House Clearance Coney Hall - Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures for our house clearance and rubbish removal activities across the service area. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and sub-contractors engaged in house clearance, waste collection and removal operations. Its purpose is to minimise risk, protect the public and safeguard the environment while delivering an efficient rubbish collection and clearance service.

Scope and Responsibilities

All personnel must understand their responsibilities for safe working. Managers are accountable for ensuring resources and training are provided. Operatives must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment. The policy covers domestic and commercial clearances, bulky waste uplift and specialist waste handling carried out by the rubbish company operating in the service area.

Work activities present varied risks; assessments must be completed before work starts. Key control measures include:

• Pre-job risk assessments and dynamic risk checks on arrival
• Appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing
• Safe manual handling techniques and mechanical aids for bulky items
• Segregation and appropriate containment of recyclables and hazardous items

All waste types encountered during a clearance must be identified and managed in line with current waste regulations and environmental best practice. Hazardous materials such as asbestos, solvents, batteries and certain electrical items require specialist handling and disposal. If such materials are suspected, work must stop and the item isolated until competent advice is obtained.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Employees will receive induction training, role-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses. Competence will be assessed and documented, and supervisors tasked with ensuring that operatives follow safe procedures during every rubbish clearance and waste removal assignment. Contractors and sub-contractors must demonstrate equivalent training and compliance before commencing work.

Emergency procedures must be in place and communicated clearly. This includes first aid arrangements, fire response, spill containment and incident reporting. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions will be recorded, investigated and used to prevent recurrence. The policy emphasises continual improvement through corrective actions and lessons learned.

Environmental protection is integral to our clearance operations. Waste minimisation, recycling and reuse are prioritised where practicable. The rubbish removal teams will segregate materials on-site, use authorised transfer stations and avoid cross-contamination. Fuel spills, dust and noise are controlled via operational measures and regular vehicle maintenance.

Safe use of vehicles, plant and equipment is mandatory. Drivers and operators must hold relevant licences and be competent in vehicle loading, securing loads and in the operation of tail lifts, hand trucks and powered equipment. Manual handling risk is mitigated by team lifting, trolleys and mechanical aids to reduce injury risk during bulky item removal within the clearance service area.

Site management and communication help maintain safety for staff and the public. Work areas must be signposted and, where necessary, cordoned off. Public protection includes ensuring safe pedestrian routes, preventing access to drop zones and timely removal of debris. Records of on-site briefings and toolbox talks shall be maintained.

Monitoring, audit and review ensure the policy remains effective and up to date. Regular inspections, performance metrics and health and safety audits measure compliance. Where deficiencies are found, corrective actions will be assigned and tracked. This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant incidents, changes in legislation, or operational alterations to the clearance or rubbish collection service.

Compliance with statutory duties is essential. Insurance and liability arrangements must be maintained, and contractors required to provide evidence of insurance and appropriate licences. The company will ensure that statutory notifications and consignment notes for controlled wastes are completed and retained as required. Legal obligations are met while ensuring that the core aim of clearances—efficient waste removal and site restoration—is achieved safely.

In conclusion, this policy outlines our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all stakeholders involved in house clearance and rubbish removal across the service area. It sets clear responsibilities, promotes safe working practices and emphasises environmental stewardship. The policy applies to everyone engaged in clearance activities and will be supported by training, supervision and regular review to ensure continued compliance and continual improvement.