Health & Safety Policy for House Clearance Gipsy Hill

House Clearance Gipsy Hill operates a clear and enforceable health and safety policy for all house clearance, rubbish removal and waste handling activities. This policy sets out the objectives, responsibilities and procedures that govern safe working for our team, contractors and any visitors to clearance sites. The policy applies to domestic and commercial house clearances, rubbish collection, waste transport and temporary storage in connection with our removal and clearance services. Its purpose is to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and ensure that waste removal operations are compliant with relevant safety standards and good practice for a local rubbish company service area.

Scope, Objectives and Legal Framework

The scope covers all stages of a clearance: initial site survey, planning, physically removing items, segregation of materials for recycling, and lawful disposal. Our objectives include maintaining safe systems of work, minimising risk during bulky waste handling, and ensuring that all rubbish removal and waste disposal activities are documented. The company will maintain compliance with statutory duties applicable to waste removal and environmental protection while avoiding over-detailed local references on this legal page. Employees and contractors must follow this policy and associated procedures.

Responsibilities and Organisation

Management is accountable for implementing and resourcing this policy: risk assessments, training, provision of personal protective equipment and ensuring vehicles and equipment are safe. Supervisors must enforce safe systems of work on site and during rubbish clearance operations. All staff have a duty to cooperate, take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and report hazards or incidents promptly. The company operates a defined chain of responsibility so that every member of the team understands their role in safe house clearance and rubbish collection activities.

Risk Assessment, Planning and Site Surveys

Before any house clearance or rubbish collection job, an appropriate site survey and risk assessment will be completed to identify hazards such as unstable structures, sharps, asbestos-containing materials, liquids, chemicals and bulky items. Control measures will be selected to eliminate or reduce risk including segregation of waste, use of correct lifting techniques and mechanical aids, and safe handling procedures for hazardous or unknown materials. Plans will document traffic management, parking for vehicles, and arrangements for waste transfer and removal to authorised facilities.

Training, Competence and Personal Protective Equipment All operatives engaged in house clearance, rubbish clearance and waste removal activities will receive appropriate training and instruction. Training covers manual handling, safe use of tools and equipment, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. The company provides and enforces the use of appropriate PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, eye protection and safety footwear. Employees must wear the issued PPE and replace any damaged items immediately.

Controls, Procedures and Safe Systems Key controls for safe clearing operations include:

• Pre-job briefings and documented method statements for complex clearances.
• Use of mechanical aids, trolleys and lifting equipment to reduce manual handling injuries.
• Segregation of recyclable materials and hazardous wastes for compliant disposal.
• Isolation and clear labelling of suspected hazardous items and referral to qualified disposal services.
• Vehicle loading limits, securement of loads and safe driving practices for transport to authorised waste sites.

Manual Handling, Tools and Vehicle Safety Manual handling is a principal risk in house clearance work; safe lifting techniques are mandatory and team lifts are required for heavy or awkward items. All tools and equipment must be inspected before use and maintained in safe condition. Vehicles used by the rubbish company must be roadworthy, correctly loaded and drivers must follow permit and licensing requirements where applicable. Effective communication between operatives and vehicle drivers is essential to avoid accidents when loading and unloading waste and debris.

Hazardous Materials and Special Waste

The company recognises the risks posed by hazardous materials found during clearances: asbestos, batteries, fluorescent tubes, solvents, pesticides, and medical/sharp waste. These items will not be mixed with general rubbish and will be handled only by trained personnel following specific procedures and relevant hazardous waste regulations. Where specialist removal is required the company will arrange competent contractors and document transfer notes and waste consignment details as part of safe rubbish disposal practice.

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergencies All incidents, near misses and occupational illnesses related to house clearance and waste removal must be reported through internal reporting channels. The company maintains first-aid provisions and emergency procedures including fire response and evacuation plans. Incidents will be investigated, remedial actions recorded and lessons shared across the team to prevent recurrence. Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

Subcontractors, Monitoring and Audit Subcontractors engaged to assist with clearances are required to comply with this policy and demonstrate appropriate safety competence. The company will monitor performance through regular site inspections, audits and review of incident records. Non-compliant behaviour or breach of safety procedures will be addressed promptly through corrective action, which may include suspension of duties or termination of contract where necessary.

Record Keeping, Review and Continuous Improvement The company will maintain records of risk assessments, training, inspections, vehicle maintenance and incident reports. This documentation supports continual review of safety performance and policy effectiveness. The policy will be reviewed at planned intervals and updated to reflect changes in legislation, technology, operational scope or significant incidents. Continuous improvement in safe rubbish removal and clearance practices is a core objective.

Commitment The management of House Clearance Gipsy Hill commits to providing resources, leadership and oversight necessary to implement this health and safety policy. Staff and contractors are expected to uphold these standards at all times during house clearance, rubbish collection and waste removal operations. Together we aim to deliver efficient, lawful and safe clearance services across our service area while protecting people and the environment.