Health & Safety Policy for Warehouse Driveway Cleaning

Purpose: This policy defines the health and safety approach for warehouse driveway cleaning undertaken by our gardening and grounds maintenance teams operating in the service area. It sets out the principles and practical measures to protect employees, visitors and clients while preserving the integrity of the site. The document covers commercial driveway cleaning, driveway maintenance and related access clearing work carried out at warehouse sites and adjacent yards.

Policy statement: We commit to maintaining a safe working environment for all crew members and stakeholders involved in warehouse access cleaning. All work will be planned, risk-assessed and executed by trained personnel using suitable equipment and protective measures. This policy emphasises prevention, clear responsibility and continuous improvement of safety performance for our driveway cleaning service.

Scope: The policy applies to all operations that are part of the warehouse driveway cleaning programme including sweeping, power washing, vegetation control, oil and spill management, debris removal and seasonal gritting where appropriate. It also covers activities undertaken in carparks, loading bays and access routes directly connected to warehouse operations.

Roles and responsibilities

Managers will ensure that safety arrangements are implemented, resources allocated and that staff have access to necessary training. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring each driveway cleaning job has a documented task plan. Operatives must follow instructions, wear required PPE and report hazards immediately. Contractors and subcontractors engaged for specialist cleaning must meet our safety expectations.

Before starting any job, a site assessment will identify traffic routes, loading operations, blind spots and storage of hazardous materials. Traffic management controls such as cones, signage and temporary speed limitations must be used to segregate pedestrians and vehicles during driveway maintenance work. A permit-to-work style checklist will be completed for higher-risk tasks.

Risk assessment and control measures

Risk assessments for each driveway cleaning task shall identify potential hazards, including slips and trips from wet surfaces, vehicle interactions, chemical exposure from cleaning agents, manual handling injuries and noise. Controls include:

• Elimination or substitution: Limit use of hazardous chemicals where possible; prefer biodegradable or low-toxicity cleaners for driveway cleaning.
• Engineering controls: Use appropriate pressure-wash equipment with adjustable nozzles, captured waste water systems and mechanical sweepers to reduce manual contact with contaminants.
• Administrative controls: Implement safe systems of work, scheduled cleaning windows to reduce traffic interaction and clear signage for the driveway cleaning service in progress.
• PPE: Ensure operatives wear gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear and hearing protection as required.

All equipment used for commercial driveway cleaning must be maintained, inspected and recorded. Portable appliance testing and daily pre-use checks of pressure washers, vacuums and power tools are mandatory. Faulty items must be tagged and removed from service until repaired.

Training and competence: Personnel will receive induction training for warehouse driveway cleaning duties, specialist machine instruction and demonstration of safe chemical handling. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be delivered regularly, focusing on seasonal hazards such as algal growth, leaf fouling and icy surfaces that affect driveway maintenance.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: Clear procedures for spills, injuries and near-misses are in place. First aid kits and spill kits are kept accessible, and staff are trained in their use. All incidents related to driveway cleaning are recorded, investigated and lessons learned integrated into updated risk assessments for future cleaning operations.

Waste management: Waste removed during driveway and yard cleaning is segregated and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Contaminated water from pressure washing is handled to prevent runoff into drains where practicable; absorbents and containment are used for oil and fuel spills during warehouse access cleaning.

Monitoring and review: Safety performance for driveway cleaning activities is monitored through site inspections, safety audits and workforce feedback. The policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident, change in equipment or working method to ensure it remains effective and aligned with safe working practices in the gardening and grounds maintenance sector.

Communication: Clear instructions about the driveway cleaning scope, risks and control measures will be communicated to clients and site operatives before work begins. Signage and barriers will inform third parties and warehouse staff of ongoing driveway cleaning, reducing the chance of accidental exposure to hazards.

Contractual and purchasing considerations: When sourcing cleaning agents or engaging subcontractors for specialized driveway or access cleaning, safety credentials, equipment condition and environmental practices are assessed to ensure compatibility with this policy. Preference is given to suppliers and partners that demonstrate robust health and safety management.

Continual improvement: This health and safety policy for warehouse driveway cleaning is a living document. We encourage staff to suggest improvements to working methods, equipment and training. Regular review cycles and implementation of corrective actions help maintain a high standard of safety for all driveway cleaning and maintenance activities.