Health & Safety Policy for Industrial Pressure Washing Services

Our gardening company provides specialised industrial pressure washing services and is committed to delivering work that protects people, property and the environment. This policy sets out the standards and procedures that our teams follow when carrying out industrial power washing, commercial pressure cleaning and related exterior cleaning tasks in our service area. It applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in pressure washing and associated site preparation work.

We adopt a proactive approach to risk management. Before any pressure washing or industrial jet washing operation starts, a site-specific risk assessment is completed that identifies hazards such as slip risks, chemical exposure, nearby plant and wildlife, and access constraints. The assessment informs safe systems of work, which include method statements, exclusion zones, and environmental controls to prevent run-off into sensitive areas. Supervisors must ensure the assessment is recorded and communicated to everyone on site.

All operatives are trained in safe operation of pressure washing equipment, including hot- and cold-water wash systems, surface cleaners and portable jetting machines. Training covers correct nozzle selection, pressure settings, water temperature limits, and the use of detergents and biocides where necessary. Only competent staff may operate high-pressure machinery; apprentices and new staff work under close supervision until formally assessed as competent.

Equipment safety is central to the policy. Machines are inspected before use and are subject to regular maintenance checks. Hoses, fittings and couplings are pressure-rated and replaced if worn or damaged. Portable fuel-powered units are handled with fuel safety in mind, and electrical systems are protected by residual-current devices where appropriate. All faults are reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all pressure washing tasks. At minimum teams wear safety boots, gloves, eye protection and waterproof outerwear; higher-risk activities require face shields, hearing protection and cut-resistant clothing. Supervisors ensure PPE is fitted correctly and replaced when damaged. PPE is complemented by safe work practices such as two-person work for elevated or confined space tasks and the use of barriers to manage pedestrian and vehicle movement.

Control of water and chemicals is a priority. Where detergents, degreasers or sanitising agents are used, product data sheets are reviewed and the least hazardous effective product is chosen. Dilution, application and neutralisation procedures are followed to minimise environmental impact. Where possible, water is contained and removed via designated drainage or recovery systems; runoff management plans are implemented on each site to protect soil, planting and storm drains.

Emergency procedures are in place and rehearsed. First aid kits and spill kits are carried on site, and operatives know the location of emergency shutoffs for equipment. In the event of a significant spill or injury, site supervisors enact the emergency response plan, isolate hazards and notify the relevant emergency services if required. Regular drills reinforce response times and ensure staff remain confident in their roles.

Supervision and communication maintain safe outcomes. Job briefings take place at the start of each shift and whenever site conditions change. Permit-to-work arrangements are used for high-risk activities such as wash-down near electrical installations or work at height. Incident reporting is encouraged and non-punitive; near misses are reviewed to prevent recurrence and promote continuous improvement.

Monitoring and review complete the safety loop. Performance is measured by routine site audits, equipment checks and review of incident records. Training is refreshed regularly, and the safety policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner in response to legislative changes, new plant or when incidents indicate a need. Our gardening company integrates pressure cleaning safety into broader grounds maintenance operations to ensure consistent standards across services.