Health and Safety Cleaning Hygiene Operative Level 2

[Audio] Welcome to this session on Health and Safety for the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative course..

[Audio] Health and safety in cleaning is crucial for several reasons: Worker Safety: Cleaning involves the use of various chemicals, equipment, and tools that can pose risks if not handled properly. Ensuring proper safety measures protects workers from accidents, injuries, and long-term health issues caused by exposure to hazardous substances or unsafe working conditions. Preventing Accidents: Cleaning often involves working with slippery surfaces, heights, or heavy equipment. Implementing health and safety protocols reduces the risk of slips, trips, falls, and other accidents, thereby safeguarding both cleaners and occupants of the space. Minimizing Health Risks: Cleaning agents and chemicals can release harmful fumes or substances that, if inhaled or touched, can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues. Proper safety practices help mitigate these risks and promote a healthier work environment. Protection from Infections and Diseases: Effective cleaning protocols are vital in controlling the spread of infections, bacteria, and viruses, especially in public spaces, healthcare facilities, and shared environments. Following proper health and safety guidelines minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and helps maintain a hygienic environment. Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to health and safety standards and regulations set by local authorities or regulatory bodies is essential for both legal compliance and ethical responsibility. Failure to comply can result in legal repercussions and damage to an organization's reputation. Enhancing Productivity: A safe and healthy work environment fosters higher morale, better focus, and increased productivity among cleaning staff. When employees feel safe and supported, they are more likely to perform their duties effectively and efficiently..

[Audio] We morally want to protect our workforce because we morally owe a duty of reasonable care to our employees. We need to think of 3 major areas in terms of morality. We need to think abut the effect as a result of our own acts or ommisions Safety: Safety - The effect on families, friends and colleagues of accidents / Costs to society / NHS / Rehabilitation (1 mark). Health - Mental, physical and social wellbeing of employees and effect on families, friends and colleagues (1 mark). Environmental - The effect on the wider environment which may be affected by the organisation's activities / Spillages / Pollution / Social responsibilities to care for others who may be affected by the organisation's activities (1 mark). The standards only cover moral obligations but I know that legal and financial will also come up at some point in the EPA. We need to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations, so we have a legal duty, we should not accept that workers will be injured, so we have a moral duty and financially, accidents could ruin companies, so we have a financial duty. Assessments will lead to a reduced level of occupational injuries and ill-health, only by implementing safety measures will all parties who are at risk be protected. Assessments are carried out to lead us to safe systems of work/method statement and should only be carried out by a competent person, involving those who have knowledge of the task will not only give a good insight into hazards encountered but it will also facilitate buy in by the workforce, "I had a part in developing the safe system of work".

[Audio] Remember your duties as a cleaner in regard to Health and Safety.

undefined. Health & Safety legislation. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974..

undefined. Health & Safety legislation. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

[Audio] Hazard signage in your role is vital to warn others of risk. Understanding what the signs mean will help you in quickly working out when chemicals are toxic, when not to mix them with others or how to dispose of the chemical..

undefined. Health & Safety legislation. Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences 2013 (RIDDOR).

undefined. Manual Handling. Manual handling is the term used to describe the act of transporting or supporting loads by hand or bodily force. Transporting includes all of these actions: • Lifting • Moving • Carrying • Pushing and Pulling • Putting down.

undefined. Sharps. What is a sharps injury?. Known as a percutaneous injury meaning piercing the skin Caused by needles, glass and other sharp objects which can cause infection and injury.

[Audio] It is essential to complete lifting and carrying in the correct way to prevent you in injuring yourself. It is regulated by the The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992. Manual handing causes over a third of a workplace injuries Step 1 Stop, think and plan Is the route clear of obstruction? Do you require specialist lifting equipment? DO NOT lift more than you can Do you need help? Step 2 Adopt a stable and comfortable position Feet shoulder width apart One leg slightly bent forward for balance Maintain stability Step 3 Maintain a good grip Keep the item close to your body Keep the heavy side close to your body Use your legs to help you lift and not just your hands and arms Step 4 Maintain a good posture Lift the item using your knees bent Use your leg muscle and not your back Keep your shoulders level Step 5 Adjust the load If you need to, set down the item at waist height and then move to a more comfortable position Avoid twisting and leaning sideways.

[Audio] You may require equipment to help you lift..

[Audio] PPE is vital to protect your health and wellbeing as well as your customers. It is also a legal requirement.

Thank you!.