Cleaning Risk Assessment Template
Free, HSE-compliant template for identifying and managing hazards in your cleaning business. Download now and protect your team.
What is a Cleaning Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a systematic process to identify potential hazards in your cleaning operations and evaluate the likelihood and severity of the risks they pose to your employees, clients, and the public. Under UK Health and Safety law, employers have a legal duty to conduct and document risk assessments.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) requires all businesses with 5 or more employees to have a written risk assessment. Even smaller companies benefit from the structured approach to identifying and controlling hazards.
Legal Requirements Under UK Health and Safety Law
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Requires employers to assess risks and implement preventive measures.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Mandates documented risk assessments for all risks.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): Specific regulations for chemical safety in cleaning products.
- Duty of Care: You must also assess risks to members of the public on the premises you clean.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing a Risk Assessment
Identify the Hazards
Walk through your workplace and cleaning tasks. List all potential hazards -- chemical spills, slips, manual handling, biological agents, etc.
Identify Who Might Be Harmed
Consider your cleaning staff, office workers, clients, visitors, and members of the public. Different groups may face different levels of risk.
Evaluate the Risk
For each hazard, assess the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of harm. Use your risk matrix to assign a risk level (Low, Medium, High).
Identify Control Measures
Decide what actions you will take to eliminate or reduce each risk. Follow the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer controls, admin controls, PPE.
Review and Update
Review your assessment at least annually or whenever your operation changes. Update control measures as needed.
Common Hazards in Cleaning Operations
Chemical Hazards
- •Cleaning product toxicity
- •Chemical burns
- •Inhalation of fumes
- •Skin sensitization
Physical Hazards
- •Slips and trips
- •Falls from height
- •Manual handling injuries
- •Struck by equipment
Biological Hazards
- •Bloodborne pathogens
- •Mold exposure
- •Sharps injuries
- •Infection transmission
Ergonomic Hazards
- •Repetitive strain
- •Back injuries
- •Shoulder/neck injuries
- •Posture-related pain
Risk Rating Matrix
Use this matrix to rate each identified hazard. Multiply the Likelihood score by the Severity score to determine your overall Risk Level.
| Likelihood | Score | Severity | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | 1 | Minor injury | 1 |
| Possible | 2 | Moderate injury | 2 |
| Likely | 3 | Serious injury | 3 |
| Very likely | 4 | Death / permanent disability | 4 |
Risk Score Calculation: Likelihood × Severity = Risk Score
Score 1-4: Low | Score 5-8: Medium | Score 9+: High
How Often to Review Risk Assessments
Your risk assessment should be reviewed and updated:
- Annually: As a minimum, review all assessments once per year.
- When operations change: New equipment, staff, products, or procedures require immediate reassessment.
- After incidents: Accidents or near-misses should trigger a reassessment of relevant hazards.
- When regulations change: New health and safety guidance requires review.
Example Risk Assessment Entry
| Task | Hazard | At Risk | Control Measures | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restroom cleaning | Chemical hazard | Staff | PPE, ventilation, SOP | Medium |
| Floor cleaning | Slip hazard | All | Wet floor signs, non-slip shoes | Low |
Download Your Free Template
Get our complete, ready-to-use risk assessment template in Word format. Customizable for your cleaning business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. Risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm occurring. For example, a wet floor is a hazard; the risk is that someone might slip and break their leg.
How long does a risk assessment take?
A thorough initial assessment typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the size and complexity of your operation. Annual reviews often take 30-60 minutes.
Do I need professional help with my assessment?
Small businesses can often manage their own assessments, but for complex operations or to ensure compliance, consulting an HSE-approved professional is wise.
What should I do with my completed assessment?
Share it with staff, keep it accessible, and use it to guide your health and safety practices. The HSE may request it during an inspection.
How does this template help with insurance?
A documented risk assessment demonstrates due diligence and can help reduce premiums. It also provides evidence if you face a claim.
Can I share this template with my staff?
Yes, staff should be aware of the risks and control measures. This promotes a safety culture and ensures they follow procedures.
What records should I keep?
Keep your assessment document, evidence of staff training, records of incidents, and documentation of any control measure updates for at least 5 years.
How do I make this HSE compliant?
This template follows HSE guidance. Ensure you identify actual hazards, document your process, implement meaningful controls, and review regularly.
Manage Your Entire Cleaning Business Safely
GraySwift helps you track safety compliance, manage risks, and run your business profitably.
Get Started Free