Health & Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Wandsworth

Policy statement: Flat Clearance Wandsworth maintains a clear commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors and members of the public during all flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. This policy sets out responsibilities and the systems we use to control risks associated with waste clearance, rubbish collection and associated vehicle movements. It applies to all work carried out by our rubbish company teams and subcontractors operating within our service area.

Scope and legal compliance

Our approach reflects applicable statutory duties, industry best practice and recognised standards for waste handling and removal. The policy covers: planning of clearances, manual handling, mechanical assistance, segregation of waste types, and the safe use of vehicles, tools and lifting equipment. We will comply with relevant legislation and ensure that risk assessments and method statements are completed before work begins.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure adequate resources for implementation, including competent personnel and suitable equipment. Supervisors must verify that teams follow safe systems of work. Employees and operatives have a duty to cooperate, use provided PPE, and report hazards. Contractors engaged for rubbish clearance and waste removal must provide evidence of competency and insurance. Where necessary, the company will temporarily suspend operations until risks are controlled.

Risk assessment and planning

All jobs will be preceded by a documented risk assessment that identifies hazards and defines control measures. Risk assessments will consider manual handling risks, sharps and hazardous materials, asbestos suspicion, unstable structures, and traffic management for vehicles loading and unloading waste. Controls will follow the hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. Safe work method statements will be available on-site for high-risk clearances.

Safe systems of work and procedures

Procedures for typical flat clearance and rubbish removal tasks include: pre-job briefings, exclusion zones, vehicle positioning, secure loading, and approved disposal routes. A standard checklist will be used to ensure consistent application. The company enforces a strict prohibition on unauthorised removal of hazardous wastes and will refer such materials to specialist handlers. Emergency procedures are published and rehearsed to ensure a prompt response to incidents.

PPE, training and competence — All staff receive induction and role-specific training including manual handling, use of lifting aids, safe driving for work (when operating vehicles), and correct use of PPE such as gloves, hi-vis clothing, steel-toe boots and eye protection. Training records are maintained and refresher sessions scheduled. The company ensures that operatives are competent for tasks and that PPE is inspected and replaced as necessary.

Waste handling, segregation and environmental controls

Waste types are segregated on-site where practicable to facilitate lawful disposal and recycling. We maintain procedures for identifying recyclable materials, electronic waste, bulky items and potentially hazardous items. Vehicles and containers are labeled and loaded to prevent spillage. Spill kits and containment measures are available to manage accidental releases; all team members are trained in their use.

Emergency response and incident management

The company implements clear incident reporting and investigation procedures. In case of accidents, injuries or environmental incidents the priority is to secure the scene, render first aid and notify emergency services if required. Incidents are recorded, investigated and lessons learned fed back into risk assessments and training. We maintain first aid provision appropriate to the scale and nature of our rubbish collection and clearance activities.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement — Performance is monitored through routine site inspections, audits and review of incident records. This policy is reviewed at least annually or when significant changes in legislation, equipment, or operational practice occur. The company will set measurable objectives for improving safety performance and reducing environmental impact associated with waste clearance services. Our aim is to deliver a safe, compliant and professional flat clearance and rubbish removal service for every job.