At Clean Step Mats, we recognise that professional cleaning involves more than achieving a high standard of cleanliness. Our work must also be carried out responsibly, with appropriate consideration given to health and safety, the handling of cleaning products, waste management, data protection and other legal requirements that may apply to our activities.
Established in 2011, we provide cleaning services for domestic and commercial properties, including new builds, construction projects, refurbishments, basements and properties requiring ongoing maintenance. We aim to conduct our services in accordance with the legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to the work being undertaken.
Health and Safety Legislation
Health and safety legislation is an important consideration when carrying out cleaning work, particularly on construction sites, commercial premises and properties where cleaning activities may involve equipment, chemicals, dust or other potential hazards.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 establishes general duties relating to the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by work activities. The legislation is particularly relevant when cleaning takes place in environments where other contractors, employees, residents, visitors or members of the public may also be present.
Our approach is to consider the conditions of each property and the potential risks associated with the cleaning work before carrying out the required tasks. Where appropriate, suitable working procedures, protective equipment and other control measures may be used to help reduce avoidable risks.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Cleaning activities can involve the use of products that may present risks to health if they are not handled, stored or used correctly. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 apply to substances hazardous to health and require employers to assess and adequately control exposure to such substances.
For cleaning work, this can include certain cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, dusts, fumes, vapours and other substances encountered during a project. Where COSHH applies, appropriate consideration should be given to the hazards associated with the substances being used, how they are handled and the measures required to control exposure.
Our cleaning procedures take account of the nature of the products and working environment involved. Cleaning products are handled with appropriate care, and relevant safety information should be considered when products are selected, stored, diluted or used.
Safe Handling of Cleaning Products
Cleaning chemicals should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable safety information. Mixing incompatible chemicals can create serious hazards, while incorrect storage or use may increase the risk of exposure.
Where appropriate, cleaning personnel should have access to suitable information, instruction and training relating to the products and equipment used during their work. Personal protective equipment may also be required depending on the nature of the task and the risks identified.
Waste Management and Duty of Care
Cleaning and construction-related work can generate different types of waste, including packaging, debris and materials removed during the cleaning process. Waste must be handled responsibly and, where applicable, managed in accordance with the relevant waste duty of care requirements.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 establishes a duty of care relating to the safe management of certain waste. Where Clean Step Mats is responsible for waste arising from its activities, appropriate arrangements should be made for its handling, storage, transfer and disposal.
Where waste is transferred to another organisation, appropriate consideration is given to using authorised waste management arrangements and retaining relevant documentation where required.
Construction and Post-Construction Cleaning
Cleaning construction and refurbishment sites can present additional risks compared with routine domestic or commercial cleaning. Sites may contain building materials, dust, sharp objects, equipment, unfinished surfaces and other hazards associated with construction activity.
Before undertaking work, the condition of the property and the nature of the cleaning requirement should be considered. Where other trades or contractors remain on site, cleaning activities may also need to be coordinated with the wider project to help maintain a safe working environment.
Our experience with new builds, refurbishments and construction environments enables us to adapt our cleaning approach to the conditions encountered on each project.
Data Protection and Privacy
As a cleaning company serving domestic and commercial customers, Clean Step Mats may process personal information when handling enquiries, communicating with customers, arranging services and managing business administration. Our website cookie policy also explains how cookies and similar technologies may be used when visitors access our website.
Where data protection legislation applies, personal information is handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection requirements, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Personal information should only be collected and used for appropriate business purposes, kept secure and retained only for as long as necessary in accordance with applicable requirements. Further information about how personal information is handled can be found in our Privacy Policy.
Our Commitment to Responsible Cleaning
Legislation and regulatory requirements can vary depending on the type of property, cleaning activity, substances involved and circumstances of a particular project. For this reason, we consider the requirements relevant to the work rather than applying the same approach to every property. Our service terms and conditions also set out the general terms that apply to the provision of our cleaning services.
Our objective is to provide a professional cleaning service while taking appropriate account of health and safety, responsible waste management, safe chemical handling and privacy obligations.
Keeping Our Practices Under Review
UK legislation and regulatory guidance can change over time. Clean Step Mats aims to keep its working practices under review so that relevant legal and regulatory requirements can be considered as they develop.
This page provides general information about legislation relevant to cleaning services and should not be regarded as legal advice. The specific legal requirements applicable to a particular project may depend on its circumstances, location and the nature of the work being undertaken.
If you would like to discuss a cleaning requirement for a home, commercial property, new build or construction project, please talk to our team to discuss your requirements.