Driveway Cleaning Services Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and practical measures the company follows when delivering driveway cleaning services and associated garden hard-surface maintenance. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors working on site and covers cleaning, pressure washing, surface treatment and routine driveway maintenance tasks. Our aim is to protect people, property and the environment while delivering high-quality driveway surface cleaning and maintenance.

Scope and purpose

This policy relates to every activity involved in providing driveway cleaning and driveway maintenance work, including pre-clean surveys, surface preparation, use of detergents and biocides, mechanical cleaning, pressure washing, and waste disposal. It is designed to ensure compliance with good practice for safety and environmental protection while remaining practical for a gardening company and driveway cleaners operating across residential and commercial properties.

Responsibilities and roles

All operatives are responsible for following safe systems of work. Management will ensure that safe procedures, instructions and training are provided. Specific responsibilities include:

• Managers — ensure risk assessments are completed, safe methods developed and PPE provided.
• Supervisors — monitor work, ensure traffic and pedestrian control, and enforce safety measures.
• Operatives — follow instructions, use PPE, report hazards and incidents promptly.

Training and competence — all staff will receive induction training and role-specific instruction covering pressure washer operation, chemical handling, waste management and manual handling. Competence is checked through observation and periodic reassessment. Only qualified personnel operate high-pressure equipment and carry out ladder work or elevated tasks.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

Before any driveway pressure washing or surface cleaning begins a formal risk assessment is carried out. Assessments identify hazards such as slips, trips and falls, high-pressure water risks, electrical hazards, chemical exposure and potential damage to surfaces or nearby planting. Control measures are documented in a safe system of work that the team follows on site.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — operatives are provided with suitable PPE including gloves, eye protection, waterproof outerwear, non-slip footwear and hearing protection where appropriate. PPE requirements are specified in task briefings and enforced at all times when work is underway.

Equipment, maintenance and chemical safety

All pressure washers, suction units and ancillary equipment are subject to a maintenance and inspection schedule to ensure safe operation. Portable electrical equipment is tested regularly and defects are removed from service. Chemicals, detergents and biocides used for surface cleaning are selected to minimise environmental impact and are stored and used according to manufacturers’ instructions, with COSHH-style measures in place to control exposure.

Water run-off, detergent residues and waste materials are managed to prevent contamination of drains, planted areas and watercourses. Where practicable, containment, capture and responsible disposal methods are used to mitigate environmental risk.

Traffic, public safety and property protection — when working on driveways adjacent to public walkways or roads, adequate signage, barriers and pedestrian diversions are employed. Sensitive surfaces, ornamental planting and property features are protected with coverings or temporary barriers to prevent accidental damage during cleaning and pressure washing.

Emergency procedures and incident management

Clear procedures are in place for first aid, spill response and emergency shutdown of equipment. All incidents, however minor, are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Staff are trained to respond to chemical spills and to isolate and make safe faulty equipment.

In the event of a serious injury or environmental incident the company will take immediate action to secure the site and notify appropriate authorities as required. Internal reporting ensures lessons learned are shared across the team and used to update risk assessments and work procedures.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

The effectiveness of this policy is monitored through routine site inspections, audit of work records, equipment checks and review of incident reports. Management commits to continuous improvement by updating training, investing in safer equipment and refining methods to reduce risks associated with surfacing cleaning and driveway pressure washing.

All operatives are encouraged to report hazards and suggest improvements. The policy is reviewed at least annually or after a significant incident, equipment change or when new legislation or best practice guidance becomes available.

Commitment statement: The company is committed to providing a safe working environment for everyone involved in driveway cleaning and associated garden hard-landscaping services. Through adequate training, planned maintenance, careful chemical and water management and practical on-site controls, we aim to protect our people, customers and the environment while delivering professional driveway cleaning, driveway maintenance and surface restoration services.