Health and Safety
Safety first
How we keep our team, customers, the public and the environment safe.
Responsible person: Matthew McDaid, owner
This policy sets out how we manage health, safety and environmental risk. It applies to everyone who works for us, and is available to customers and to health and safety, procurement and facilities managers on request.
1. Our commitment
We will not compromise on safety for price, speed or competition. We protect our team, our customers, the public, property and the environment.
Why we have this policy. Every employer must protect the health and safety of employees and of anyone else affected by their work (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, sections 2 and 3). Employers with 5 or more employees must also have a written policy; we publish ours regardless.
2. Risk assessment and method statements
We assess the risks of every service and every site, and write method statements for higher-risk and commercial work.
Commercial and facilities management clients receive site-specific risk assessments and method statements before the first visit, or on request.
For contractor vetting. Please send site rules, induction requirements and your asbestos information (section 8) when you book, so these can be reflected in the site-specific documents.
3. Work at height
We avoid work at height wherever possible by working from the ground with water-fed poles.
Where work at height is needed, it is planned, carried out by competent people, and uses suitable, inspected equipment. Powered access platforms are hired with trained operators or operated by trained staff.
We do not work at height when the weather puts anyone at risk. As a guide, that includes sustained winds above about 17–23 mph (depending on equipment and height), lightning, or ice. The person doing the work makes the final decision on site through a continuous (dynamic) risk assessment, and may stop at lower wind speeds.
Why the wind figure is a guide. The law requires work at height to be carried out only when weather conditions don't jeopardise health or safety (Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 4(3)). It sets no fixed number, because risk depends on height, equipment, gusts, exposure and the building. The figure tells customers roughly what to expect; the on-site assessment decides.The order we follow. Avoid work at height → prevent falls (for example suitable platforms and guard rails) → reduce the distance and consequences of a fall. This is the hierarchy the Regulations set out (regulation 6).
4. Chemicals
Products are used in line with manufacturers' instructions and safety data sheets, under COSHH assessments.
Suitable protective equipment is worn.
We use lower wind limits where wind and drift could carry products beyond the work area, and protect plants, ponds, pets and people.
Why we have this rule. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Customers can ask for product safety information at any time, and can ask us not to use chemicals.
5. Equipment
Equipment is maintained, inspected and, where required, tested. Hired equipment is checked on delivery. Faulty equipment is taken out of use.
6. Waste, run-off and pollution
We are registered with the Environment Agency as a lower-tier waste carrier (CBDL622625) and dispose of waste lawfully.
We control run-off and do not let cleaning chemicals or dirty water enter surface-water drains, watercourses or ponds.
Why this matters. Surface-water drains (often marked blue, or a grid in the road) usually run straight to streams and rivers without treatment. The rule is "only rain down the drain". Allowing polluting wash water into them can be an offence. Where wash water needs to go somewhere, we contain it, or direct it to the foul sewer where the water company permits.What "lower tier" means. Lower-tier registration covers businesses carrying waste they produce themselves (other than construction and demolition waste) — for example gutter and drain debris from our own work.
7. Wildlife
We check for nesting birds and bats before roof, gutter and wall work, and stop if protected wildlife is found.
Why we have this rule. Active birds' nests and bat roosts are protected (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017). Gutter and fascia work in spring and summer is where this most often arises.
8. Asbestos
On non-domestic premises we ask for the asbestos register before starting. If we suspect asbestos anywhere, we stop and don't disturb it.
Why we have this rule. The person in control of non-domestic premises must manage asbestos and share information about it (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 4). Older soffits, garage roofs, gutters and panels can contain asbestos.
9. Lone working and welfare
Our team checks in during and after lone work. We plan for heat (water, shade, sun protection) and cold (warm clothing, safe footing).
10. Accidents and incidents
First aid kits are carried. Accidents and near misses are recorded, and reportable incidents are reported to HSE under RIDDOR.
What RIDDOR means. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 require certain serious injuries and dangerous events to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.
11. Training and checks
Everyone who works for us is trained for the tasks they do and has had a background check.
12. Respect and harassment
Our Code of Conduct protects our team from abuse and harassment by anyone, including customers and members of the public.
13. Review
This policy is reviewed every year, and after any serious incident or change in the law.
Download a copy and test it. You are welcome to download a copy of this document and review it with an AI assistant, a solicitor or anyone you trust. If you have any concerns or questions about anything in it, please let us know at info@shiningwindows.co.uk or on 01604 263189 — we would rather hear from you before you book than after.