Health and Safety Policy for Tarmac Driveway Cleaning

This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and practical measures our gardening and grounds maintenance teams follow when carrying out tarmac driveway cleaning and related exterior services. It is designed to protect staff, clients, contractors and the public while ensuring efficient, compliant delivery of driveway tarmac cleaning and associated works. The document outlines roles and responsibilities, risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment handling, environmental precautions and reporting procedures.

The policy applies to all operatives undertaking tarmac cleaning for driveways, including power washing, chemical treatments, surface debris removal and minor repairs performed as part of a broader groundskeeping contract. Supervisors will ensure that each job is scoped with appropriate risk controls before work commences, and that teams are briefed on site-specific hazards such as vehicular access, pedestrian routes and nearby landscaping features.

Before any job, a written or verbal site assessment is completed and recorded. Identified risks are documented and control measures agreed. Foreseeable risks include slips and trips on wet tarmac, manual handling injuries when lifting equipment or waste, noise from high-pressure cleaners, and chemical exposure from detergents. The aim is to eliminate risks where possible, or reduce them using safe systems of work and protective measures.

Responsibilities, Training and Supervision

Managers are responsible for ensuring that teams have suitable training in driveway tarmac cleaning techniques, safe equipment use and emergency response. Operatives must be competent in the use of pressure washers, vacuum extractors and any surface treatment applicators. All staff receive induction on health and safety policies and periodic refresher training. Supervisors will monitor compliance and provide on-the-job coaching to maintain safe standards.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory for all tasks where hazards are present. Required PPE may include protective footwear with slip-resistant soles, gloves resistant to cleaning chemicals, eye protection, hearing protection for noisy equipment and high-visibility clothing where work is near roadways. PPE selection is determined through risk assessment and is routinely inspected and replaced when worn or damaged.

Safe work procedures for all stages of the service are documented and include pre-start equipment checks, secure storage of chemicals, cordoning off work areas to protect passersby, and clear signage directing public away from wet surfaces. A list of critical controls includes:

• Pre-job risk assessments and method statements
• Use of residual-current device (RCD) protection on electrical equipment
• Containment and responsible disposal of surface runoff and waste

Equipment, Chemicals and Environmental Controls

All machinery used for tarmac driveway cleaning service operations is maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. Regular inspections and servicing records are kept to ensure reliability and safety. Operators must check hoses, nozzles and pressure settings before use and only operate equipment within rated parameters to avoid damage to surfaces or injury.

Where chemical cleaners or biocides are needed, product selection aims to minimise environmental impact while achieving effective cleaning. Chemicals are used sparingly and applied in accordance with instructions; spill kits are available on site. Waste water and rinse-off are managed to avoid contaminating drains and landscaped areas; containment measures such as absorbent booms or temporary capture systems are used where necessary to prevent runoff into sensitive zones.

Manual handling guidance is applied to reduce strain and musculoskeletal injuries during loading, unloading and positioning of equipment. Team lifts, mechanical aids and handling training form part of standard practice. Where work is adjacent to planted beds or sensitive features, specialists will advise on protective measures to avoid damage to vegetation.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as injury, chemical exposure, fuel spills or damage to third-party property. All operatives are trained in first aid and clear protocols exist for summoning emergency services. Incidents are reported promptly, investigated, and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence. Near-miss reporting is encouraged to identify improvement opportunities in safe working methods.

Monitoring and review are integral to the policy. Supervisors conduct periodic site audits and toolbox talks to review adherence to safe practices for driveway cleaning on tarmac surfaces. Records of inspections, training, equipment maintenance and incident reports are maintained to demonstrate continual improvement and accountability.

This policy is supported by a commitment to ongoing risk reduction and staff welfare. Everyone engaged in tarmac driveway cleaning must follow the measures set out here, raise concerns when hazards are observed, and participate in training. By applying consistent, practical controls and promoting a culture of safety, our gardening service area aims to deliver high-quality tarmac driveway cleaning with minimised risk to people and the environment.