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High-Traffic & Public Areas
Carpet Cleaning Risk Assessment & Method Statement
High-Traffic & Public Areas
Document Details
- Company Name: [Insert Company Name]
- Client / Site: [Insert Site Name – e.g. Hotel, Shopping Centre, Office Reception]
- 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 in high-traffic or public areas using mechanical carpet cleaning equipment and approved cleaning chemicals.
Location
- Reception areas
- Corridors and walkways
- Lobbies and waiting areas
- Public access spaces
Persons at Risk
- Cleaning operatives
- Employees and contractors
- Members of the public
- Vulnerable persons (elderly, disabled, children)
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, cables, and equipment.
Risks: Slips and falls causing injury to operatives or the public.
Control Measures:
- Schedule works during low-footfall or out-of-hours where possible.
- Display clear warning signage at all access points.
- Cordon off work areas using barriers where practicable.
- Route cables and hoses away from walkways.
- Leave carpets as dry as reasonably practicable before reopening areas.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Public Interaction
Hazard: Members of the public entering the work area.
Risks: Injury from slips, trips, or contact with equipment.
Control Measures:
- Liaise with site management prior to starting work.
- Maintain constant awareness of surroundings.
- Never leave equipment unattended.
- Clearly communicate with occupants if access is restricted.
Residual Risk: Low
3. Cleaning Chemicals (COSHH)
Hazard: Exposure to detergents and spot cleaning chemicals.
Risks: Skin irritation, eye injury, respiratory discomfort.
Control Measures:
- Use COSHH-assessed products only.
- Follow manufacturer dilution and usage instructions.
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection if required).
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Store chemicals securely and away from public access.
Residual Risk: Low
4. Manual Handling
Hazard: Moving carpet cleaning machines and furniture.
Risks: Musculoskeletal injuries.
Control Measures:
- Operatives trained in safe manual handling techniques.
- Use team lifting or mechanical aids where required.
- Avoid overfilling machines.
- Assess load and route before lifting.
Residual Risk: Medium / Low
5. Electrical Equipment
Hazard: Use of electrically powered carpet cleaning equipment.
Risks: Electric shock, burns, fire.
Control Measures:
- PAT-tested equipment only.
- Pre-use visual inspections of cables and plugs.
- Keep electrical connections away from water.
- Do not overload electrical sockets.
- Isolate equipment before maintenance or emptying.
Residual Risk: Low
6. Noise
Hazard: Noise generated by cleaning machinery.
Risks: Disturbance to occupants or members of the public.
Control Measures:
- Use low-noise equipment where practicable.
- Limit duration of noisy activities.
- Schedule work outside peak times where possible.
Residual Risk: Low
2. Method Statement
Scope of Works
To clean carpets in high-traffic or public areas safely while minimising disruption and risk to occupants and the public.
Sequence of Work
- Pre-Start Preparation
- Sign in and follow site procedures.
- Review this RAMS and any site-specific requirements.
- Identify high-footfall areas and plan work sequence.
- Set-Up
- Display warning signage and barriers.
- Position equipment safely and securely.
- Prepare cleaning solutions in accordance with COSHH assessments.
- Put on required PPE.
- Carpet Cleaning Operations
- Vacuum carpets where required.
- Operate machinery in line with manufacturer instructions.
- Avoid over-wetting carpets.
- Maintain continuous supervision of the work area.
- Post-Cleaning
- Remove excess moisture.
- Ensure carpets are safe and drying.
- Remove equipment and signage only when area is safe for use.
- Completion
- Carry out final inspection.
- Inform site management of completion.
- Sign out as required.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Protective gloves
- Non-slip safety footwear
- Eye protection (if required)
Emergency Procedures
- Injury: Follow site first-aid and emergency procedures.
- Spillages: Contain and clean immediately.
- 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
- Working in public areas
Declaration
I confirm that this Risk Assessment & Method Statement has been communicated to all operatives involved in the works.
Signed: ______________________
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
