Bermondsey House Clearance Health & Safety Policy

Bermondsey House Clearance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for employees, contractors and the public while delivering professional house clearance and rubbish removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial clearances, waste removal and the operation of a local rubbish company service area. The aim is to ensure safe systems of work, legal compliance and continuous improvement across all aspects of waste and clearance activity. All staff and subcontractors must read, understand and apply this policy when carrying out any removal, transfer or disposal of waste on behalf of the company.

Responsibilities and Roles

Management hold the overall duty to implement and resource health and safety measures, while supervisors manage day-to-day compliance on site and drivers and operatives are responsible for following safe working practices. The policy emphasises clear delegation: senior managers set standards, supervisors monitor operations, and operatives report hazards immediately. Employees must not undertake work they have not been trained for, and contractors should provide evidence of competency. Regular toolbox talks and recorded inductions form part of the ongoing competency programme to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities in a house clearance or rubbish collection service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

Risk assessments are conducted for every site and job type, with documented safe systems of work for common hazards associated with house clearance rubbish services. Assessments consider manual handling, sharps and contaminated waste, asbestos suspicion, electrical hazards, working at height, and traffic and public interface. Standard controls include:

• Use of mechanical aids and correct manual handling techniques
• Segregation and labelling of hazardous items
• Traffic management plans for vehicle access and protected pedestrian routes

The house clearance rubbish service framework requires that controls are proportionate, implemented and reviewed after any incident or change in work scope.

Operational Safety and Equipment

Equipment used for waste clearance and rubbish removal services must be maintained and inspected according to manufacturer guidance and statutory requirements. Vehicles used in the waste removal service area receive daily walkaround checks, appropriate load restraints and secure containment to prevent spillages. Operatives are supplied with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, high-visibility clothing, respiratory protection where needed, and steel-toe footwear. Training on vehicle safety, load handling and PPE use is mandatory and refreshed regularly to reduce the risk of injury during clearances.

Handling, Segregation and Disposal

Waste handling protocols ensure that reusable items are separated for reuse or donation where safe and practicable and that recyclable materials are segregated from general refuse. Our rubbish company and house clearance teams operate clear processes for disposal that align with environmental obligations, including special handling for batteries, electronic waste, chemical containers and potential asbestos. Clear labelling, documented chain-of-custody and approved transfer notes are used to track waste from collection to final disposal or transfer point within the wider waste removal service area.

Hazardous Materials and Contaminated Sites

Where hazardous materials are identified, operations are suspended until specialist removal or testing is arranged. The policy emphasises the precautionary principle: suspected asbestos, biological contamination, or unknown chemical substances are treated as hazardous, and only appropriately trained teams with suitable controls will manage them. All incidents involving hazardous materials are reported, contained and subject to post-incident review to prevent recurrence.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

Clear emergency procedures are in place for injuries, fires, spills and environmental incidents. First aid provision, emergency contacts and site-specific arrangements are documented and communicated before work commences. All accidents, near misses and environmental breaches must be reported without delay and recorded in the company incident register. Investigations focus on root causes and corrective actions to improve the house clearance rubbish service and protect the workforce and public.

Contractor Management and Training

Contractors engaged to support clearances and rubbish removal operations must demonstrate competency, carry appropriate insurances and comply with this health and safety policy. The business operates a formal contractor prequalification process and conducts periodic audits. Training encompasses safe handling of waste, safeguarding the public during collections, vehicle operations in the rubbish collection service area and relevant regulatory requirements. Continuous professional development is promoted through refresher training, competency checks and performance reviews.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Governance

The policy is subject to regular review to reflect legislative changes, operational learning and industry best practice. Performance is monitored through audits, site inspections, incident trends and staff feedback to ensure the rubbish removal services and waste clearance activities meet expected safety standards. Management commits to providing the resources required for compliance, improvement and effective governance. This policy is supported by documented procedures, risk assessments and training records and will be reviewed at least annually or after significant change. By maintaining robust health and safety practices, Bermondsey House Clearance ensures its house clearance and waste removal operations protect people, property and the environment while delivering dependable local rubbish company services.