Health & Safety Policy — Enfield House Clearance

Policy scope: This Health and Safety policy sets out the responsibilities, procedures and standards that apply to all house clearance and waste removal operations carried out by Enfield House Clearance and its contractors. The document is intended for use across the rubbish company service area and covers activities including domestic house clearance, commercial waste clearance, bulky waste removal and recycling coordination. It is designed to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public and to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety obligations.

Objectives: The company aims to prevent accidents, minimise exposure to hazardous materials and maintain a safe working environment during every rubbish removal and house clearance project. The policy emphasises risk assessment, the use of correct lifting techniques, safe vehicle loading, secure storage of waste and clear communication about hazards found on site. All staff and subcontractors must understand their role in delivering safe, legally compliant rubbish collection and clearance.

Responsibilities: Senior management will ensure sufficient resources are available to implement this policy and will provide training, equipment and supervision. Operatives and drivers are responsible for following safe systems of work, reporting incidents, and using personal protective equipment. A designated safety representative will oversee routine checks and incident investigations. The company will maintain records of training, risk assessments and equipment inspections to demonstrate ongoing compliance within its service area.

Risk assessment and control measures

Risk assessments will be carried out before every clearance where reasonably practicable. Controls will be implemented to address identified hazards, such as sharp objects, asbestos suspicion, hazardous chemicals, biological waste and manual handling risks. Where hazards cannot be removed, they will be isolated and clearly marked, and specialist contractors engaged. Written Method Statements will be provided for complex or high-risk clearances.

Typical control measures include:

• Pre-site surveys to identify hazards and access constraints
• Use of mechanical aids, trolleys and team lifts to reduce manual handling
• Providing appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, masks and high-visibility clothing
• Safe vehicle loading and load-securement procedures to protect road users

These measures help the waste clearance team operate safely across the rubbish collection region.

Training and competence

Staff undergo induction training and periodic refresher sessions covering manual handling, hazard recognition, safe lifting techniques and traffic safety when operating near roads. Training records are maintained and reviewed to ensure competence for specific tasks, including use of powered equipment and hazardous materials handling. Only competent personnel will be authorised to manage and remove hazardous waste.

Vehicle safety and equipment maintenance: Vehicles used for removals and bulky waste collection are inspected daily and serviced regularly. Load limits are observed and wheel-chocking, tail-lift checks and secure fastening practices are standard procedure. Tools and PPE are inspected, cleaned and replaced when required, and any defects are reported and removed from service until rectified.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures: All incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. The company maintains clear emergency procedures for injury, fire, spill or asbestos discovery. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept to inform continuous improvement across the rubbish removal service area.

Health considerations: Staff are advised on hygiene practices to reduce exposure to biological hazards. Vaccination and health surveillance may be recommended where appropriate. Appropriate handling and disposal routes are followed for clinical or hazardous materials, and any suspected contamination is escalated for specialist disposal.

Environmental and legal compliance: The company adheres to environmental protection standards and waste duty of care requirements. Waste segregation, recycling and authorised disposal sites are used to minimise environmental impact. Records and transfer notes are retained to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations throughout the clearance process.

Communication and client responsibilities: Clients are informed of foreseeable hazards and asked to disclose any known risks before collection. Where access or parking issues present a hazard, alternative arrangements are discussed to protect operatives and the public. Clear signage and verbal briefings are used to ensure everyone on site understands the safe system of work.

Monitoring and review: This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant incidents, changes to legislation or operational changes within the house clearance and rubbish removal services. Performance is monitored through audits, inspections and safety meetings. Continuous improvement is expected to enhance safety performance across the rubbish collection service area.