Health and Safety Policy for Pressure Cleaning Services

Policy statement: This organisation is committed to providing a safe, healthy and sustainable working environment for all staff, subcontractors and members of the public while delivering pressure cleaning services and related exterior cleaning to gardens, patios and hard landscaping. The aim of this health and safety policy is to reduce risk from powered cleaning equipment, chemicals and water systems through clear responsibilities, safe systems of work and ongoing training. As a gardening company offering pressure washing and jet washing options, we integrate soft wash techniques where appropriate to protect planting and surfaces.

Scope and responsibility

This policy applies to all activities involving pressure washing, power washing and associated tasks such as surface preparation and chemical application. Managers are responsible for ensuring legal compliance and the allocation of resources for safe operation. Supervisors must ensure operatives hold relevant competence, safety briefings and that risk assessments are completed. Operatives must follow procedures and use provided personal protective equipment (PPE). Everyone is encouraged to report hazards; the company will act on reports promptly to maintain a safe service area across public and private gardens.

Hazards will be identified and controlled through documented risk assessments and method statements before work begins. Typical hazards include:

• High-pressure water causing lacerations or injection injuries during pressure cleaning or jet cleaning;
• Slip hazards from wet surfaces created by pressure wash and soft wash operations;
• Chemical exposure from detergents and biocides used in exterior pressure cleaning;
• Electrical hazards when using electric-powered washers near water;
• Manual handling injuries from moving equipment and hoses across garden sites;
• Environmental risks from runoff affecting planting, soil and local drainage.

Training and competence are core to delivering safe pressure cleaning and power washing services. All operatives receive induction training, task-specific coaching and refresher sessions covering safe operation of petrol and electric washers, surface compatibility assessment, and correct dosing and application of cleaning agents. Operatives must demonstrate competence in safe handling of high-pressure lances, nozzles and surface cleaners before unsupervised work. Supervisors will maintain training records and ensure that contractors meet equivalent safety standards.

Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used. Required PPE may include waterproof gloves, eye protection, face shields, non-slip footwear, knee protection for low-level work and hearing protection for prolonged use of noisy equipment. For chemical applications, additional protective clothing and respirators may be required. The company will ensure provision of correct PPE and that staff are trained in its correct selection, fitting and maintenance to reduce exposure to hazards during garden pressure washing and exterior maintenance.

Environmental protection measures are integral to our approach to jet washing and soft wash techniques. Wastewater management plans will be used to prevent contamination of planting, soil and local watercourses. Where necessary, containment, filtration or licensed disposal will be used to capture dirty runoff. Chemical selection will favour biodegradable, low-toxicity products suitable for use in horticultural settings. Operatives are required to avoid directing high-pressure water at vulnerable plants, irrigation systems or exposed soil to minimise damage.

Equipment and site safety procedures include routine maintenance, pre-use checks and documented inspection regimes for pressure washers, hoses, fittings and electrical leads. Faulty or damaged equipment is taken out of service immediately. Where work involves ladders, steps, or elevated platforms for facade cleaning adjacent to garden structures, operatives must follow safe access procedures and ensure fall prevention measures are in place. Electrical safety requires the use of RCD-protected supplies, regular PAT testing and avoidance of extension leads across wet areas.

Traffic and pedestrian management is addressed on every job. Where work is undertaken in residential or communal garden areas, signage, cones and barriers will be used to maintain exclusion zones. Operatives must not leave hoses or cables across footpaths without protection, and must communicate with householders and caretakers about planned works and duration. Noise, operational hours and neighbourly considerations are managed to minimise disturbance while ensuring the job is completed safely and efficiently.

Incident reporting, monitoring and continual improvement: all accidents, near misses or environmental incidents must be reported immediately and recorded. The company will investigate incidents, identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Regular site audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews will measure compliance against safety objectives. This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant incidents to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Through active supervision, competent staff and a culture of safety, we commit to delivering high-quality pressure cleaning services across garden and landscaping projects with minimal risk to people, property and the environment.