Health and Safety Policy for Garbage Bin Cleaning Services

This policy sets out the commitment of our gardening and grounds maintenance service to provide safe, efficient and sanitary garbage bin cleaning, container washing and wheelie bin sanitisation across the service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and anyone engaged in refuse container cleaning tasks. The objective is to reduce risk of injury, contamination and environmental harm while delivering a reliable bin cleaning service that complements landscape and garden maintenance work.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers routine trash bin cleaning, deep sanitisation, mechanical jet-wash operations and any associated manual handling. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that teams follow procedures; operatives must follow instructions and use personal protective equipment. Management will provide training, resources and supervision so that bin care and container cleaning are performed in a way that protects staff, clients and the public.

All personnel involved in rubbish bin cleaning, refuse container washing or general bin hygiene must be familiar with this document. Line managers will ensure risk assessments are completed for each site, including gardens, communal areas and customer properties. Staff must report hazards, near misses and any incidents promptly so controls can be reviewed and improved.

Training, Competence and PPE

Operatives receive structured training in safe bin cleaning techniques, including correct use of high-pressure equipment, safe handling of cleaning substances and hygiene protocols. Training covers manual handling when lifting bins, safe vehicle operation during mobile bin cleaning, and measures to avoid slips, trips and falls in wet areas. Personal protective equipment is mandatory: chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, waterproof overalls and slip-resistant footwear.

Equipment maintenance is critical. Only authorised personnel will service pressure washers, pumps, hoses and containment systems. A routine checklist ensures machines are inspected before use and defects are reported. Fuel, battery and electrical equipment are stored separately and maintained to prevent leaks and ignition hazards during yard-based or mobile bin cleaning operations.

Safe use of cleaning agents is emphasised. Where chemical cleaners or disinfectants are used for bin sanitisation, staff follow manufacturer instructions and label guidance. Containers of chemicals are clearly marked, and material safety data information is accessible. Substitution with less hazardous products is considered where effectiveness allows.

Control measures for reducing health risks include engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. Engineering controls include backflow prevention, secure hose couplings and containment trays for wastewater. Administrative controls include job rotation to limit repetitive tasks, scheduled breaks when working in hot conditions, and avoiding cleaning during peak pedestrian hours in public gardens or high footfall locations.

Practical safe working procedures for bin cleaning: first, assess the bin and immediate environment; second, remove solid waste and loose debris using tools rather than hands; third, apply cleaning solution and allow dwell time before pressure rinsing; fourth, collect wash water and dispose of residues according to site requirements. If cleaning takes place near planted areas, take care to protect soil and plant beds from runoff.

Key controls are summarised below to support daily operations and management oversight:

• Pre-work checks: equipment, PPE, site risk assessment.
• Hygiene measures: handwashing facilities, accessible sanitiser and changing areas.
• Waste management: capture and contain wash water, segregate solids and dispose appropriately.
• Traffic and public safety: use signage, cones and cordons when working near paths or driveways.
• Incident reporting and record keeping: maintain logs of cleaning cycles and any incidents.

Handling contaminated waste and spill response: staff must treat organic waste and odour-laden residues as potentially infectious. Spills are contained with absorbent materials, and contaminated solids are bagged and sealed before disposal. Wash water that contains significant solids should be strained and solids disposed of with residual refuse per site policy; managers will determine lawful drainage or disposal routes that avoid environmental contamination.

Emergency procedures: in the event of chemical exposure, eye irrigation or medical attention must be sought and recorded. For injuries, follow first aid protocols and notify supervisors immediately. Any significant environmental release or unsafe equipment failure triggers a temporary stop to operations until a competent person confirms it is safe to resume.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement are part of this policy. Regular audits, toolbox talks and refresher training maintain standards. Performance indicators include incident rates, compliance with PPE use, and customer complaints related to cleanliness or damage. Management will review this policy at least annually and update it when new equipment, processes or hazards are identified. Everyone has a role in keeping bin cleaning activities safe and sustainable while supporting the gardening service area with clean, well-maintained refuse containers.