Health and Safety Policy for Storefront Cleaning

Purpose: This storefront cleaning safety statement sets out the principles and procedures that govern safe operation for all shopfront cleaning and retail exterior cleaning activities carried out by the company across its service area. It is designed to protect staff, contractors, customers and the public by reducing hazards associated with front-of-shop maintenance, window washing, and adjacent pavement work.

Scope: This policy applies to every member of the team engaged in storefront cleaning, shopfront maintenance, and related services including pressure washing, sign cleaning, and light exterior vegetation control performed by a gardening or grounds maintenance provider. It covers routine visits, scheduled deep cleans, emergency spill response, and any subcontracted cleaning contract.

Risk Assessment and Operational Controls

Risk assessments will be completed before any store front cleaning task begins. Identified risks include slips from wet surfaces, chemical exposure from detergents, manual handling of ladders and tools, and interaction with pedestrians or traffic. Control measures include job-specific method statements, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, exclusion zones, and safe systems of work tailored to each environment.

Key control measures include:

• Pre-work checks: inspect access, surfaces and nearby planting or irrigation that may affect cleaning operations.
• PPE and equipment: gloves, eye protection, non-slip footwear, high-visibility clothing, and validated cleaning implements.
• Traffic and pedestrian management: use cones, signs and cordons to maintain a safe perimeter where required.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Personnel must be trained in safe storefront cleaning techniques, correct use of cleaning chemicals, ladder safety, and the operation of powered washers where applicable. Supervisors will carry out regular competency checks and toolbox talks to reinforce correct procedures. Records of training and certifications will be kept and reviewed as part of routine safety audits.

Supervisors ensure that task allocation matches competency and that knowledge of working at height, confined spaces (where applicable) and manual handling is refreshed periodically. Where specialist equipment or abseiling access is required, only qualified technicians may be assigned.

Chemical Safety and Environmental Care: The policy emphasises safe handling of cleaning agents and minimising environmental impact. Chemicals used for storefront sanitation must be appropriate for the surfaces being cleaned and stored according to manufacturer instructions. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for all substances. Spill kits, absorbents and clear drainage protection are used to prevent contamination of planting beds, drainage systems and public areas.

Health considerations: staff with respiratory conditions or skin sensitivities will be assessed for suitable duties. Workers are advised to report any symptoms arising from exposure immediately and to seek medical attention where necessary. The policy supports a culture of wellbeing and encourages staff to disclose health issues confidentially so accommodations can be made.

Equipment Maintenance: All tools and machines used in storefront exterior cleaning and retail window cleaning are subject to scheduled maintenance and pre-use inspection. Faulty equipment will be removed from service and tagged until repaired. Battery-powered tools are charged and stored safely; pressure washers and hoses are checked for leaks and correct pressure settings before operation.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures: Any accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence must be reported promptly using the company incident reporting process. Emergency procedures for cuts, chemical splashes, falls or traffic incidents are in place and include first aid provision, location-specific evacuation plans and liaison with emergency services if required. All incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to inform prevention measures.

Safe Access and Working at Height: When cleaning elevated signage or high windows, work platforms, scaffold or secure ladders will be used in preference to unsafe improvised methods. A permit-to-work or task briefing will be completed for complex jobs. Harnesses and edge protection are used where needed, and a second worker is present to assist and observe.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: The policy is reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes, new equipment, or improved best practices in shopfront cleaning and storefront maintenance. Routine inspections, client site checks and internal audits feed into a continuous improvement cycle. Where appropriate, procedures are updated to improve safety outcomes and to maintain a professional, safe storefront cleaning service across the company's gardening and grounds maintenance service area.

Responsibilities: Management is responsible for ensuring this health and safety policy is implemented, resourced and communicated. Staff are responsible for complying with safe systems of work, reporting hazards and participating in training. Contractors and subcontractors must adhere to the same standards when providing retail exterior cleaning services under company oversight.

Policy review: This document is a living policy and will be reviewed at regular intervals or following any significant incident or change in operational practice. The aim is to provide a robust, proportionate safety framework that supports effective shopfront cleaning, protects the public and staff, and preserves the environment of the areas we serve.

Summary of key actions:

• Complete site-specific risk assessments and method statements.
• Provide appropriate PPE, training and supervision.
• Maintain equipment and safely manage chemicals.
• Implement pedestrian controls and safe access methods.
• Report and investigate incidents; update procedures accordingly.

Final note: Adherence to this health and safety policy ensures professional, consistent and safe storefront cleaning and shows the company’s commitment to protecting people and property while delivering high-quality shopfront and retail window cleaning services throughout its service area.