Specialist controls for complex, sensitive and contaminated environments

Job classification

• Level 1 - Enhanced routine: heavily soiled non-hazardous surfaces, end-of-tenancy cleaning without known contamination, communal deep cleaning, carpet extraction and floor treatment.
• Level 2 - Controlled specialist: localised bodily fluids, known contained sharps, heavy accumulation, agreed mould cleaning, post-pest-treatment cleaning and post-eviction work with controlled hazards.
• Level 3 - High-risk or unclear: widespread fluids, concealed sharps, suspected controlled substances, unknown chemicals, structural instability, severe biohazard, violent occupancy conditions or work outside Shinezone competence.

Occupied buildings and vulnerable residents

• Confirm who is present
• Liaise with authorised contacts
• Explain work respectfully
• Protect dignity and privacy
• Avoid judgemental language
• Do not discuss residents publicly
• Maintain access routes
• Reduce disruption
• Secure chemicals and equipment
• Do not accept money or gifts
• Do not provide care, medication or restraint
• Report safeguarding concerns
• Avoid unnecessary personal data

Safeguarding controls

Staff should recognise possible physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory or organisational abuse, domestic abuse, neglect, self-neglect, exploitation and modern slavery.

• Contact emergency services for immediate danger
• Listen without interrogating
• Do not promise absolute confidentiality
• Record facts and exact words
• Notify the safeguarding lead
• Follow the client escalation route
• Protect information
• Cooperate with lawful enquiries

Sharps and needles

Only trained and authorised staff may handle sharps. Anti-needle gloves reduce risk but do not eliminate it.

• Do not touch by hand
• Do not bend, recap or manipulate
• Isolate the area and ensure lighting
• Use puncture-resistant gloves as a supplementary control
• Use forceps, tongs or an approved pickup tool
• Place the container close to the item
• Use an approved rigid sharps container
• Do not overfill or push items down
• Do not place hands into concealed areas
• Record quantity and location
• Escalate unusual quantities or suspected criminal activity
• Use a lawful disposal route

Sharps injury

• Encourage gentle bleeding
• Wash with soap and running water
• Do not scrub or suck
• Cover with a waterproof dressing
• Obtain urgent medical advice
• Report immediately
• Complete records
• Review exposure-management and reporting requirements
• Investigate and update controls

Suspected illegal substances and unknown contamination

Staff must not taste, smell closely, sample, test, package, transport or dispose of a suspected substance without a specifically authorised lawful process.

Do not disturb suspected asbestos, unknown powders, uncontrolled mould, untreated pest infestation, unstable debris or unidentified chemicals. Escalate to a competent specialist.

Bodily fluids

• Restrict access
• Assess extent
• Select PPE
• Remove visible material safely
• Clean before disinfecting
• Use correct concentration and contact time
• Avoid aerosols
• Prevent cross-contamination
• Use dedicated or disposable equipment
• Bag waste correctly
• Decontaminate reusable equipment
• Remove PPE safely
• Perform hand hygiene
• Record completion and residual concerns

PPE, colour coding, COSHH and contaminated waste

PPE may include disposable gloves, heavy-duty gloves, anti-needle gloves, aprons, coveralls, eye protection, face shield, assessed respiratory protection, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing.

Use separate equipment for toilets, washrooms, kitchens, general areas and specialist or isolation work, applying clean-to-dirty and high-to-low sequencing.

Maintain an approved-product list, safety data sheets, COSHH assessments, controlled dilution, labels, locked storage, spill arrangements, PPE and training.

Classify and segregate contaminated waste at source, use suitable containers, seal and label, store securely, use authorised carriers and facilities, complete documentation and audit subcontractors.

Completion

Confirm scope, remove waste, check residual sharps, leave surfaces safe, remove signs only when appropriate, record products where required, use authorised photographs, obtain sign-off and report exclusions or follow-up needs.

Related policies