Health and Safety Policy for Patio Cleaning Services

This policy sets out the commitment of our gardening and patio cleaning company to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors and the public while delivering patio cleaning, patio maintenance and associated garden services. Our objective is to reduce risk, comply with good practice and foster a safety-first culture across all work sites.

Scope and application

This policy applies to every member of staff, sub-contractor and visitor involved in delivering patio pressure washing, stone and paving cleaning or soft-wash patio treatments. It covers all work locations where we provide garden patio cleaning services and includes travel to and from sites, storage of equipment and waste handling. It is essential that everyone understands their role in maintaining safe working conditions.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure adequate resources for safe operation, including training, equipment and supervision. Supervisors will carry out risk assessments and monitor compliance. Workers must follow safe systems of work and report hazards. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-job risk assessments for each patio cleaning task.
• Using appropriate PPE such as non-slip footwear, eye protection and gloves.
• Maintaining equipment including pressure washers, pumps and hoses in safe condition.

Risk assessment and safe systems

Before starting any patio cleaning job a documented risk assessment must be completed. This will identify hazards such as slippery surfaces, trip hazards, proximity to traffic, fragile paving and the presence of pets or children. Control measures are selected to eliminate or reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable. This includes isolating hazards, setting up safe access, and using correct cleaning techniques.

Equipment, chemicals and environmental controls

Only trained staff may operate pressure washing equipment or apply cleaning chemicals. COSHH-style information will be made available for any detergents or biocides used, and dilution/neutralisation instructions must be followed. Waste water must be contained or diverted to protect drains and the environment; where appropriate use water capture, silt traps and responsible disposal. Preventing contamination of planted areas and local watercourses is a priority.

PPE and protective measures

All operatives must wear PPE suited to the task. Minimum requirements include protective gloves, eye and face protection, hearing protection when running noisy equipment, and non-slip footwear. High-visibility clothing is required when working near roads or driveways. Additional task-specific PPE may include knee pads, waterproof overalls and respiratory protection for dusty or chemical-use tasks.

Worksite setup and traffic management

Before work begins, the site must be secured and access controlled. Use signage, cones or barriers to keep the public away from wet, slippery surfaces and machinery. When working adjacent to roads or driveways implement simple traffic control measures and always maintain clear pedestrian routes. Clear communication with property owners about access and hazards helps reduce risk.

Training and competence are essential. All staff must receive induction to company safety procedures and specific training for pressure washers, ladders and chemical handling. Refresher training and toolbox talks should be scheduled regularly to reinforce safe practices and update teams on new controls or equipment.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency procedures

Any accident, near miss or unsafe condition must be reported immediately and recorded. Supervisors will ensure that first aid provisions are available and that injured persons receive appropriate care. Emergency plans should include spill response, contact for emergency services and procedures to secure the scene. Learning from incidents is used to improve controls and prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement

Health and safety performance will be monitored through site inspections, equipment checks and incident trend analysis. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or after significant changes in work methods, equipment or legislation. Strong communication and regular feedback loops with staff will support continual improvement in safety outcomes.

Statement of commitment: Our gardening and patio cleaning company recognises that safe working is integral to quality service delivery. We are committed to providing the leadership, resources and training necessary to carry out patio cleaning operations without harm to people or the environment. All personnel are expected to cooperate with this policy and contribute to a safe workplace.