Carper Cleaning - Wet Shampoo Method
Persons exposed
Type of assessment
Hazards and control measures
Hazard
Slps, trips and falls:
Injury from falling.
Erect caution signs as required. Where this isn’t appropriate or feasible, warn customers and colleagues
that the area could be slippery.
SPECIAL NOTE: After cleaning carpets residue dampness can be very slippery - particularly when
moving from carpeted onto hard flooring such as stepping off stairs onto a tiled or laminate hallway.
This is even more dangerous in overshoes. Take special care and remove overshoes before
stepping onto hard floors.
Keep the area tidy, remove any unused tools, waste, or trailing cable from the area to minimise the risk.
Move plug for machines to nearest power outlet whilst moving through the building.
Mop up any spillages, leaks or surplus fluids immediately.
Staff should only wear suitable footwear with good grip and no heels.
Ensure that all access and exit routes are kept clean and tidy. Keep all fire escapes free from obstruction.
Hazard
Manual Handling:
Injury from handling items
(particularly heavier items)
incorrectly.
All employees are trained in correct lifting methods.
Dual lifting to be used on awkward lifts were possible, e.g. large furniture moving. Gliders available if
necessary to aid easy moving.
Staff trained to not lift beyond their capabilities, seek help or avoid lifting anything that is hazardous to lift.
All staff have received instruction and training in house for manual handling.
Staff make use of the ramp provided with the vehicle for heavier machinery which is on wheels.
Make sure staff are comfortable refusing to lift items that are too heavy or awkward if asked by clients.
Hazard
Power tools/equipment:
Electrocution or other
physical injury from moving
parts of powered equipment.
Hand Tools:
All equipment must comply with Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992.
All employees must have received instruction in the safe use and operation of the equipment they are
proposing to use.
Eye protection must be worn at all times where there is a risk of flying parts, dust or fragments.
All equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition.
Staff must check for damaged equipment before each use; plugs, cable, fittings, switches etc. Any damage
should be reported to supervisor immediately.
Ensure all tools are in good condition, no loose or damaged parts
Ensure correct tool used/provided for each task
Hazard
COSHH:
Ill health from contact with
hazardous substances
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999.
An employer must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks associated with hazardous
substances connected with work carried out under his control.
Staff must read and be familiar with the Safety Data Sheets and COSHH assessments for any cleaning
products.
Hazard
Lone working:
Added risk of not having
support or first aid assistance
in the even of an accident or
injury.
Identify the potential risk of injury to lone workers and then provide the necessary supervisory measures
appropriate for the particular job.
Periodic telephone contact with lone workers. Ensure lone workers text/call family/friend/colleague on arrival
and departure of a job. Also during the course of longer jobs. Plan this in advance with said contact so they
are expecting contact and raise an alert if they don’t receive it.
Operators to carry a fully charged mobile phone about their person during lone working.
Operators to lock themselves in the building during cleaning to ensure strangers cannot enter the building
without authorisation.
Operators instructed not to undertake any high risk or potentially unsafe activities when lone working. As an
example no working at height, no unusually heavy lifting. Operators should not attempt to take apart or
perform maintenance on equipment when working alone.
Hazard
Ill health or contraction of
conditions through exposure
to bio hazards
Possible contact with bio hazards during carpet cleaning due to stains caused by blood, vomit, faeces, urine
etc. Avoid possible contact by checking with customers before tackling stains in each property. Always wear
goggles, gloves and a mask when tackling such stains. This applies to stains from animals as well as
humans.