Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Building Pressure Washing

Purpose and Scope

This policy sets out the health and safety approach for commercial building pressure washing carried out by our gardening service teams. It covers work on external facades, walkways, car parks, gutters, and ancillary structures where high-pressure water cleaning, low-pressure soft wash treatments, or combined mechanical and chemical cleaning are used. The policy applies to all staff, contractors, and subcontractors involved in commercial pressure washing activities and reflects a commitment to safe working, environmental protection, and the prevention of harm to members of the public and property.

Policy Statement

We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality pressure wash services to commercial properties while minimising risk. All employees must follow safe systems of work for building pressure washing, use PPE, complete appropriate training, and follow the written procedures set out here. This policy promotes proactive management of risks associated with pressure cleaning of buildings and exteriors.

Responsibilities — The organisation will ensure adequate resources for safe operation, including training, equipment, supervision and monitoring. Supervisors are responsible for carrying out risk assessments and confirming that staff are competent for commercial exterior pressure cleaning tasks. Individual operatives must follow instructions, report hazards, and wear required protection. Clients and site managers should be informed of the scope and timing of pressure washing activities to reduce exposure to others.

Risk Assessment and Method Statements

Prior to any pressure washing for commercial buildings, a documented risk assessment and method statement will be prepared. Assessments will consider working at height, proximity to pedestrians and traffic, potential for slip hazards, noise, manual handling, and the use of detergents. Where scaffolding, access platforms or harnesses are needed, work will comply with safe access procedures and be supervised by competent staff.

Control Measures — Controls include but are not limited to:

• Site cordons, signage and traffic management to protect the public.
• Use of low-drift nozzles and controlled water pressure to protect surfaces.
• Appropriate PPE: eye protection, gloves, boots with slip-resistant soles, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection where mist or chemicals are present.

Equipment, Chemicals and Maintenance

All pressure washers, hoses, lances and accessories must be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Chemical agents used in soft washing must be approved for external use and handled by trained operatives. A register of equipment inspections and chemical risk data sheets will be kept. Regular servicing reduces the likelihood of sudden failures that could cause injury or property damage.

Training and Competence — Staff engaged in building pressure cleaning will receive induction and task-specific training that covers equipment use, safe handling of detergents, working at height, emergency procedures and spill response. Competency is assessed and refreshed periodically to ensure operatives remain confident in delivering safe commercial pressure washing services.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response — An emergency plan will be in place for incidents such as slips, falls, chemical exposure or equipment failure. First aid arrangements, emergency contacts and spill kits will be available on site. Incidents will be reported, investigated and recorded to prevent recurrence.

Environmental Protection — Wastewater runoff from pressure washing can carry silt, oils and chemical residues. Measures to protect drains, landscaping and adjacent properties include using water recovery systems, bunding, silt traps and biodegradable cleaners. Where possible, run-off will be contained and disposed of in accordance with environmental guidance to protect soil and groundwater, particularly when working close to planted areas or sensitive habitats serviced by gardening teams.

Traffic and Public Safety — For pressure washing commercial properties where public access exists, exclusion zones, temporary barriers and clear signage will be deployed. If work encroaches on pavements or car parks, appropriate permits and local site permissions will be sought and traffic marshals used to maintain safe access.

Monitoring and Record Keeping — Records of risk assessments, training, equipment checks, site inspections and incidents will be maintained. Regular audits of pressure washing operations will be conducted to ensure compliance with this policy. Continuous improvement is encouraged: lessons from audits and incident investigations will inform training updates and procedural changes.

Implementation and Review — This policy is implemented through operational procedures, supervision and staff engagement. Managers will ensure that safe systems for pressure wash commercial properties are followed, and that operatives are empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions are identified. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice for commercial exterior cleaning.

Summary of key actions:

• Complete and document site-specific risk assessments before starting work.
• Ensure all operatives are trained and competent for building pressure washing tasks.
• Maintain equipment and record inspections; control water and chemical run-off.

Final Statement — By following this health and safety policy for commercial pressure washing, our gardening company area teams will deliver safe, effective, and environmentally responsible building pressure cleaning services. Commitment from management and vigilance from operatives are essential to protect people, property and the environment during all pressure washing activities.

End of policy document.