
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
- 1.1 Purpose
- 1.2 Scope
- 1.3 Responsibilities
- 1.4 Emergency Contacts
- 1.5 Legislation Compliance
2. General Safety Guidelines
- 2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- 2.2 Hazard Communication
- 2.3 Slips, Trips, and Falls
- 2.4 Electrical Safety
3. Cleaning Procedures
- 3.1 Surface Preparation
- 3.2 Chemical Handling and Storage
- 3.3 Equipment Safety
- 3.4 Waste Disposal
- 3.5 Ventilation
4. Specific Cleaning Areas
- 4.1 Office Spaces
- 4.2 Restrooms
- 4.3 Kitchen Areas
- 4.4 Common Areas
5. Emergency Procedures
- 5.1 Spill Response
- 5.2 Fire Safety
- 5.3 First Aid
6. Training and Education
- 6.1 Initial Training
- 6.2 Periodic Training
- 6.3 Record-keeping
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
- 7.1 Regular Inspections
- 7.2 Incident Reporting and Investigation
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Health and Safety Procedural Manual is to provide guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of employees involved in cleaning activities.
1.2 Scope
This manual applies to all employees engaged in cleaning tasks within Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services.
1.3 Responsibilities
- “Employees” – Follow the procedures outlined in this manual and report any safety concerns.
- “Supervisors/Managers” – Ensure employees are trained and comply with safety procedures.
- “Employer” – Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services
1.4 Emergency Contacts
Emergency contact numbers for local emergency services, medical facilities, and designated safety personnel. For all emergencies, please call 111 and provide the authorities with the relevant information necessary to the situation at hand.
1.5 Legislation Compliance
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation in New Zealand, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its associated regulations.
2. General Safety Guidelines
2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All employees have access to PPE for cleaning activities,including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection when necessary.
2.2 Hazard Communication
Employees are required to identify and communicate the hazards associated with cleaning chemicals and equipment faults that they may encounter in their cleaning duties.
2.3 Slips, Trips, and Falls
Employees are required to take measures to prevent slips, trips, and falls, includingusage of proper signage, floor maintenance, and utilising good housekeeping practices.
2.4 Electrical Safety
It is essential for employees to take the proper precautions when using electrical equipment safely, includingproper storage, ensuring that electrical equipment are in working order, and inspection of cords and outlets
3. Cleaning Procedures
3.1 Surface Preparation
Employees are encouraged toprepare surfaces before cleaning, to ensure work done will be safer and free from obstruction. This may include clearing clutter and securing loose items.
3.2 Chemical Handling and Storage
In the process of handling, storing, and disposing of cleaning chemicals. Employees will follow safety procedures such as using the appropriate PPE, cleaning any spillages, ensuring that chemicals are placed in secure storage, and by disposing the chemicals and/or its container in the appropriate manner as provided through training.
3.3 Equipment Safety
Employees are to handle any cleaning equipment in a safe manner. The reckless use of any equipment will cause the employee to face disciplinary actions by management. The Employer will be responsible for any maintenance and replacement of any equipment required for employees to complete their duties.
3.4 Waste Disposal
Employees must follow the appropriate procedures for disposing of waste and hazardous materials. This involves the separation of different waste categories (general, recyclable, organic and hazardous waste) and disposing them into their associated bins.
3.5 Ventilation
Employees must ensureproper ventilation in cleaning areas to minimize exposure to fumes and airborne particles. In the event where proper ventilation is difficult or not possible, employees must wear the appropriate PPE to ensure work is done in a safe manner.
4. Specific Cleaning Areas
4.1 Office Spaces
All office cleaning should be in accordance with the cleaning schedule. “Office” includes workstations, furniture, andelectronics.
4.2 Restrooms
All restroom cleaning should be in accordance with the cleaning schedule. This includes proper use of disinfectants/cleaning chemicals to ensure clean and sanitary restrooms.
4.3 Kitchen Areas
All kitchen cleaning should be done in accordance with the cleaning schedule. This includes focusing on food safety and hygiene.
4.4 Common Areas
All cleaning done in common areas should be done in accordance with the cleaning schedule. “Common areas”includes hallways, meeting rooms, and break areas.
5. Emergency Procedures
5.1 Spill Response
In the situation of where any spillages occur by fault of the employee or another third party.The employee must contain and isolate the area around the spillage, cleanup the affected area, and report the incident to the supervisor or management.
5.2 Fire Safety
Employees must follow the necessary procedures (in accordance to safety protocols of the building site) for evacuating the building in case of a fire.
5.3 First Aid
Employees will be provided information on the location of first aid kits for common injuries.Employees facing any serious injuries must contact emergency authorities on the number 111 for proper medical attention.
6. Training and Education
6.1 Initial Training
Initial training for employees involved in cleaning activities, equipment handling, health and safety practices, and other necessary training will be conducted within a period of two weeks.
6.2 Periodic Training
Employees will be provided with further training at the discretion of the employer. All employees will be informed about new safety procedures and regulations.
6.3 Record-keeping
The employer will establish a system for documenting employee training and safety records.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
7.1 Regular Inspections
The employer will implement a schedule for routine safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards.
7.2 Incident Reporting and Investigation
The employer will provide an avenue where employees can go for reporting and investigating accidents, near misses, and other safety incidents.