Health & Safety Policy — Bromley House Clearance

This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy for Bromley House Clearance and associated rubbish removal services. It defines the obligations of management, employees and contractors to ensure safe waste clearance, responsible junk removal and compliant waste disposal across our service area. The policy emphasises prevention, lawful handling and a commitment to continual improvement.

Purpose and Application

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear safety standards for all aspects of our house clearance and waste clearance operations. It applies to domestic and commercial rubbish collection, rubbish removal Bromley operations, site set-up, vehicle use and premises where removal work is undertaken. The policy is intended as a legal and practical framework to reduce injuries, environmental harm and property damage.

Scope

The scope covers house clearance in Bromley, household rubbish removal, bulky waste handling, recycling segregation and disposal of non-hazardous materials. It also includes procedures for managing hazardous or potentially hazardous items discovered during clearances and the safe transfer to licensed waste carriers or facilities.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for implementing this policy lies with senior management. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day enforcement and for ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work. Every operative engaged in our waste removal and clearance services must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.

Key duties include maintaining training records, conducting pre-job briefings and ensuring equipment is fit for purpose. The policy requires clear delegation, reporting structures and the use of documented risk assessments for each job. Compliance with statutory requirements and safe working standards is mandatory.

Contractor and subcontractor obligations: all third parties undertaking rubbish collection or junk removal tasks on behalf of the company must demonstrate adequate insurance, training and safety procedures before engagement.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Before any clearance, a documented risk assessment must be completed to identify hazards such as manual handling, sharps, asbestos risks, electrical hazards and unstable structures. Controls must be implemented and communicated. Safe systems include exclusion zones, clear signage and supervised access for members of the public.

PPE, Tools and Equipment

Operatives shall be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, steel-toe footwear, high-visibility clothing and eye protection. Powered tools and lifting aids used for bulky waste should be inspected regularly and maintained by competent personnel. Records of maintenance and inspections will be kept.

Use of vehicles: company vehicles used for waste removal must be loaded safely, secured to prevent spillage and operated by trained drivers. Vehicle checks and load restraints are mandatory prior to departure and on completion of each route.

Handling Hazardous Materials

Where hazardous materials are encountered, work will stop and an assessment made. Items suspected to contain asbestos, solvents, paint or other controlled substances will be handled only by authorised persons and disposed of via licensed hazardous waste carriers. The policy requires immediate notification to a nominated officer and appropriate containment measures.

Waste segregation and recycling are prioritised to reduce landfill. The company will document chain of custody for controlled wastes and ensure manifest and transfer notes accompany consignments when required.

Emergency spill kits, first aid supplies and eye wash stations will be available where appropriate. Staff are required to know the location and operation of emergency equipment.

Training and Competence

All personnel will receive induction training that covers manual handling, safe lifting techniques, PPE use, vehicle safety and incident reporting procedures. Refresher training will be provided at intervals and when new equipment or procedures are introduced. Competency is assessed and recorded.

Monitoring, Reporting and Incident Management

Incidents, near misses and hazards must be reported promptly through the established reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions. Where appropriate, incidents will be notified to regulatory bodies in line with legal obligations. Records of accidents and investigations will be retained.

Inspections, Record Keeping and Review

Regular site inspections, vehicle checks and equipment audits will be carried out. A schedule of inspections and maintenance tasks will be maintained and records stored securely. This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner following a significant incident, legislative change or operational change affecting our rubbish clearance services.

Communication and Engagement

Staff consultation and engagement on health and safety matters is fundamental. Meetings, toolbox talks and written briefings will be used to communicate policy changes and to consult on controls for specific clearance tasks. Feedback mechanisms encourage reporting of hazards and suggestions for improvement.

Key controls applied to all jobs include:

• Pre-job risk assessment and documented safe plan
• Provision and use of appropriate PPE and lifting equipment
• Use of licensed waste carriers for hazardous or regulated waste

Continuous improvement: the company is committed to monitoring performance, learning from incidents and updating procedures to reduce harm and ensure safe, compliant waste clearance operations across its service area.

Final Provisions

This Health and Safety Policy is a formal document setting the minimum standards for safe operation of Bromley House Clearance and associated rubbish removal services. All staff, contractors and agents are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to undertake their duties in accordance with its provisions. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.

Authority and Approval

The policy is issued under the authority of senior management and will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and operational experience. The organisation expects all personnel to uphold these standards and to contribute to a safe working environment through active participation and adherence to the procedures outlined herein.

Signed policies, training records and risk assessments will be maintained as permanent records to demonstrate compliance and to support continuous safe operation of domestic and commercial rubbish clearance and house clearance services.