Cleaning Standards and Regulations: What Every Contract Cleaning Company Should Know

Maintaining high cleaning standards is not only a mark of professionalism for contract cleaning companies AND their clients but also a legal obligation. Understanding and adhering to cleaning standards and regulations is paramount in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for both clients and cleaning staff. So whether you’re looking for a contract cleaning service or you’re managing one, what key cleaning standards and regulations should you be aware of?

When it comes to contract cleaning standards and regulations in the UK these 5 are the essentials

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

• Waste Management and Environmental Regulations

• British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Standards

Health and safety in contract cleaning (work act 1974)

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is a cornerstone of health and safety legislation in the UK. It places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all their employees. This act applies to all workplaces, including those in the cleaning industry.

For contract cleaning companies, this means:

• Providing a safe working environment with safe access and egress

• Conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures for identified hazards

• Ensuring the provision and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

COSHH regulations are in place to protect both clients and cleaners from hazardous substances used or generated in the workplace, including many cleaning chemicals. Contract cleaning companies need to conduct COSHH assessments to identify and mitigate the risks associated with the chemicals they use.

Compliance with COSHH involves:

• Maintaining a detailed inventory of all hazardous substances used

• Ensuring proper storage and labeling of chemicals

• Providing staff with appropriate training on handling and disposing of hazardous substances

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

RIDDOR regulations require employers, including contract cleaning companies, to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences. Ensuring that appropriate action can be taken to prevent future incidents.

Key aspects of RIDDOR compliance for cleaning companies include:

• Prompt reporting of specified incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

• Maintaining thorough records of accidents and near-miss incidents

• Implementing measures to prevent reoccurrence of reported incidents

Waste Management and Environmental Regulations

Contract cleaning companies must also adhere to specific waste management and environmental regulations. This includes proper disposal of waste generated during cleaning operations.

To comply, companies should:

• Separate and store waste appropriately, including hazardous materials

• Make certain that waste is collected, transported, and disposed of by licensed waste carriers

• Keep accurate records of waste management activities

British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Standards (and how it applies to contract cleaning)

The BICSc is the industry-standard setting body for the cleaning industry in the UK. Their standards cover a wide range of cleaning activities and provide best practice guidelines for various cleaning tasks.

For contract cleaning companies, this means:

• Familiarity with BICSc standards relevant to their specific cleaning services

• Providing training and ongoing development opportunities for cleaning staff in line with BICSc standards

Conclusion

Compliance with UK cleaning standards and regulations is not just a legal obligation; it’s a fundamental part of operating a responsible and professional contract cleaning company. By understanding and following legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, RIDDOR, and environmental regulations, cleaning companies can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while delivering high-quality cleaning services. Not only that but following the industry standards set by organisations like BICSc demonstrates a commitment to excellence and professionalism in the UK cleaning industry.