Commercial Driveway Jet Washing — Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and controls required for safe delivery of commercial driveway jet washing and allied exterior cleaning services carried out by a gardening company in its service area. The objective is to protect employees, subcontractors, clients, visitors and the public while ensuring continuity of service. This policy applies to all jobs where high-pressure cleaning, pressure jet cleaning and surface sanitation are used on commercial driveways, car parks, access ramps and loading bays.

Our driveway jet washing for commercial properties operations will comply with a framework of safe systems of work, routine risk assessment and continuous monitoring. The company will maintain a documented risk assessment process for commercial pressure jet cleaning and will ensure that control measures are proportionate to identified hazards such as flying debris, slip risks, chemical exposure and traffic interaction. All staff will be briefed on these controls before starting any work.

Scope and Responsibilities

Managers are responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented, reviewed and communicated. Operatives must follow safe work procedures when performing driveway pressure washing, and report hazards or near misses immediately. The gardening contractor will ensure that suitable equipment, correct detergents and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and maintained.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Before starting any commercial driveway pressure washing task, a dynamic risk assessment will be completed on site. Key elements include traffic management, cordon setup, ground condition checks, identification of fragile surfaces (e.g. old block paving or historic stone), and assessment of nearby drains and landscaping that could be affected by runoff. Control measures will include barriers, signage, dampening methods, and containment to avoid contamination of waterways.

Equipment checks and maintenance records are mandatory. High-pressure jetting machines, hoses, nozzles, and fittings will be inspected daily and tested as part of routine equipment maintenance. Only trained operatives will handle petrol or electric-driven pressure units and chemical dosing systems. Any faulty equipment will be taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Safe work procedures for driveway jet cleaning will specify appropriate pressure settings and nozzle selection for different surfaces to prevent surface damage. Where mechanical removal of deposits is required, methods such as rotary surface cleaners will be preferred to reduce operator fatigue and improve control.

Personal protective equipment is essential for safe commercial driveway jet washing. Mandatory PPE includes: high-visibility clothing, waterproof protective footwear with slip-resistant soles, heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles or face shields, and hearing protection when necessary. Respiratory protection will be used when there is a risk of inhalation from aerosols or when working with certain cleaning chemicals.

Training and competence are central to the policy. All operatives will receive documented training in pressure washer operation, manual handling, chemical handling and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be provided at regular intervals and when new equipment or processes are introduced. Competence assessments will be recorded to ensure consistent service delivery.

Chemical Use and Environmental Controls

Chemicals used for driveway and pavement cleaning will be selected for effectiveness and environmental compatibility. The gardening company will maintain COSHH-like records detailing hazards, safe handling, dilution rates and first-aid measures. Spill kits and neutralising agents will be available on-site. Measures to avoid pollution of drains and landscaping include use of interceptor systems, absorbent booms and collection of wastewater where feasible.

Traffic and Public Safety

When working on commercial or public access driveways, traffic management plans will be implemented. This may include traffic cones, temporary signage, trained banksmen and coordination with site managers to reroute vehicles during operations. Operatives will maintain a safe working distance from moving vehicles and ensure pedestrians are guided around the work zone.

Emergency procedures are clear and visible. The site operative will carry a charged mobile device and first-aid kit, and at least one team member will be trained in first aid. In the event of an injury, chemical exposure or pollution incident, work will be stopped, the area secured and emergency services contacted if required. Incidents will be recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring and review ensure continuous improvement. The company will undertake periodic audits of commercial pressure jet cleaning activities, record near misses, and collect feedback from site supervisors to refine risk controls. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or after any significant incident, change in equipment or process, or changes in legal requirements.

Contractual arrangements with clients will state that the gardening company may suspend operations if unsafe conditions are present or if the client fails to provide necessary site information. Health and Safety performance will be a condition of contract acceptance, and works will not proceed without a satisfactory risk control plan.

All personnel are expected to uphold the policy and to act prudently when delivering driveway jetting services to commercial clients. By following these procedures for commercial driveway jet washing services, the company commits to protecting people, property and the environment while delivering high-quality cleaning outcomes across its service area.

Signed on behalf of the company: the policy is issued for implementation and will be communicated to all staff and relevant subcontractors. Regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and clear operational controls are the foundations of safe, reliable and environmentally responsible driveway pressure washing for commercial properties.