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Commercial Carpet Cleaning – Risk Assessment
Carpet Cleaning Risk Assessment & Method Statement (Template)
Document Details
- Company Name: [Insert Company Name]
- Client / Site: [Insert Client or Site Name]
- Site Address: [Insert Address]
- Prepared By: [Name]
- Position: [Job Title]
- Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Review Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Document Ref / Revision: [Optional]
1. Risk Assessment
Activity Description
Carpet cleaning within a commercial building using mechanical cleaning equipment and approved cleaning chemicals.
Location
[Describe areas – e.g. offices, corridors, meeting rooms, reception]
Persons at Risk
- Cleaning operatives
- Employees / occupants
- Visitors and contractors
- Members of the public
Risk Rating Key
- Likelihood (L): Low / Medium / High
- Severity (S): Minor / Serious / Major
Hazards, Risks, and Control Measures
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Hazard: Wet carpets, trailing hoses and cables.
Risks: Slips, trips, and falls causing injury.
Control Measures:
- Display warning signage ("Carpet Cleaning in Progress / Wet Floor").
- Restrict access to work area where practicable.
- Route hoses and cables safely.
- Carry out works during low-occupancy hours where possible.
- Leave carpets as dry as reasonably practicable.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Cleaning Chemicals (COSHH)
Hazard: Exposure to cleaning detergents and spot treatments.
Risks: Skin irritation, eye injury, inhalation of vapours.
Control Measures:
- Use COSHH-assessed products only.
- Follow manufacturer instructions and dilution rates.
- Wear appropriate PPE.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Store chemicals securely.
Residual Risk: Low
3. Manual Handling
Hazard: Moving machines, furniture, and water containers.
Risks: Musculoskeletal injuries.
Control Measures:
- Manual handling training provided.
- Use team lifting or mechanical aids where required.
- Do not overfill equipment.
Residual Risk: Medium / Low
4. Electrical Equipment
Hazard: Use of powered carpet cleaning machinery.
Risks: Electric shock, burns, fire.
Control Measures:
- PAT-tested equipment only.
- Pre-use visual inspections.
- Keep electrical components away from water.
- Isolate equipment before maintenance.
Residual Risk: Low
5. Public Interaction
Hazard: Occupants entering work area.
Risks: Injury to third parties.
Control Measures:
- Clear signage and barriers where possible.
- Liaise with site management.
- Maintain awareness at all times.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Method Statement
Scope of Works
To clean carpets within a commercial building using approved carpet cleaning methods (e.g. hot water extraction, low-moisture cleaning).
Sequence of Work
- Pre-Start
- Sign in and comply with site rules.
- Review RAMS and site-specific hazards.
- Inspect work area.
- Set-Up
- Display warning signage.
- Position equipment safely.
- Prepare cleaning solutions in line with COSHH.
- Required PPE.
- Cleaning Operations
- Vacuum carpets if required.
- Operate machinery in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
- Avoid over-wetting carpets.
- Post-Cleaning
- Remove excess moisture.
- Leave carpets safe and drying.
- Remove equipment and signage when safe.
- Completion
- Final inspection.
- Sign out as required.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Protective gloves
- Non-slip safety footwear
- Eye protection (if required)
Emergency Procedures
- Spillages: Contain and clean immediately.
- Injury: Follow site first-aid procedures and report.
- Electrical Fault: Isolate equipment and remove from service.
Training and Competence
All operatives must be trained in:
- Carpet cleaning techniques
- COSHH
- Manual handling
- Electrical safety
Declaration
I confirm that this Risk Assessment & Method Statement has been communicated to all operatives involved in the works.
Signed: ______________________
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
