Health & Safety Policy — House Clearance Egham

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the safety framework for our house clearance and rubbish removal operations across our service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and anyone engaged in domestic clearance, waste clearance or property clearance activities. The aim is to protect people, property and the environment by ensuring that safe working systems, adequate training and appropriate equipment are in place. Our commitment is to provide a safe rubbish company service area operation that minimises risk during every stage of a clearance project, from initial survey and removal to disposal and recycling.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. Supervisors and crew leaders must ensure daily briefings are conducted, risk assessments are followed, and that all personnel use the correct protective equipment. Employees must follow safe systems of work and report hazards or near-misses immediately. Everyone has a role in keeping jobs safe: from office staff arranging clearance schedules to operatives lifting and transporting items.

Safe Working Practices

We operate to clearly defined safe working practices for removal of bulky items, handling of mixed waste and operation of vans and equipment. Key controls include pre-job site inspections, appropriate manual handling techniques, use of lifting aids and mechanical assistance where necessary, and clear vehicle loading protocols. Hazardous materials such as asbestos-containing fragments, chemicals or sharps are identified and segregated; work stops and specialist disposal procedures are followed where required.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

All house clearances are preceded by documented risk assessments tailored to the property and the contents to be removed. Assessments identify trip hazards, unstable furniture, biological waste and access constraints. Control measures are applied using the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. The process is recorded and retained as part of our routine safety records.

Personal Protective Equipment and Tools

Operatives are provided with and required to wear appropriate PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and respiratory protection where dust or airborne particles are anticipated. Tool inspections and vehicle checks are carried out daily. Regular maintenance of lifting equipment, dollies and restraints ensures items are transported securely and safely. Training covers correct selection and use of PPE and safe manual handling techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injury.

Training, Competence and Communication

All staff complete induction training and role-specific updates. Competence is verified through practical assessments and toolbox talks. We maintain clear communication channels for reporting incidents, requesting additional resources or raising safety concerns. Emergency procedures, first aid arrangements and escalation pathways are briefed before every job. A culture of safety is promoted so that anyone can stop work if an unsafe condition is identified.

Environmental and Waste Management Controls

Our approach to environmental safety complements health and welfare measures. Waste is segregated for recycling and disposal at authorised facilities to reduce environmental impact. Spill kits and containment measures are available to manage accidental releases. Documentation for transfers of waste and chain of custody is maintained to demonstrate compliance with responsible rubbish removal and clearance service practices.

Emergency Response and Lone Working

Emergency procedures cover fire, medical incidents and significant accidental exposures. Drivers and crews are trained in vehicle incident protocols and safe parking/loading routines to protect the public and staff. Lone working policies and check-in systems are in place for small-scale domestic clearances where a single operative may attend. These include risk-based limits, communication checks and escalation steps to ensure no one is left unsupported in an emergency.

Incident Reporting, Review and Continuous Improvement

All incidents, near misses and health concerns are recorded and investigated. Findings lead to corrective actions, updated risk assessments and additional training as required. Regular audits and reviews of our clearance operations and rubbish company service area practices drive continual improvement. The policy is reviewed annually or after significant changes to operations; updates are communicated to all staff and contractors.

Implementation and Policy Ownership

This policy is owned by the senior management team and is implemented through site supervisors and designated safety representatives. Responsibilities include ensuring safe systems are followed, equipment is maintained, and records are kept. Compliance with this policy is mandatory; breaches are addressed through formal procedures to protect individuals and maintain safe clearance operations.

Key elements of our approach include:

• Comprehensive pre-job risk assessments and safe work plans.
• Clear duties and accountability for safety at every level.
• Provision and enforcement of appropriate PPE and tools.
• Training, competence checks and regular safety briefings.
• Environmental controls, segregation and lawful disposal of waste.

By adhering to this policy we commit to delivering a professional, safe and responsible house clearance, domestic clearance and rubbish removal service across our operational area. Continuous communication, training and monitoring ensure that both staff and the public are protected while we carry out efficient, reliable clearance work.