Decent Cleaning — Professional Standards & Compliance
🧱 1. Purpose of This Guide
This COSHH guide ensures every Decent Cleaning team member understands:
- The hazardous substances used in cleaning
- How to handle them safely
- How to protect themselves, clients, and the environment
- Their legal responsibilities under UK COSHH regulations
It forms part of Decent Cleaning’s mandatory training and certification pathway.
🧪 2. What Counts as a Hazardous Substance in Cleaning
In our industry, hazardous substances include:
Cleaning Chemicals
- Multi‑purpose cleaners
- Descalers
- Bleach and disinfectants
- Oven cleaners
- Floor care chemicals
By‑Products
- Chemical vapours
- Aerosols from spraying
- Dust from vacuuming or agitation
Biological Hazards
- Mould
- Bodily fluids
- Contaminated waste
📋 3. COSHH Risk Assessment (Decent Cleaning Standard)
Every product we use must have a COSHH assessment completed and stored in our central system.
Each assessment includes:
- Product name & supplier
- Hazard classification (CLP symbols)
- Risks to health
- Required PPE
- Safe handling instructions
- First aid measures
- Spill response
- Storage requirements
Staff must read and understand the COSHH sheet before using any product.
🛡️ 4. Hierarchy of Controls (Applied to Cleaning Work)
1. Elimination / Substitution
We always choose the least hazardous effective product. Example: Using neutral pH cleaners instead of corrosive alternatives.
2. Engineering Controls
- Ensure rooms are ventilated
- Avoid spraying into the air unnecessarily
- Use dilution systems where provided
3. Administrative Controls
- Follow Decent Cleaning’s step‑by‑step cleaning procedures
- Never mix chemicals
- Only decant chemicals into labelled containers
- Keep COSHH sheets accessible on site
4. PPE (Last Line of Defence)
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety goggles when handling corrosives
- Masks when using sprays in enclosed spaces
- Aprons for wet work
🧤 5. PPE Requirements (Decent Cleaning Standard)
| Task | Required PPE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom cleaning | Gloves, apron | Avoid splashes; ventilate room |
| Oven cleaning | Gloves, goggles | Strong chemicals — do not inhale vapours |
| Descaling | Gloves, goggles | Acidic products — protect eyes |
| Floor cleaning | Gloves | Avoid skin contact with detergents |
| Waste handling | Gloves, apron | Treat as contaminated material |
🚨 6. Emergency Procedures
Chemical Contact with Skin
- Rinse immediately with plenty of water
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Report to supervisor
Chemical Contact with Eyes
- Rinse for at least 10 minutes
- Seek medical attention
Inhalation of Vapours
- Move to fresh air
- Report symptoms immediately
Spills
- Contain spill
- Use appropriate absorbent materials
- Never mix chemicals to “neutralise”
🗄️ 7. Storage & Labelling Standards
Decent Cleaning follows strict storage rules:
- Keep chemicals in original containers
- Store in a cool, dry, locked area
- Never store acids and alkalis together
- Never store chemicals near food
- Ensure all containers have clear labels
📚 8. Training & Competency
All staff must complete:
- COSHH induction training
- Product‑specific training
- Annual refresher training
- On‑site briefings for new chemicals
Supervisors verify competency before staff work independently.
🧭 9. Waste Disposal
- Follow local authority waste rules
- Never pour chemicals down drains unless approved
- Double‑bag contaminated waste
- Label hazardous waste clearly
✔️ 10. Quick Reference Summary
| Area | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Identify | Know the hazards of each product |
| Assess | Read COSHH sheets before use |
| Control | Use ventilation, safe methods, PPE |
| Store | Keep chemicals secure & labelled |
| Respond | Follow emergency procedures |
| Train | Complete all COSHH training modules |