Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Baldock

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach and standards for house clearance operations carried out by our clearance teams operating across the rubbish company service area. It describes responsibilities, risk control measures and the procedures we follow when performing house clearance in Baldock and surrounding localities. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and sub-contractors involved in domestic and commercial waste removal, including specialists performing bulk rubbish removal, estate clearances and single-property clearances.

Our organisation recognises a duty of care to protect the *health, safety and welfare* of employees and third parties. Key aims are to prevent injury and ill-health, minimise environmental impact and ensure legal compliance. All work will be planned and executed to reduce risks from manual handling, vehicle movements, slips, trips and falls, hazardous materials and biohazards. Managers and supervisors are responsible for making risk assessments and implementing controls; employees must follow safe systems of work and report hazards without delay.

Scope and accountability: the scope covers removal of household rubbish, clearance of estates, safe transfer of recyclable items and correct management of waste streams. The policy sets out the chain of accountability from senior management to front-line operatives. Senior management will ensure adequate resources, training and oversight, while site supervisors will ensure that every clearance task has an assessed method statement and that staff are competent for their duties.

Risk assessment and control measures are central to safe clearance operations. Before any job, a documented assessment will identify hazards such as hazardous waste, asbestos suspicion, sharps, contaminated materials, insect or rodent infestations, and unstable structures. Controls will include segregation of waste, use of approved containers, sealing of biohazardous material and arranging specialist removal where hazardous waste is suspected. The organisation maintains standards that comply with relevant waste and health and safety obligations.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling controls and vehicle safety are essential for everyday operations. Operatives will be supplied with appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection where required. Manual handling will be managed by using mechanical aids, team lifts and correct lifting techniques; where mechanical equipment is used, operators will be trained and competent.

Operational controls also include vehicle checks, load security, safe parking and traffic management during collections. All drivers and loaders must carry out pre-shift vehicle inspections and report defects. Waste transportation is conducted to reduce spillage or environmental harm; any escape of waste or liquids is treated as an incident and cleaned up immediately using approved methods.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Training is provided to ensure staff understand hazards and safe working practices for house clearance and rubbish removal services. Training covers risk assessment, handling of hazardous items, manual handling, PPE use, emergency procedures and relevant legal duties. Competence is verified through practical assessment and periodic refresher training. Supervisors are required to provide on-the-job coaching, monitor compliance and keep records of training and competency assessments.

Procedures for incident reporting and investigation are in place to ensure that accidents, near misses and environmental incidents are reported promptly. Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents, training, audits and risk assessments are retained to demonstrate due diligence and continual improvement of health and safety performance.

Contractor management is an important element when external sub-contractors are engaged for specialist clearance tasks. Pre-qualification checks ensure contractors have adequate insurance, competence and systems in place. Contract terms require compliance with this policy and the maintenance of appropriate risk assessments and method statements for specific tasks.

Operational Standards and Environmental Protection

Operational standards emphasise segregation of recyclable materials, correct disposal routes and minimising landfill where practicable. Waste streams will be separated at source where possible to maximise recycling and recovery. Any suspected hazardous waste such as certain chemicals, asbestos-containing materials or contaminated soils will be isolated and managed by qualified specialists. The organisation seeks to protect the environment and neighbours from nuisance, dust, odour and pest attraction during clearance works.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, access to emergency services, spill kits and clear arrangements for evacuation and liaison with emergency responders. Sites are assessed for fire risk and combustibility of stored materials; combustible waste is managed to reduce ignition sources and fire loading.

Policy review and continuous improvement: this Health and Safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals and following significant changes to operations, incidents or legislative developments. Performance is monitored through audits, inspections and management reviews. The organisation commits to maintaining high standards for house clearance and rubbish removal across its service area, ensuring safety for staff, customers and the public while meeting statutory responsibilities.

Implementation and communication: the policy is communicated to all employees and relevant parties. Safe systems of work, method statements and risk assessments are available to staff before work begins. Workers are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements as part of a positive safety culture.

Every operative engaged in house clearance operations is expected to:

• Follow the procedures and use PPE provided;
• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others;
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly;
• Co-operate with training and supervision arrangements.

This policy forms the core of our commitment to safe, lawful and professional clearance services, including rubbish removal and waste management operations across the service area. It provides a framework to protect people and property while delivering efficient, responsible clearance services.