Health and Safety Policy for House Clearance Bromley Operations

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of the Company to provide safe, legal and effective house clearance services across our rubbish removal service area. House Clearance Bromley and related clearance activities are carried out with the objective of protecting employees, contractors, clients and members of the public. The Company will ensure that duties under applicable health and safety requirements are met and that risks are controlled to a reasonably practicable level.

The Company has a clear and continuing commitment to health and safety and to the provision of resources necessary to achieve compliance. We will keep health and safety at the centre of every house clearance job, including bulky waste removal, clearance of dwellings and commercial premises. The organisation adopts a precautionary approach to permit safe rubbish collection, junk removal and waste clearance operations, ensuring legal responsibilities are observed.

Risk assessment and planning are central to each job. Prior to commencement, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out identifying hazards, evaluating risks and implementing controls. Tasks covered include manual handling, working at height, vehicle loading and traffic management, sharps and hazardous materials handling, and potential biological contamination. Controls will be proportionate to the risk and recorded within the job file.

Staff training and competence are essential. The Company will ensure that all operatives engaged in Bromley house clearance and wider waste clearance duties receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses. PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves, eye protection, hi‑vis clothing and respiratory protection will be provided and maintained. Employees are required to use PPE correctly and report any defects immediately.

Safe systems of work will be developed, communicated and monitored. These include method statements for complex or high risk clearances, vehicle and plant safety procedures, and permit-to-work systems where necessary. Equipment is to be inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance and local standards. The Company will not permit unsafe equipment or untrained personnel to operate specialised machinery.

Waste handling and segregation procedures will ensure recyclable materials are separated from residual waste and that hazardous items are isolated and managed appropriately. The Company will follow recognised controls such as COSHH principles for chemical substances, secure containment for sharps and contaminated items, and the safe transport of controlled wastes. All transfers to third-party waste facilities will be documented with appropriate waste transfer notes.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Management

Emergency procedures are established for first aid, fire, vehicle incidents and environmental spills. First aid kits and trained first aiders will be available on-site or in vehicles. Incidents, near-misses and environmental releases must be reported, investigated and recorded. Lessons learned will inform changes to safe systems and training to prevent recurrence.

Manual handling is a common exposure in house clearance operations. The Company will promote safe lifting techniques, use mechanical aids where practical, and apply team-lift arrangements for heavy or awkward items. Employees must report any discomfort or injury without delay so that appropriate support and adjustments can be made to reduce the risk of long-term harm.

Hazardous items such as asbestos-containing materials, unknown chemicals, batteries and contaminated waste require specialist handling. The Company will identify potential asbestos risks and cease work where suspected materials are found, engaging licensed specialists as required. Strong controls are in place for hazardous waste to ensure safe containment, transportation and lawful disposal.

Contractor Management, Insurance and Record Keeping

Where subcontractors are used for aspects of a clearance job, they will be selected on the basis of demonstrated competence, adequate insurance and appropriate licences. The Company will require evidence of insurance, training records and method statements from contractors to ensure work is carried out safely and in accordance with this policy.

Records will be maintained for risk assessments, training, vehicle inspections, equipment maintenance, waste transfer documentation and incident reports. The following items are routinely recorded:

• Site-specific risk assessments and method statements
• Training and competence records for operatives
• Vehicle and equipment inspection logs
• Waste transfer notes and disposal documentation

Monitoring, auditing and continual improvement underpin the Company’s approach. Regular site inspections, periodic health and safety audits and routine review of operational performance will identify opportunities to strengthen controls. Corrective actions will be tracked and implemented promptly.

Policy review and communication: this Health and Safety policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant operational changes, incidents or regulatory updates. The policy is communicated to all staff and key stakeholders involved in the rubbish removal and house clearance service area to ensure consistent understanding and application.

Policy ownership and responsibilities: overall responsibility for implementation rests with senior management, while day-to-day compliance is the responsibility of site supervisors and operatives. Everyone engaged in removal services is expected to cooperate, follow safe systems and contribute to a safer working environment. Adherence to this policy is mandatory and is a condition of employment or engagement for contractors.