If you run a cleaning business—whether commercial, specialist or domestic—you’ve probably already faced the growing pressure to “stay compliant.” But what does that actually mean in practice? And how do you know if you’re ticking the right boxes?
Health and safety compliance documentation isn’t just for large corporations or government contracts. It’s essential for any cleaning business that wants to protect its team, win new jobs, and avoid legal risk. You might be bidding for contracts with local councils or simply wanting to run a safer, smarter operation, either way, it all starts with having the right paperwork in place.
Here are the top five health and safety documents every cleaning business should have—and why they matter.
1. Health and Safety Policy
Your Health and Safety Policy is the foundation of your entire compliance setup. It outlines your business’s approach to health and safety, who’s responsible for what, and how you’re working to reduce risks.
Why it matters: Without a formal policy, you’re not meeting basic legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. For clients—especially in the commercial and public sector—this is the first thing they ask for.
2. Risk Assessments
Risk assessments identify potential hazards on the job and explain what steps you’re taking to reduce or eliminate them. For repeat clients, general assessments may be sufficient, but for new or high-risk sites, you’ll need site-specific documents.
Why it matters: If an incident occurs and you don’t have a proper risk assessment, you could face serious legal consequences—and your insurance may not cover it.
3. COSHH Assessments
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require you to assess the risks from any chemicals your staff use—from bleach to descalers to oven cleaners—and outline how you’ll manage those risks.
Why it matters: COSHH applies to nearly every cleaning business, but many skip it or rely on outdated templates. That’s a major risk to your staff and your reputation.
4. Method Statements
A method statement is a step-by-step breakdown of how specific tasks will be carried out safely. It supports your risk assessment and provides clarity to clients, staff, and contractors.
Why it matters: Method statements are often required in tenders or before starting work on commercial and construction sites. They show you’re serious about safety.
5. Training Records
It’s not enough to say your staff are trained—you need to prove it. Keeping clear records of staff inductions, ongoing training, and refresher sessions ensures that everyone is competent to carry out their work safely.
Why it matters: In the event of an accident or inspection, documented proof of training could protect your business from liability.
Why Templates Aren’t Enough
There are hundreds of generic templates online, but most of them don’t reflect your business’s real risks, people, or work processes. That’s why customisation is key. Whether you’re operating in schools, offices, healthcare settings, or residential homes, your documentation needs to be built around your services and your team.
At H & S Compliance Solutions, we specialise in creating tailored health and safety compliance documentation for cleaning businesses. We know the industry inside out—and we’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls that cost businesses time, money, and contracts.
Ready to Take the Stress Out of Compliance?
Let us help you build a complete, contract-ready compliance package that keeps your team safe and your business protected.
📞 Call us today on 01865 60 21 51 for a free discovery call.