Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Embedded Files
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
You are encouraged to wear:
A face mask and eye protection while working with chemicals such as oven cleaner and mold killer or lots of dust and mold
Gloves when cleaning a toilet
Knee pads if you find kneeling difficult
Ear-plugs while using a backpack vacuum
Hazards to be aware of
Hazards to be aware of
Every job is different. The same property one day or one week later, can have different hazards. Never be complacent.
You have the right to (and should) walk away from a job if you feel that it is unsafe or hazardous.
Excessive mold removal is a job for professionals. If you have any doubts about whether you should tackle a mold issue, please call the office and send photos to the administration team.
A three-step ladder is a safe height limit. You can reach cobwebs and other high-reach areas with a vacuum or broom, but never use those tools while on a ladder.
NEVER use boiling water to mop or clean. Not only can it damage floors, it can also cause third-degree burns in the event of a spill or slash.
Bio-hazards are not a job for cleaners. Clients should remove bodily fluids, such as blood, from surfaces before the cleaner arrives. When in doubt, raise it with the client or the office.
Be careful vacuuming stairs. We suggest plugging the cord at the bottom and vacuum while you walk up the stairs. A backpack vacuum is ideal.
Lifting heavy items, reaching, bending, twisting & turning can all lead to injuries if you are not careful. Know your body and your limitations. You can stretch to warm up before working.
Repetitive motions that continue for over 30 minutes at a time can cause repetitive strain injury. Minimise repetitive movements or take breaks from repetitive tasks.
Any chemical mixed with bleach, including vinegar, can lead to toxic Chlorine gas being released. Never mix chemicals.
Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated to avoid heat stress.
Take-5
Take-5
Make your own risk assessments. If it is dangerous to complete a task, do not do it. It is your responsibility to implement proper manual handling and health and safety techniques once you have been trained in them.
Use the 'TAKE-5' method
The 5 step pre-start safety checklist involves the following steps:
STOP - think about the potential dangers associated with the job.
LOOK - identify any hazards.
ASSESS THE RISK - what damage could those hazards cause? Consider any possible threat of damage or injury.
MANAGE - Implement suitable control measures to eliminate or reduce risk. Ensure other persons who are affected by the same matter are informed about the hazard.
SAFELY COMPLETE TASK – After you have successfully implemented the preventive measures, it’s time to commence the task. Always perform jobs with caution to avoid accidents.
Safe Mobile Communications
Safe Mobile Communications
We value your safety so we insist that you pull over and stop your vehicle when calling or texting on the way to and from work.
It is against the law to hold or touch your phone while operating a vehicle, including while waiting at stoplights.
Assessment
Assessment
Please complete the Take-5 form below for an imagined (but possible) hazard encountered while cleaning.
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