Our approach to safety
 

• We identify foreseeable hazards before work begins and consider the people who may be affected by cleaning activities.

• We use practical controls to reduce risks, review those controls when conditions change and respond to reported

hazards.

• We plan cleaning so entrances, walkways, emergency exits and shared areas remain as safe and accessible as

reasonably practicable.

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Risk assessment and hazard control

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• Cleaning tasks and site conditions can create risks such as wet floors, slips and trips, manual handling injuries, electrical

hazards, chemical exposure, sharps and biological contamination.

• We consider the specific site, task, equipment, people using the area and timing of the work. Where a risk cannot be

adequately controlled, work is paused and the issue is raised with the relevant site contact.

• Wet-floor signs and barriers are used where appropriate. Work areas are managed to reduce interaction between

cleaning activities and occupants or visitors.

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Safe cleaning practices

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• Cleaning equipment is checked before use. Damaged or unsafe equipment is taken out of service and reported.

• Safe work methods are used for vacuuming, mopping, rubbish handling, amenities cleaning and other routine tasks.

• Manual handling is planned to avoid unnecessary lifting, awkward loads and unsafe movement of furniture or equipment.

• Work at height, roof access, specialist remediation and other higher-risk tasks are not undertaken unless separately

assessed and appropriately authorised, equipped and competent.

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Chemicals and product safety

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• Products are selected for the intended task and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label and current Safety Data

Sheet (SDS).

• Relevant SDS information is made accessible to people who use the products. Instructions for dilution, ventilation,

storage, personal protection, first aid and disposal are followed.

• Chemicals are kept in suitable, labelled containers and stored securely. Products are never mixed, and unlabelled or

unknown chemicals are not used.

• Spills or suspected chemical exposures are managed in accordance with product information and the circumstances.

Specialist assistance is sought where a spill cannot be safely managed by trained and equipped personnel.

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Personal protective equipment

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• PPE is selected according to the task, site risk assessment and product instructions.

• Depending on the work, this may include enclosed slip-resistant footwear, suitable gloves, eye protection, protective

clothing or other task-specific equipment.

• PPE is checked, maintained and replaced when damaged or unsuitable. PPE is one part of our safety approach and does

not replace effective hazard controls.

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Workers and subcontractors

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• People engaged to perform cleaning work are provided with relevant safety information and site-specific instructions

before starting.

• Induction and communication cover relevant site hazards, access and security requirements, emergency arrangements,

safe work methods, chemical handling, PPE and how to report hazards or incidents.

• Subcontractors are expected to follow applicable safety requirements, use suitable equipment and PPE, report hazards

promptly and ensure anyone they engage is appropriately informed and competent.

• We communicate and coordinate with clients, strata managers, building managers and other duty holders where safety

responsibilities overlap.

Incident and hazard reporting

• Injuries, near misses, property damage, chemical exposures and unsafe conditions should be reported to the Alfred’s

representative and the relevant site contact as soon as practicable.

• Where an emergency exists, people should first move to safety and contact emergency services. Incidents are reviewed

so contributing factors can be considered and corrective action taken.

• Where required, incidents are assessed for notification to the relevant regulator in accordance with applicable

requirements.

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Emergency response

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• Site-specific emergency arrangements, including exits, evacuation routes, assembly points and first aid arrangements,

are checked or communicated as part of site planning and induction.

• In an immediate emergency in Australia, call 000 for Police, Fire or Ambulance. Follow the building’s emergency

instructions and directions from wardens or emergency services.

• Cleaning work is stopped and the area is left when it is unsafe to continue.

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Review and improvement

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• We review safety practices when work methods, sites, products or equipment change, after incidents or when inspections

identify that controls need improvement.

• Feedback from clients, site contacts, workers and subcontractors helps us identify practical improvements to our cleaning

services and safety arrangements.

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