The Nine Health and Safety Essentials Every Cleaner Needs to Know (and Apply)

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If you work in the cleaning industry it’s important to have a good understanding of health and safety practices.

Health and safety doesn’t just apply to a commercial cleaning company, or big companies that need to ensure workplace safety for their cleaning staff. As an individual cleaner you have a responsibility to keep yourself and others safe from your cleaning work activities, too.

But there’s no need to feel daunted.

Health and safety is just about identifying hazards that could cause harm to you or others and taking reasonable steps to avoid them, which is what you’d do anyway.

And it makes sense to educate yourself about the potential hazards that exist in your work activities, and considering control measure that will help you avoid them.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most important health and safety considerations you need to know as a domestic cleaners. With some simple steps you can take for each.

Health and safety for cleaners

According to Health and Safety Executive (hse.gov,) 561,000 people were injured at work in 2022 and 2023. More than 30% of those injuries were caused by a slip, trip, or fall, and almost 20% were sustained by handling, lifting, or carrying.

Considering that the UK cleaning industry employs 5% of all workers, with many of these accidents involving cleaners (as noted by the British Cleaning Council). By adhering to health and safety policies you can reduce the risks involved in cleaning, and avoid being one of these statistics.

So here are the nine safety tips to help you work safely as a cleaner.

1. Use hazardous chemicals and substances safely (COSHH)

The health and safety regulations that deal with use of chemicals are called the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health” (or COSHH for short).

Hazardous substances doesn’t just mean dangerous substances like toxic waste!

Control of substances hazardous to health sounds like a secret government department that handles toxic waste! But the truth is that COSHH assessment applies to all cleaning chemicals (even natural and eco products).

As a cleaner you’ll naturally work with these hazardous substances in the products and chemicals you use, so you need to handle them carefully and correctly to avoid potential hazards.

You can do this by following a few simple safety requirements:

• Keep products in their original packaging and make sure the labels are clear. Don’t transfer chemicals into different containers (with the exception of concentrated products designed to be diluted – which should be clearly labelled).
• Every product will have safety information on the label which should be followed.

• Products should also have a full ‘safety data sheet’ that can be found online from the manufacturer or supplier. This lists all the contents of the product including safe usage, storage, and disposal practices and and first aid measures in case of an emergency.
• Only use cleaning products according to their intended use and as directed by the manufacturer. For example, by using any PPE required. This is especially important with harsh chemicals such as mould removers.
• Never mix cleaning products. Certain chemicals can interact and cause toxicity, for example, bleach and ammonia. Even if you don’t use these chemicals as stand-alone cleaning agents, they can be hidden in regular household cleaning sprays.
• Store chemicals in a safe place that you and the client have agreed upon when they’re not in use. Avoid leaving products lying around and make sure they can’t be accessed by children, vulnerable people, or pets.
• Cleaning professionals consistently work with chemicals over a long period and so may be at increased risk of ill health. You should use good cleaning practices that control exposure to chemicals, and monitor your wellbeing for and issues that could develop over time (a process known as health surveillance).

For a more thorough overview of COSHH regulations, take a look at this guide from hse.gov.uk. 

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It’s also a good idea for cleaning staff to undergo some appropriate training in COSHH online. You can get started for free with this introductory video to help improve your own safety.

If you work as a cleaner for One Less Thing clients, you’ll usually use cleaning products that the client provides. This means you’re using products that your client is happy to be used in their home.

That said, no matter who supplies the cleaning products, it’s important to remember that just because they’re available to buy in the supermarket, it doesn’t mean they cant be hazardous. This is especially true when products are used frequently and over long periods. 

Bleach is a good example of this. While it can be a powerful cleaning agent, it carries significant health risks. That’s why One Less Thing cleaners avoid using bleach in client’s homes. 

In any case, you may still need to use stronger chemicals like mould sprays for certain tasks. So, make sure you open up windows to increase ventilation when you do.

For more information about the safety considerations of different household cleaning chemicals, take a look at this in-depth guide from Healthline.

2. Practice safe manual handling

Manual handling means any kind of lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of objects. Which basically describes the majority of a domestic cleaners work day. 🙂

Tasks such as vacuuming, taking the vacuum cleaner up and down stairs, and moving furniture during deep cleaning are all classed as manual handling. And bad manual handling practices can lead to injury, particularly musculoskeletal disorders or injuries (such as back pain).

In fact, these types of injuries are some of the most common in the cleaning profession. But there are some simple measures you can take to minimise the risks and avoid by learning proper techniques.

So, next time you attend a cleaning appointment, remember to do the following to ensure safe handling: 

• Assess the weight of an object before lifting, and ensure you have a clear path to manoeuvre.
• Use your legs to lift by bending at the knees, not your back. 
• Hold objects close to your body to ensure good balance and reduce strain on your shoulders and arms. 
• Use correct posture, keeping your back straight and your head up.
• Avoid awkward positions or twisting at the torso (instead, turn with your feet).
• Don’t overload yourself. Avoid lifting items that are beyond your ability or ask for assistance.
• Take regular breaks to avoid repetitive strain injury.

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Take a look at this video for more safe manual handling techniques to help you avoid injury.

3. Prevent slips, trips and falls

We know from HSE that slips, trips and falls are the most common causes of accidents in the UK.

This can apply to you as a domestic cleaner and others in the homes you’re cleaning.

For example by:

• Leaving the vacuum cleaner obstructing a walkway.
• Forgetting to unplug the vacuum cleaner and tripping on the cable.
• Slipping on spillages or wet, freshly mopped floors. 

How can cleaners avoid slips, trips and falls? 

• Keep work areas tidy. Don’t leave equipment, spray bottles, cloths and other items lying around.
• Keep electrical cords wound up when they’re not in use.
• Clean up spillages immediately.
• Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.
• Keep laces tied tight or wear non-laced shoes.
• Never overload or carry too much weight when climbing or descending stairs.
• Use non-slip cleaning agents on floors. You might also consider drying floors after mopping, especially if clients are at home.
• Look out for any uneven floor surfaces or trip hazards such as loose tiles and carpets. Report any hazards to the client as soon as you notice them.
• Work away from other people in the house while you’re cleaning. Make others aware of any safety issues, such as wet floors or trip hazards if they can’t be avoided.

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Watch this video for more information about avoiding slip, trip and fall hazards in a household setting.

4. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (or PPE) simply means workwear or equipment you use to protect yourself from harm.

For regular domestic cleaning, think gloves and aprons/overalls.

You should wear this PPE during a domestic clean to protect your clothing and skin from hazardous chemicals or contaminants. Gloves will protect your hands when cleaning bathrooms and handling cleaning chemicals or other potentially hazardous substances.

Additional PPE for domestic cleaners

Extra PPE (like a mask or respirator) may be needed when using harsher cleaning products such as mould cleaners, and those in powder form. Remember you should always read the label of any product you use and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines (including any PPE). 

Certain cleaning tasks, such as biohazard cleaning, require much more extensive PPE, like a full hazmat suit and a full-face respirator. However, you need specialist training for this type of cleaning, and it’s not included in a regular house cleaning appointment.

Proper disposal of PPE

Make sure you throw away disposable PPE correctly. Biohazard PPE should be placed in designated waste bins which are sealed to prevent exposure to others. 

Regular PPE for household cleaning, such as aprons and non-disposable gloves, can be cleaned and reused. Just be sure to wash aprons and gloves separately from other garments in the washing machine to avoid cross-contamination.

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Check out this video to learn more about PPE for domestic cleaners.

5. Be mindful of electrical safety

As a domestic cleaner, you’ll be working with and around electricity and household electrical appliances all the time.

But you can easily keep yourself and others safe from any potential risk of shock by following some simple, common sense safety precautions.

To reduce the risk of electric shock: 

• Inspect electrical equipment before use.

Check plugs, cords, and appliances for signs of damage, wear and tear. If you spot anything that doesn’t look right then let the client know immediately.

• Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension leads.

Only plug in one high-powered appliance at a time. Examples of high-powered items include those with motors, such as vacuum cleaners and heaters. You should also avoid plugging devices in via multiple extensions/adapters.

• Keep electrical appliances, sockets, and switches dry.

Never clean these areas with moisture-based solutions and avoid getting these items wet. Make sure your hands are dry before handling.

• Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.

Turn switches off at the wall on any sockets that aren’t in use.

For more tips on electrical safety take a look at this helpful article. 

6. Stay safe when working at height

Working at height doesn’t just mean going up a tall ladder. The HSE says that “work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.”

Wherever possible, working at height should be avoided. Consider if the task can be completed at ground level. For example, could items be lowered, or could you use cleaning equipment that allows you to clean high surfaces from the floor, such as an extendable feather duster?

When it can’t be avoided, you should always follow correct procedures when working at height.

At One Less Thing, we prioritise safety and compliance with insurance guidelines. As a result, our standard cleaning services don’t include tasks that require working at height.

Only complete tasks that you’re comfortable with. Specialist tasks that require working at height (such as cleaning outside windows and gutters) should only be carried out with specific training and equipment.

However, sometime inside cleaning jobs fall into this category too, so consider the risks carefully before you start and don’t carry out any tasks where the risks can’t be suitably managed.

If you do need to use steps or ladders to reach certain areas during a cleaning appointment (and you feel comfortable doing so,) here are some ways to minimise the risk of falls: 

• Inspect ladders and steps before using them to ensure they’re solid and in good condition. Watch this short video to learn how to carry out a quick yet thorough inspection. 
• Always use ladders/steps with non-slip feet.
• Always use ladders/steps on a flat stable surface.
• Make sure ladders/steps are locked into place.
• Maintain three points of contact (e.g. two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand).
• Never stand on surfaces that aren’t designed for climbing, for example, chairs and tables.
• Avoid overreaching. Instead, get down and reposition the ladder to access areas further away.
• Always keep your weight centred between the ladder rails to avoid losing your balance.

7. Stay safe when working alone 

As a domestic cleaner, you may find yourself working alone in empty properties, or in homes with unfamiliar clients.

You should be aware of the potential risks of lone working and take simple measures and safety tips to help you to stay safe. For instance, if you have an accident while working inside an empty property, there may be no one around to help or contact the emergency services.

You should also be mindful when cleaning inside a property with unfamiliar clients as this can pose potential personal safety risks, and cleaning inside an empty property with unlocked doors can leave you vulnerable to unauthorized access and theft.

These scenarios are very rare, and most of the time, you will be perfectly safe while working alone. However, it’s always a good idea to take simple precautions. For example:

• Consider sharing your daily schedule with a colleague, friend or family member so they know where you’ll be at what time.
• Arrange to check in occasionally via phone or text to confirm your safety. 

When you work with Working with One Less Thing means that we’ll have access to your cleaning schedule. We work with you to arrange any initial visits and have spoken to clients too and can be on hand before, during, and after any cleaning jobs.

Here are some extra tips to help you stay safe while lone working: 

• Before you begin cleaning, conduct a walk-through of the property. Identify any potential hazards and establish who, if anyone, is in the building with you.
• Identify entrances and exits.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and with you at all times.
• If you feel unsafe for any reason, trust your instincts and leave the property straight away.
• If possible, keep entrances and exits locked while you’re working alone. 

For more information about health and safety while lone working in the cleaning industry, read this helpful guide. 

8. Prevent injury

Cleaning is a physically demanding job that requires stamina and fitness. The nature of the work also increases the risk of injury. 

As a domestic cleaner you can be prone to strains and sprains, but if you follow the simple guidelines below, you can reduce the risks and keep yourself safe at work.

How to reduce the risk of injury at work:

• Build your fitness level to help avoid strains and sprains. Strong muscles provide support and stability to your joints.
• Use correct body mechanics. Follow the manual handling advice above to avoid musculoskeletal disorders and injuries when lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of objects.
• Avoid twisting at the torso. This can cause excess strain on your spine and the surrounding muscles.
• Pace yourself and take breaks when needed.
• Vary tasks to prevent repetitive strain injuries. For example, instead of saving all the vacuuming till the end of a cleaning session, mix it up with other tasks.
• Use ergonomic tools. For example, choose a lightweight vacuum cleaner to avoid strain on your muscles and joints, and extendable dusters and mops with adjustable height handles to minimise the need for bending.
• Pay attention to your posture and avoid slouching. Take a look at this video to learn how to vacuum with the correct posture.
• Wear comfortable shoes with proper support. Good shoes don’t just protect your feet, they also help to align your whole body.
• Stretch often. Simple stretches before and after cleaning will help to loosen stiff muscles and prevent injury.

Watch this video on preventing back injury while carrying out domestic house cleaning tasks. 

9. Perform risk assessments

As a domestic cleaner, you should carry out risk assessments to identify and control hazards to keep you and others safe.

If you’re new to this form of risk management, don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it might sound. All you need to do is follow these simple steps, as outlined here on the HSE.gov website.

1. Identify hazards. 

The good news is, that you’ve already learned about many of the common hazards that exist for domestic cleaners in this guide, so you know what you need to look out for to ensure a safe working environment.

Example: Walk through the area you are about to clean and look out for potential trip hazards. E.g. toys on the floor or electrical cords trailing across the room.

1. Assess the risks. 

Example: Consider the likelihood that you, your client, or another person in the home could trip over said toys or electrical cords. Also, consider the potential severity of injury it could cause.

1. Control the risks.

Describe the control measures that you’ll take to avoid the risk, or reduce it to a low and acceptable level.

Example: Tidy away toys and reel in electrical cords so the floor surface is clear of obstructions.

1. Record your findings. 

Example: If you’re carrying out a risk assessment for a cleaning business or a team of cleaners, document any notable hazards you’ve found, and the steps you’ve taken to control the risks.

1. Review the controls.

Example: Regularly check the area to make sure it’s still clear of obstructions and no new hazards have appeared. This is especially important when clients and other people are in the house while you’re cleaning. 

The HSE states “you’re not expected to eliminate all risks but you need to do everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect people from harm.”

This is true for cleaning businesses, which must document and store risk assessments on file, and for self-employed cleaners, too. As a self-employed cleaner, you won’t need to provide written evidence of risk assessments for the properties you clean, but you should still carry them out, even at homes you visit often.

When you identify a risk, evaluate its severity and adapt your cleaning routine and practices based on your findings.

If you identify a potential risk that you cannot easily control yourself, discuss this with your client. For example, if you notice damaged electrical cords or loose sockets.

To streamline the risk management process, we’ve put together a One Less Thing risk assessment document that you can use in any domestic cleaning setting. You can download it for free here. 

Conclusion 

We all face potential hazards in our everyday lives and work, but we can take simple measures to avoid or reduce those risks to help avoid injury.

Whether you work for a cleaning company or as an individual domestic cleaner you are no different. There are several potential hazards at work, but with basic understanding of health and safety procedures such as COSHH, manual handling, PPE, and slip, trip, and fall prevention, you can keep yourself, and others, safe.

Hopefully, the tips in this post have made you feel more confident in managing any health and safety risks effectively.

 For more information about health and safety measures for domestic cleaners, visit  hse.gov.uk/cleaning. 

FAQs

• How can I limit fatigue during long cleaning appointments?

Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and take regular breaks if you feel fatigued during a cleaning appointment. Just be sure to keep track of any break times and extend your clean accordingly so the client isn’t short-changed. 

• What should I do if I encounter a hazard I’m not trained to handle?

Never carry out a task you aren’t confident you can do safely. If in doubt, speak to your client about any concerns. 

• Are there any cleaning products I should avoid due to safety concerns?

Yes. One common example is bleach. This powerful cleaning agent can be harmful if not used properly. It can cause respiratory problems, damage skin, and interact with other products to create dangerous gasses. 

• How do I limit the effects of allergens and irritants while cleaning?

Always use the correct PPE for each cleaning product. If the required PPE isn’t detailed on the packaging, you can find this information on the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) online.

Avoid using any products you know you are allergic to, and never clean mould without the correct training and PPE for the job.

• What do I do if I feel unsafe in a client’s home? 

Your safety is paramount, so if you feel in danger at any time, trust your instincts and leave the property immediately. Find a safe space and call for help. 

• What should I do if I experience an injury while cleaning?

First of all, assess the severity of your injury. Carry out basic first aid for minor injuries like small cuts and bruises and let your client know what has happened.

For serious medical emergencies, call 999 and await help.