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Healthcare, Care Homes, and Educational Settings
Carpet Cleaning Risk Assessment & Method Statement
Healthcare, Care Homes, and Educational Settings
Document Details
- Company Name: [Insert Company Name]
- Client / Site: [Hospital / Care Home / School 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
Professional carpet cleaning within healthcare or educational environments using mechanical carpet cleaning equipment and approved low-risk cleaning chemicals.
Location
- Hospitals and clinics
- Care homes and nursing homes
- Schools, colleges, nurseries
- Corridors, wards, classrooms, offices, communal areas
Persons at Risk
- Cleaning operatives
- Patients / residents
- Children and young persons
- Staff and visitors
- Contractors
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, hoses, trailing cables.
Risks: Slips and falls causing injury to vulnerable persons.
Control Measures:
- Cleaning scheduled during low-occupancy or out-of-hours where possible.
- Clear warning signage displayed at all access points.
- Work areas cordoned off where practicable.
- Cables and hoses routed away from walkways.
- Carpets left as dry as reasonably practicable before reopening areas.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Infection Control / Cross Contamination
Hazard: Transfer of bacteria, viruses, or contaminants.
Risks: Infection to patients, residents, children, or staff.
Control Measures:
- Follow site-specific infection control policies.
- Use colour-coded equipment where required.
- Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.
- Operatives to practice good personal hygiene.
- Use approved cleaning products suitable for healthcare/education environments.
Residual Risk: Low
3. Cleaning Chemicals (COSHH)
Hazard: Exposure to detergents and spot treatments.
Risks: Skin irritation, eye injury, respiratory effects, chemical sensitivity.
Control Measures:
- Use low-toxicity, COSHH-assessed products only.
- Follow manufacturer dilution and usage instructions.
- Avoid use of strong solvents unless specifically approved.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection if required).
Residual Risk: Low
4. Vulnerable Persons
Hazard: Presence of patients, residents, or children near work area.
Risks: Increased likelihood of injury due to reduced awareness or mobility.
Control Measures:
- Liaise with site management before commencing work.
- Supervision arrangements agreed where required.
- Never leave equipment unattended.
- Ensure clear escape routes are maintained at all times.
Residual Risk: Low
5. Manual Handling
Hazard: Lifting and moving machinery and furniture.
Risks: Musculoskeletal injuries.
Control Measures:
- Operatives trained in manual handling.
- Use team lifting or mechanical aids where required.
- Avoid overfilling machines.
- Assess load and route before lifting.
Residual Risk: Medium / Low
6. Electrical Equipment
Hazard: Use of electrically powered cleaning machinery.
Risks: Electric shock, burns, fire.
Control Measures:
- PAT-tested equipment only.
- Pre-use visual inspections.
- Keep electrical equipment away from water.
- Do not overload sockets.
- Isolate equipment before maintenance or emptying.
Residual Risk: Low
7. Noise
Hazard: Noise from machinery.
Risks: Disturbance to patients, residents, or learning environments.
Control Measures:
- Use low-noise equipment where possible.
- Limit duration of noisy activities.
- Schedule work to minimise disruption.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Method Statement
Scope of Works
To safely clean carpets within healthcare or educational premises while minimising disruption and protecting vulnerable persons.
Sequence of Work
- Pre-Start Preparation
- Sign in and comply with site procedures.
- Review this RAMS and site-specific infection control requirements.
- Confirm emergency arrangements and escape routes.
- Set-Up
- Display warning signage and cordon off work area.
- Position equipment safely.
- Prepare cleaning solutions in accordance with COSHH assessments.
- Don required PPE.
- Carpet Cleaning Operations
- Vacuum carpets where required.
- Operate machinery in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Avoid over-wetting carpets.
- Maintain constant awareness of surroundings.
- Post-Cleaning
- Remove excess moisture.
- Ensure carpets are safe and drying.
- Clean and disinfect equipment before removal.
- Completion
- Remove signage only when area is safe.
- Inform site management on completion.
- Sign out as required.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Disposable or reusable protective gloves
- Non-slip safety footwear
- Eye protection (if required)
Emergency Procedures
- Medical Emergency: Follow site emergency procedures immediately.
- Spillages: Contain and clean immediately using approved materials.
- Electrical Fault: Isolate power and remove equipment from service.
Training and Competence
Operatives must be trained in:
- Carpet cleaning techniques
- COSHH awareness
- Manual handling
- Electrical safety
- Infection control awareness
Declaration
I confirm that this Risk Assessment & Method Statement has been communicated to all operatives involved in the works.
Signed: ______________________
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
