When you’re starting your own cleaning company, it’s important to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety of your employees and protect yourself from liability. This article will provide steps for developing these policies and procedures, as well as what should be included in them. Plus, we’ll provide a template for you to write your own policy.
The Importance of Developing Company Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are important for several reasons. First, they provide guidance for employees on performing their job safely. This is especially important in cleaning, where the use of cleaning products and equipment can be dangerous if not used properly.
Second, policies and procedures protect the company from liability in the event that an employee is injured while working. By having policies and procedures in place, you can show that you took reasonable steps to prevent accidents and that employees were aware of the risks involved in their job.
Finally, policies and procedures help to ensure that cleaning is performed consistently and effectively. This is important for maintaining a high level of quality for your customers.
How To Develop Your Policies and Procedures
There are a few steps you’ll need to take when developing your cleaning company policies and procedures.
First, decide which topics you’ll need to cover. Common topics include safety, cleaning methods, customer service, and scheduling.
Next, research best practices for each topic. This will help you to develop policies that are effective and compliant with safety regulations.
Once you’ve decided what topics to cover and researched best practices, you’ll need to write your policies and procedures. Be sure to include specific instructions and use terms that can be easily understood by employees.
Finally, once your policies and procedures are written, you’ll need to train your employees on them. This is important to ensure that everyone understands the expectations and knows how to safely perform their job.
What Policies Should Be Included?
There are a few key policies that should be included in your cleaning company policy manual.
Safe Work Practices Policy
This policy should outline the procedures that employees need to follow to work safely. It should cover topics such as the use of cleaning products, personal protective equipment, and ergonomics.
Cleaning Methods Policy
This policy should describe the methods that will be used for cleaning. It should include instructions on how to safely use cleaning products and equipment, as well as how to handle hazardous waste.
Customer Service Policy
This policy should outline the expectations for the way in which employees should interact with customers. It should cover topics such as professionalism, courtesy, and handling customer complaints.
Scheduling Policy
This policy should describe how cleaning will be scheduled. It should include instructions on how to make sure that all areas are cleaned on a regular basis and that cleaning does not interfere with the business operations of the client.
Template For Cleaning Company Policies and Procedures
Below is a template you can use to create your own cleaning company policies and procedures. Be sure to tailor the policy to fit the specific needs of your business.
Cleaning Company Name
Policies and Procedures
Safe Work Practices Policy
Our cleaning company is committed to providing a safe work environment for our employees. All employees are expected to follow the safe work practices outlined in this policy.
Cleaning Products: Only cleaning products that have been approved by our company may be used. Employees must read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using cleaning products.
Personal Protective Equipment: Employees must wear the personal protective equipment provided by our company while working. This includes gloves, safety glasses, and aprons. Safety helmets and gloves shall be worn as needed.
Ergonomics: Employees must use proper ergonomic techniques when cleaning. This includes lifting properly and using cleaning tools that are appropriate to the height and strength of each person.
Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste must be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. Employees must not attempt to clean up or dispose of hazardous waste without notifying the manager of the company.
Cleaning Methods Policy
Our cleaning company uses the following methods for cleaning:
Product Application: Cleaning products must be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning Tools: The following cleaning tools are to be used: brooms, dustpans, mops, and vacuum cleaners. Carpet cleaning tools, spot-cleaning cloths and other such items shall be used as needed.
Waste Removal: Waste must be removed from the premises daily.
Floors: Floors must be swept and mopped daily. Carpets must be vacuumed weekly.
Restrooms: All restrooms will be sanitized and re-stocked weekly.
Windows: Windows must be cleaned monthly.
Customer Service Policy
Our cleaning company is committed to providing excellent customer service. Employees are expected to be professional and courteous at all times. Employees should always greet the customer upon arrival and inform the customer when leaving (if cleaning during working hours).
Complaint resolution: All complaints must be resolved in a timely manner. If the employee is unable to satisfy any customer complaint, the issue is to be reported to management for resolution.
Feedback: Customers will be asked to provide feedback on the quality of our services.
Scheduling Policy
Cleaning will be scheduled as follows:
Daily cleaning: All areas of the premises will be cleaned daily.
Weekly cleaning: Carpets will be vacuumed and windows will be cleaned weekly.
Weekly cleaning: All restrooms will be sanitized and re-stocked weekly.
Monthly cleaning: All windows will be cleaned monthly.
These are just a few examples of the types of policies that should be included in your cleaning company policy manual. Be sure to tailor the policies to fit the specific needs of your business. Remember, the goal is to create a safe and healthy work environment for your employees and to protect your business from liability.