Commercial Driveway Cleaning Health & Safety Policy

This policy sets out the commitment of our team to safe, effective commercial driveway cleaning and related services for business premises, car parks and communal access ways. It applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged in commercial pressure washing, driveway surface cleaning and maintenance work. The aim is to reduce risks to employees, visitors, customers and members of the public while delivering high-quality driveway cleaning for businesses.

We will implement risk-based procedures for planning and carrying out commercial driveway washing tasks, ensuring that every operation is subject to a pre-task assessment, documented safe system of work and appropriate supervision. Responsibilities include providing training, safe equipment and monitoring for ongoing compliance with this policy.

All work begins with a thorough site survey to identify hazards such as vehicle and pedestrian traffic, slip and trip risks, adjacent landscaping, drainage, chemical exposure and underground services. For each commercial driveway maintenance project a written assessment will be produced that records control measures, traffic management, personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency arrangements.

Roles, Responsibilities and Training

Managers are responsible for ensuring staff competence through documented training and regular refresher sessions on safe use of pressure washers, steam cleaners and cleaning agents used in commercial driveway cleaning services. Supervisors must confirm that operatives understand site-specific controls before work begins.

Operatives must wear appropriate PPE at all times — at a minimum this includes splash-resistant eye protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing and slip-resistant footwear. When using chemical detergents or removing biofilm and oil deposits, additional respiratory or chemical-resistant garments may be required. Training covers equipment operation, correct nozzle selection, safe distances, and mitigating risks from high-pressure water.

Key training topics include:

• Correct setup, use and shut-down of pressure washing equipment
• Safe handling and dilution of detergents and biodegradable cleaning agents
• Traffic and pedestrian control for commercial driveway cleaning sites
• Spill control, drainage protection and pollution prevention

Safe Work Procedures and Controls

Before commencing any commercial driveway washing, the operative will establish a perimeter, use cones and barriers as required and implement a clear exclusion zone. Driveway cleaning service for commercial properties must avoid directing water towards sensitive landscaping, drainage gullies or pedestrian thoroughfares. Wastewater containment and appropriate disposal methods will be used to prevent contamination of storm drains.

Equipment will be inspected daily. Only trained staff may operate powered washing units. Electrical connections must be suitable for outdoor use and traction risks minimised; RCD protection and dry cable routes will be adopted where practicable. Pressure settings will be chosen to achieve cleaning without damaging surfaces, and rotating cleaners or low-pressure techniques used on fragile paving.

Chemical use will be limited to products approved for commercial driveway cleaning, and where possible eco-friendlier formulations will be selected. Safety data sheets (SDS) must be available on-site, and spill kits provided. All containers will be labelled and stored securely. In the event of an accidental spill, staff will isolate the area, contain the spill and follow the emergency spill response procedure.

Traffic Management & Public Safety: For driveways that interact with active vehicle routes, a traffic management plan will be prepared. This may include temporary signage, cones, flaggers and coordination with site management. Pedestrian routes should be clearly signed and, where required, alternate safe walkways provided. The organisation will consider peak site times to minimise disruption.

Incident Reporting & Emergency Response: Any incident, injury, near miss or environmental concern must be reported immediately through the incident reporting process. First aid arrangements will be in place, and staff trained in basic emergency response. Fire risks are minimised by proper flammable storage and safe fueling arrangements for petrol-powered units.

Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement: The policy will be reviewed regularly and following any significant incident. Routine audits of equipment, PPE, training records and site risk assessments will be carried out. Corrective actions and improvements will be recorded and implemented promptly to maintain a high standard of safe commercial driveway cleaning.

Suppliers and subcontractors engaged to assist with commercial driveway maintenance must comply with this policy and demonstrate equivalent safety standards. Contracts will specify expectations for safe operation, environmental protection and insurance requirements relevant to large-scale driveway or forecourt cleaning.

Record Keeping: Records will be kept of site surveys, risk assessments, training, equipment inspections and incidents. These records help ensure accountability and enable targeted improvements in commercial driveway wash operations.

By following this policy our team aims to deliver reliable, professional and safe commercial driveway cleaning and commercial driveway maintenance services that protect people, property and the environment while maintaining operational efficiency.