Health & Safety Policy for Commercial Driveway Pressure Washing
Policy Statement: This Health & Safety policy establishes the required standards and operational controls for safe, consistent commercial driveway pressure washing carried out by our gardening and external cleaning teams. The policy addresses hazards associated with commercial driveway cleaning, including slips and trips, chemical exposure, high-pressure equipment risks and interaction with site traffic. It is designed to be adaptable across our service area and to support safe working without reliance on jurisdiction-specific legal detail.
Scope and Purpose
This policy applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in driveway power washing for commercial properties. The purpose is to safeguard people and the environment while delivering professional commercial driveway jet washing services. It sets out responsibilities, mandatory controls, monitoring arrangements and expectations for safe work practices.
Responsibilities
Management must provide adequate resources, ensure risk assessments are completed and confirm training is delivered. Supervisors shall implement controls and perform site checks. Operatives must follow procedures, use specified PPE and report hazards. Subcontractors are required to demonstrate equivalent safety arrangements before commencing any pressure washing for commercial driveways.Pre-work risk assessment and planning are mandatory before any commercial driveway cleaning task. A documented, site-specific assessment should identify slip and trip hazards, surface conditions, nearby utilities, drainage, pedestrian flows and vehicle movements. Findings must be communicated during a pre-start briefing and recorded in site documentation.
Equipment safety is essential for safe driveway power washing for commercial properties. High-pressure washers, pumps and hoses must be checked at the start of each shift and maintained per manufacturer guidance. Only trained personnel may operate high-pressure nozzles; guards and safety devices must remain in place. Lockout and pressure-relief procedures are required for servicing equipment.
Chemicals and detergents used in pressure washing for commercial driveways must be assessed for hazards. Use low-toxicity, biodegradable agents where possible and follow supplier instructions for dilution and storage. Provide appropriate spill kits and containment to prevent wash-water runoff from contaminating drains, planted areas or watercourses.
Environmental controls for commercial pressure washing driveways include wash-water containment and capture systems where feasible. Sediment traps, filtration and proper disposal methods must be used to protect stormwater systems and landscaped areas. Any necessary permits or site-specific constraints should be identified during planning and respected during operations.
Traffic and pedestrian management are critical when delivering driveway power washing on commercial sites. Implement barriers, signage and, when required, trained traffic marshals. Segregate pedestrian routes from work zones and coordinate with site operators to schedule high-risk tasks during lower activity periods. Communication with site management reduces risk and disruption.
PPE requirements include waterproof safety boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing. Respiratory protection may be necessary for certain detergents or confined spaces. PPE must be suitable for the task, maintained in good condition and worn correctly by all operatives.
Inspection and maintenance of pressure washing equipment shall follow documented schedules. Daily pre-start checks, routine servicing and a clear defect reporting system help prevent failures. Any faulty pumps, hoses or electrical components must be taken out of service until repaired and re-tested by competent staff.
Emergency procedures are required for incidents such as chemical spills, serious injuries, fires or uncontrolled wash-water release. Ensure first-aid arrangements are in place, that a nominated first aider is available or accessible and that operatives know emergency contacts and site evacuation routes. All incidents and near misses must be reported and investigated.
Training and competence form the backbone of safe commercial driveway cleaning. Deliver task-specific induction, equipment training and periodic refreshers. Maintain training records and validate competence through observation and assessments. Supervision levels should reflect task complexity and site risk, with less experienced operatives working under closer supervision.
Contractor and subcontractor management requires confirmation that external providers meet or exceed the standards in this policy. Pre-qualification checks, site-specific briefings and monitoring audits ensure consistent safety performance. Clear contractual arrangements must set out responsibilities and expectations for health and safety on site.
Control measures summary:
- Carry out documented, site-specific risk assessments before work begins;
- Use written safe systems of work for commercial driveway pressure washing;
- Ensure operatives have appropriate PPE, training and supervision;
- Inspect and maintain all pressure washing equipment regularly;
- Contain and manage wash-water and chemicals to protect drains and landscaping;
- Implement traffic and pedestrian controls, signage and barriers;
- Record, report and investigate incidents and near misses for continual learning.
