Health and Safety Policy for Driveway Cleaners and Gardening Service Teams

This policy sets out the health, safety and welfare standards that all driveway cleaners and associated gardening crews must follow while operating on client properties. It applies to pressure washing, surface treatment, block paving cleaning, and related driveway cleaning services. The aim is to protect employees, contractors, visitors and the public by reducing risks from equipment, chemicals, traffic and environmental hazards. Managers and team leaders must ensure this policy is read and implemented by everyone involved in driveway maintenance and cleaning operations.

The scope covers planning, risk assessment, site set-up, use of cleaning machinery, and waste management. Responsibilities are shared: senior management provides resources and documented procedures; supervisors maintain safe systems of work; and operatives follow instructions, use personal protective equipment (PPE) and report hazards. This policy is intended for a gardening company offering driveway cleaning across its service area and is adaptable to different sites and surfaces without reference to specific local laws.

Risk assessments must be carried out before every job and reviewed when conditions change. Key hazards include slips and trips from wet surfaces, exposure to cleaning agents, high-pressure water injuries, manual handling strains, vehicle movements and contact with underground services. Control measures include isolation of the work area, warning signage, use of trained operatives, and correct selection of detergents. The use of eco-friendly products where possible is encouraged to reduce environmental impact while maintaining effective cleaning of driveways and hard surfaces.

Safe Work Procedures and Equipment

All equipment must be inspected before use. Pressure washers, surface cleaners, hot water systems and vacuum extractors need documented checks and maintenance. Only approved attachments and pressure settings should be used for different driveway materials to prevent surface damage. Operatives must be competent in machine operation and understand the limitations of attachments. Equipment should be stored securely and transported safely between sites.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory: eye protection, waterproof boots, gloves, hi-vis clothing and hearing protection where needed. Respiratory protection should be available if aerosolised chemicals are in use. Supervisors will ensure PPE is in good condition and that staff are trained in correct use. Strong emphasis is placed on PPE as part of the broader hierarchy of controls, not as the sole protective measure.

Chemical handling and environmental controls: Only approved cleaning chemicals are to be used and operatives must follow product safety data sheets. Spill kits and containment measures must be on site to prevent wash-off into drains, gardens or watercourses. Wastewater management plans should be implemented to collect and dispose of runoff responsibly. If biodegradable or low-toxicity cleaners are available and effective, they should be the first choice to protect plants and soil during driveway maintenance.

Training, Competence and On-Site Conduct

All staff involved in driveway cleaning and garden hard-surface work must receive induction and task-specific training. Training includes machinery operation, manual handling, COSHH awareness for chemicals, traffic management for vehicles on site, and emergency response. Records of training and competency checks must be kept. Apprentices and new staff must be supervised until competent. Staff should demonstrate safe work practices and be able to identify and control hazards on driveways and adjoining areas.

Traffic and pedestrian management are essential on domestic and commercial properties. Where vehicles are operating or access is restricted, set clear pedestrian exclusion zones, provide physical barriers if necessary, and use banksmen for vehicle movements. Refuse and debris should be cleared to prevent trip hazards. A standard toolbox talk before each shift should cover the day’s hazards and control measures.

Manual handling is a common cause of injury; operatives must use mechanical aids or team lifting for heavy items like pressure washers, tanks and paving slabs. Adopt correct lifting techniques and plan lifts in advance. Cold and wet conditions increase risk of slips and should prompt additional controls such as increased footwear grip or temporary non-slip mats. Maintain communication devices for remote or larger sites.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures: All incidents, near misses and property damage must be reported immediately and recorded. First aid provisions should be available and trained first aiders identified on site. In the event of chemical exposure, follow the product SDS, rinse affected areas and seek medical attention as required. Fire risks are low with common cleaning work but must be assessed where fuel-powered equipment is in use.

Monitoring and review: This policy will be monitored through routine site inspections, audits and review of incident records. Management will update procedures in response to new equipment, products or identified hazards. Continuous improvement ensures safer, more efficient driveway cleaning and garden hard-surface maintenance across the service area.

Commitment: All employees are expected to work safely, respect client property and the environment, and report unsafe conditions. Management commits to providing training, equipment and supervision. By following these standards, our driveway cleaning teams and gardening staff will maintain high safety performance and deliver reliable, professional cleaning services for all types of driveways and external surfaces.