Team preparing for house clearance safety briefing

Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Shepperton

Introduction: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of our house clearance and waste removal operations to protect employees, contractors, customers and the public across our rubbish company service area. The policy applies to all aspects of house clearance, waste collection and rubbish removal work undertaken by the organisation and its authorised subcontractors. It is intended as a clear, legally mindful statement of responsibilities, controls and procedures for safe operation in the rubbish collection and waste clearance environment.

Site supervisor conducting risk assessment

Purpose and Scope

This policy aims to minimise risk and ensure legal compliance with applicable health and safety standards for the house clearance service. It covers domestic and commercial clearances, bulky item removal, hazardous materials handling and vehicle-based collection services within the company's operational area. The policy is applicable to all personnel engaged in rubbish removal tasks, including temporary staff and contracted teams, and addresses both on-site and in-transit hazards associated with the rubbish company service area.

Key Responsibilities

The organisation’s leadership has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this safety policy. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that safe systems of work are documented and that sufficient resources are provided for safe operations. Employees and contractors have a duty to follow procedures, report hazards and take reasonable care for their own and others’ safety.
Responsibilities include:

Carrying out and recording risk assessments for each clearance project.
Ensuring correct segregation and handling of hazardous waste and recyclable materials.
Providing, maintaining and using suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).

Worker using PPE during waste removal

Risk Assessment and Controls

Risk assessments form the basis of control measures for manual handling, sharps and contaminated items, asbestos risks, electrical hazards, and vehicle loading. Controls include the use of mechanical aids, safe lifting techniques, segregation of hazardous items, and specific procedures for contaminated properties. The organisation will ensure:

Identified hazards are recorded and mitigated with proportionate controls.
Appropriate PPE and specialist equipment are supplied and inspected regularly.
Clear instructions and safe work method statements are communicated to all operatives.

Training and Competence

All staff engaged in waste clearance and rubbish removal must receive training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling, hazardous waste awareness, vehicle safety and first aid. Training records are maintained and reviewed to ensure competence. Competence is assessed through supervised practical checks, periodic refresher sessions and formal assessments where required.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Incidents, near misses and health-related occurrences must be reported without delay using the company’s incident reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions. Emergency procedures cover first aid response, spill containment, fire response and dealing with hazardous materials. Contact with external emergency services will follow statutory reporting obligations when necessary.

First aid kit and incident log

Operational Safety Measures

Operational protocols ensure safe loading, secure vehicle restraints, proper use of lifting equipment and safe routing through properties. Vehicles used for waste collection and household clearances are maintained to a schedule covering brakes, lights, secure fittings and load-securing equipment. Drivers and loaders are briefed on safe access, slip, trip and fall prevention and the control of environmental contamination during house clearance tasks.

Audit checklist and training records

Waste Handling and Hazardous Materials

The organisation adheres to legal standards for the segregation, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. Items such as batteries, solvents, chemicals, asbestos-containing materials and sharps are identified during pre-clearance assessments and handled by trained personnel or passed to authorised hazardous waste carriers. Clear labelling, containment and separation from general waste streams are mandatory and part of routine pre-collection checks.

Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement

The company will monitor health and safety performance through scheduled site audits, vehicle inspections, and management reviews. Records of risk assessments, incident reports, equipment checks and training are retained for review. Audit findings are used to drive continuous improvement in the rubbish removal service area and to update safe systems of work. Annual policy review ensures alignment with changing legal and industry standards.

Commitment: The organisation is committed to providing a safe working environment and to managing the risks associated with house clearance activities and rubbish collection. Senior management will ensure that responsibility for health and safety is integrated into daily operations and that workers are empowered to act on safety concerns. This policy is supported by procedures, training and supervision to maintain a high standard of safety and compliance across the service area.