Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Block Paving Cleaning

This policy outlines the approach a gardening company or grounds maintenance contractor should take when providing commercial block paving cleaning and related paving maintenance services. It is designed to reduce risks to operatives, clients, pedestrians and traffic during block paving cleaning operations on commercial sites, retail parks and communal areas. The policy emphasises safe work practices, proper planning and clear responsibilities to support consistent, safe delivery of a commercial paving cleaning service.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this document is to set out the minimum standards for block paving cleaning and associated soft landscaping activities carried out by a gardening company in commercial settings. It covers pressure washing, chemical cleaning, mechanical sweeping, joint sanding and moss or weed removal from paving. The scope includes operations near shopfronts, car parks, loading bays and communal walkways where there is interaction with the public, staff and vehicles.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the contractor to deliver block cleaning for commercial properties in a manner that prevents injury and ill health. All cleaning activities shall be subject to a documented risk assessment and control plan. Line managers and supervisors must ensure that all staff are competent, adequately trained and equipped, and that equipment is inspected before use. The company will adopt safe systems of work and comply with applicable health and safety principles.

Responsibilities for safe commercial block cleaning are allocated as follows: site managers must ensure planning and supervision; operatives must follow safe work methods; clients must highlight site-specific hazards. Supervisors will carry out pre-work briefings and ensure exclusion zones are implemented where necessary. The nominated safety lead will maintain training records and ensure that permit-to-work requirements are met for complex or high-risk sites.

Risk assessment is mandatory before every job. Assessments shall identify hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling strain, pressure washer hazards, chemical exposure and proximity to moving traffic. Control measures should be proportionate and recorded. Typical controls include traffic management, exclusion barriers, signage, safe access arrangements and use of low-pressure techniques where possible to protect both operatives and surfaces.

Control Measures and Safe Systems

• Ensure a written risk assessment and method statement for each site.
• Deploy physical barriers, cones and warning signs to protect the public.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing.
• Limit the use of chemicals; use biodegradable cleaners where practical and follow manufacturer instructions and COSHH principles.
• Ensure pressure washing equipment is fitted with residual current devices (RCDs) and regularly inspected.

Personal Protective Equipment and Training

Operatives must be provided with and wear suitable PPE for block paving cleaning tasks. Training will cover safe pressure washer operation, correct use of detergents, manual handling techniques for moving equipment and jointing materials, and awareness of hot surfaces and environmental spill prevention. A block paving cleaning service must ensure staff are competent in traffic management and pedestrian safety for commercial site operations.

Equipment maintenance is essential. All pressure washers, vacuums and mechanical sweepers should be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Records of maintenance, service dates and any defects found must be kept. Faulty equipment must be removed from service until repaired. Fuel and chemical storage should be secure and clearly labelled to prevent accidental exposure or contamination.

Environmental controls must minimise runoff and contamination. Use bunding or containments when using detergents, and avoid discharge into drains where possible. Sweep and collect solids and jointing materials for appropriate disposal. When performing paving maintenance or power washing near watercourses, implement measures to protect local drainage and habitat.

Traffic and Public Safety

For commercial paving projects, traffic management plans should be proportionate to site complexity. Use trained banksmen, barriers and temporary footway diversions when necessary. Communicate working hours to client site managers to avoid peak pedestrian or delivery periods. Ensure clear signage and visible barriers to prevent unauthorized access to the work area and reduce the risk of slips or contact with high-pressure jets.

Emergency procedures must be in place and operatives trained in first aid and spill response. Keep a stocked first aid kit on site and maintain communication methods for contacting emergency services. Report all incidents and near misses and carry out investigations to identify root causes and preventive actions. The health and welfare of staff, including rest breaks and hydration, must be considered, particularly during extended external works.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement The effectiveness of this health and safety policy for commercial block paving cleaning will be monitored through site inspections, audits and incident reporting. Management shall review procedures following any significant event and at regular intervals. Continuous improvement is encouraged through refresher training, feedback from supervisors and incorporation of safer equipment and environmentally sound cleaning products. This policy supports consistent, safe, and professional block paving maintenance and commercial paving cleaning operations across varied sites.