2.19 Housekeeping

Contents

1.	Organisational Arrangements for Housekeeping Inspections of the Workplace
2.	Access and Egress
	2.1	Fire Emergency Plan
	2.2	Limitation of Access
	2.3	Access Equipment
3.	Storage Facilities
4.	Waste Collection and Removal
5.	Hazardous Waste Removal
6.	Window Cleaning
7.	Information and Training
8.	Responsibilities
	8.1	Manager and Supervisor
	8.2	Employees
9.	Checklist

1. Organisational Arrangements for Housekeeping Inspections of the Workplace

Workplace inspections will be carried out on a regular basis by designated personnel to identify areas where standards require improvement. These areas will be highlighted for remedial action.

2. Access and Egress

There should be regular inspections of access/egress routes. Typical items which should be checked and recorded during an inspection include:

1. suitability and condition of flooring
2. presence of obstructions in walkways
3. items stored on top of cabinets in walkways
4. encroachment of furniture and equipment
5. ease of passage through security doors during emergency evacuation
6. presence and condition of emergency lighting (where relevant)
7. suitability of lighting
8. handrails on stairways and guardrails on the edges of ledges, etc
9. facilities for personnel with limited mobility
10. condition and ease of use of doors
11. presence of any blockages in walkways which could prevent access/egress
12. suitability of access to electrical equipment
13. details, duration and condition of any temporary access arrangements.

2.1 Fire Emergency Plan

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the significant findings of the risk assessment required by the regulations, together with the measures required, to comply with the regulations. The measures include arrangements for the provision of emergency routes and exits. The guidance to the regulations recommends that an emergency plan should be made and that this should include:

• how the evacuation of the workplace should be carried out
• where people should assemble after they have left the workplace and procedures for checking whether the workplace has been evacuated
• identification of key escape routes, how people can gain access to them and escape from them to places of safety.

2.2 Limitation of Access

Records of areas and activities for which defined working procedures are in place should be kept by a responsible person. Examples include permits to work for confined spaces, working at heights, systems of work and limitation of access to authorised personnel only.

2.3 Access Equipment

Records of testing and inspection of access equipment should be kept as a demonstration that equipment is safe to use. These should include maintenance and cleaning arrangements, where necessary. Some access equipment, such as lifts and hoists, is subject to testing in accordance with statutory requirements and suitable records should be kept accordingly.

3. Storage Facilities

Storage areas will have been defined within the workplace. Requirements should be reviewed periodically and whenever refurbishment or relocation takes place. Articles and substances will be stored in defined areas at all times.

4. Waste Collection and Removal

Floors will be cleaned on a regular basis and waste bins should be emptied daily. Rubbish will be kept in suitable containers and should not be allowed to overflow. Combustible waste must be kept away from ignition sources. Large items of rubbish that pose a particular hazard, such as obsolete items of furniture, should be removed without delay.

Suitable receptacles for the collection of waste are provided in strategic positions throughout the workplace. Each container clearly displays the type of waste that it is designed to hold. Waste products must only be placed into those receptacles that have been allocated for that purpose. Containers must be adequate to prevent the escape of waste. Waste containers are emptied regularly and are removed by an authorised person. If additional disposal facilities are required these may be obtained by request from a responsible person.

Where it can be determined that certain waste is suitable for recycling, the appropriate containers will be supplied and clearly marked.

5. Hazardous Waster Disposal

Disposal of hazardous waste

Suitable arrangements will be made for the disposal of hazardous waste that is generated as a by-product of a work activity. The correct pre-registration and notification documentation procedures will be followed for special/hazardous waste.

Arrangements for the removal of special waste, e.g. liquids, asbestos and other hazardous substances, must be made with an authorised and competent person. Liquid waste, other than normal effluent, must not be poured into the sewers. Arrangements for disposal of liquid waste can be made with an authorised person.

Employees will be supplied with any personal protective equipment necessary for the safe handling of waste materials.

Use of waste disposal equipment

Equipment provided for the preparation of waste must only be used by fully trained and competent personnel who have been authorised to carry out the work. Examples of waste preparation equipment include compactors, bailers, shredders and sluices. Licences will be obtained where required.

This system of work has been designed to ensure that disposal of waste at the workplace is carried out safely and in accordance with the law.

1. Use only designated receptacles for holding waste products. Do not put waste materials in receptacles that have not been allocated for that specific purpose. Take note of any segregation requirements, e.g. for hazardous waste or recyclable materials.
2. Do not discard waste carelessly into receptacles; place it properly inside the unit.
3. Do not overfill waste containers. Inform a responsible person when additional resources are likely to be required.
4. Report any leakage or overflow of waste from a waste container to a responsible person.
5. Ensure that any spillage of substances at the workplace is cleared in an approved manner and that any materials used for clearing are properly disposed of.
6. Make a note of any special arrangements or precautions that will have to be taken by the authorised waste remover.
7. Do not use disposal preparation equipment and machinery unless you are trained and authorised to do so.

Wear any personal protective equipment that is required for the safe handling of waste products.

The Registered Home Manager has the overall responsibility for these procedures.

6. Window Cleaning

When employees are undertaking window cleaning the following guidelines should be followed:

1. carry out, or monitor, risk assessments of work activities involving window cleaning
2. ensure all necessary measures are taken to reduce any risks found as a result of the assessment
3. ensure all plant and equipment used in the operation is suitable, of good construction, of sound material and free from defect
4. ensure that all plant and equipment is obtained from reputable suppliers and manufacturers and conforms to the relevant British and European Standards
5. ensure that all plant and equipment used is clearly identified and regularly inspected and maintained
6. maintain a record system which identifies all company plant and equipment used in window cleaning operations and logs each inspection, repair and maintenance procedure undertaken
7. where independent window cleaners are employed, check them for competence prior to hiring them and monitor their work activity to ensure they are operating in a safe manner and not endangering the safety of themselves or others
8. provide appropriate information and training to employees who carry out window cleaning operations, including information and training related to the general procedures and specific procedures (including permit to work systems) which must be observed in specific parts of the premises
9. ensure all plant and equipment is stored correctly
10. implement a reporting system, so that employees' concerns about window cleaning operations are relayed to a responsible person and corrective action taken.

Also see Section 1.7, Use of Ladders of the Maintenance and Repairs Procedure

7. Information and Training

Suitable information and training will be provided to all employees in housekeeping arrangements within the workplace and in standards that must be achieved.

8.Responsibilities 

8.1 Manager and Supervisor

Managers and supervisors must ensure that their areas of responsibility maintain satisfactory standards of housekeeping at all times. The following duties apply.

1. Ensure that articles are not left in walkways or on the floor.
2. Ensure that there are no trailing cables.
3. Ensure that articles are stored in designated places.
4. Regularly check the working area to ensure that satisfactory standards of housekeeping are maintained.

Arrange for obsolete or unwanted articles of furniture to be removed.

8.2 Employees

Employees are responsible for the following.

1. Ensuring that they do not allow waste materials to accumulate in their working area, and keeping their workstations tidy.
2. Acting in accordance with information and training relating to housekeeping in the workplace.

Reporting problems relating to storage or removal of articles to a responsible person.

9. Checklist

In order to ensure that satisfactory standards of housekeeping are achieved the following arrangements should be adhered to.

1. Check that the workplace is free from hazards at the beginning of each day.
2. Always put articles away immediately after use.
3. Clear up any spillages, etc immediately.
4. Do not allow objects to protrude into walkways.
5. Ensure that waste materials are properly stored and are removed on a regular basis.
6. Ensure that special arrangements are made for the removal of unusual or extra large objects or substances.
7. Do not store articles or substances anywhere other than in designated areas.
8. Ensure the workplace is tidy and articles and substances have been put away at the end of the shift.

End