and disposal are integral to our approach. Recyclables are separated where practicable, hazardous items are isolated and disposed of via licensed routes, and general waste is handled according to best practice to reduce risk and environmental harm. Staff are trained to identify items that require specialist disposal and to record such instances.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as injury, spillages or fire. First aid kits are available on-site and personnel with first aid training are present at all larger clearances. In the event of a serious incident, operations cease and the site is secured until it is safe to resume. Reporting and investigation of incidents follow a standard format to enable learning and prevent recurrence across the whole rubbish collection service area.

Site Security and Public Safety

We implement barriers and signage to protect the public at clearance locations. When working in multi-occupancy properties or near public thoroughfares, traffic management plans are used to maintain pedestrian and vehicle safety. Clear communication with residents and property managers avoids misunderstandings and supports a smooth, safe operation across the waste removal service area.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Health and safety performance is monitored through routine audits, incident analysis and staff feedback. This policy is reviewed regularly and revised when changes in legislation, technology or operational practice occur. Continuous improvement is driven by measured outcomes and by sharing best practice among teams working across our rubbish removal service area.