Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Tarmac Cleaning

Purpose: This policy sets out the health, safety and environmental standards for commercial tarmac cleaning and associated surface maintenance. It applies to all staff, contractors and site visitors involved in commercial tarmac cleaning services, including car park and driveway cleaning, commercial asphalt cleaning and tarmac surface maintenance. The aim is to prevent injury, protect property and minimise environmental impact while delivering high-quality pavement and tarmac cleaning services.

Scope and objectives

This policy covers routine and specialist tasks: pressure washing, oil and stain removal, jetting, leaf and debris removal, surface treatments and surface repairs related to commercial paving and tarmac maintenance. It defines responsibilities, safe systems of work, required personal protective equipment (PPE) and control measures to manage risks from slips, falls, chemical exposure, moving vehicles, and equipment operation on busy commercial sites.

Risk assessment and control measures

All operations must be preceded by a documented risk assessment. Controls include:

• Clear exclusion zones and signage when operating near pedestrians or vehicles.
• Use of appropriate PPE — gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and non-slip footwear.
• Correct selection and dilution of cleaning agents for tarmac surface cleaning and commercial asphalt cleaning to avoid surface damage and chemical runoff.

These measures reduce hazards associated with working on car parks, loading bays and external paved areas.

Roles and responsibilities

Managers must ensure that safe work procedures for commercial tarmac cleaning are in place and communicated. Supervisors are responsible for daily site checks, verifying equipment maintenance and confirming that operatives are competent for the assigned tasks. Operatives must follow written procedures, wear specified PPE and report any unsafe condition. Contractors engaged for industrial tarmac cleaning are required to comply with this policy and provide evidence of training and insurance.

Safe systems and equipment The safe use of pressure washers, sweepers and vacuum units is essential. Equipment must be inspected before use and maintained to manufacturer standards. Controls for tarmac surface cleaning include secure hose management, temperature regulation for hot-water units and backflow prevention on fuel and chemical lines. Use mechanical aids and team lifting for heavy items and ensure tool guards and emergency stops are functional. Never bypass safety devices.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

PPE is mandatory for all cleaning operatives. This includes certified eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, hearing protection where noise levels are high, and high-visibility garments for work near traffic. For specific stain removal jobs or when using concentrated cleaners, respiratory protection may be required. Supervisors will maintain PPE stocks and replace damaged items promptly to support safe commercial tarmac cleaning work.

Training and competence

All staff must complete training in safe use of cleaning equipment, hazard recognition for tarmac maintenance and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided periodically and whenever new equipment or chemicals are introduced. Competence includes understanding environmental controls for washwater management and spill response procedures for oil and fuel incidents on paved surfaces.

Environmental and waste controls Wastewater and residues from tarmac cleaning must be controlled to prevent contamination of drains and local watercourses. Use appropriate containment methods, oil separators or licensed waste disposal services for hazardous residues. Select biodegradable and low-toxicity cleaning agents suitable for commercial paving cleaning where possible. Record waste disposal and chemical use to support environmental stewardship and continuous improvement.

Incident response, monitoring and review

In the event of an incident, immediate steps include securing the area, providing first aid and notifying supervisory staff. Near-misses must be reported and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. The health and safety performance of commercial tarmac cleaning operations will be regularly audited, and this policy reviewed at least annually or after significant changes. Continuous improvement is encouraged through feedback, training updates and adoption of safer equipment and cleaning methods.