Compliance and safety measures play a crucial role in commercial cleaning services. At GCC FM we recognise the significance of adhering to cleaning regulations. Our commitment ensures that we operate within the legal framework, avoid penalties, and maintain professionalism for our clients.
Compliance at GCC FM
Compliance provides us guidance within the commercial industry to become a trusted and reliable cleaning service provider. Guided by our diligent compliance manager, GCC has fearlessly embraced a host of regulations. These rules now weave seamlessly through our processes, ensuring a compliant and harmonious operation.
Health and safety in contract cleaning is governed by the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, which states contract cleaning services must provide a safe working environment with safe access and egress. At GCC we conduct risk assessments and implement control measures for identified hazards. Consequently, we ensure the provision and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by operatives when necessary.
Compliance with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) for commercial cleaning services means they should maintain a detailed inventory of all hazardous substances used by ensuring proper storage and labelling of chemicals. At GCC we use our own cleaning products which allows us to provide staff with appropriate training on handling and disposing of hazardous substances. By understanding the chemicals being used at our customers’ premises, we not only enhance safety but also ensure we have the necessary Safety Data Sheets and RAMS.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), is the legislation that sets the duties of employers to report serious accidents, near misses or occupational diseases. We use this accident management system across sites and our head offices.
The British Institute of Cleaning Services (BICS) standards cover a wide range of cleaning activities and provide best practice guidelines for various cleaning tasks. For GCC, compliance involves familiarising ourselves with BICSc standards relevant to the specific cleaning service and providing training and ongoing development opportunities for cleaning staff in line with those standards.
Meet Andrew Hogg (Compliance Manager):
Andrew Hogg, our dedicated Compliance manager has helped GCC implement many processes as well as obtain and retain all three ISO accreditations.
How many years have you worked for GCC FM? I have worked with GCC for the past 15 years.
What is your origin story? In 2009, I embarked on my journey in telesales at GCC. Over the years, I explored various roles—from admin to customer service and marketing. Eventually, I found myself at the intersection of CRM and compliance. My diverse experience across different departments uniquely positioned me to lead the implementation of compliance processes and enhance our CRM system.
Why is compliance important? Compliance allows us to deliver a level of professionalism not every company can demonstrate. It keeps our practices in check and to a high standard of quality. We deliver what we promise our clients, in the safest and most efficient way.
What does developing a comprehensive safety program look like? You must take risk into consideration into order to mitigate it. As we hold three ISO accreditations, we conduct yearly audits. This necessitates documenting everything from toolbox talks to head office health and safety training. Additionally, reporting plays a crucial role in compliance. Remember: if it’s not being measured, it’s not being managed!
What have GCC done regarding eco-friendly waste disposal? To comply with waste management and environmental regulations, segregate and store waste properly—especially hazardous materials. Licensed waste carriers should handle waste collection, transportation, and disposal, while maintaining meticulous records of waste management activities.
What part does technology play in compliance & safety? It makes communication and engagement far easier. We have a centralised SharePoint which allows us to store all controlled documents with latest versions for everyone to access.
What is your most memorable moment at GCC so far? When we obtained all three ISO accreditations in the same year!
Fun fact:
What’s your favourite movie and why? Mad Max Fury Road – a interesting moral message, you can’t escape society to find something better, you must improve your society.
What song do you sing in the shower? Florence and the Machine – Spectrum
What did you want to be when you were a child? A dog trainer. We were not allowed to have a dog so I decided to become a dog trainer in order to convince my parents I’d be a great dog owner.
GCC FM retains all THREE ISO Accreditations for 6th Year!
GCC FM was the first UK company in 2019 to pass all three ISO accreditations: ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 simultaneously and have done so consecutively since! We are proud to announce we have retained our accreditation for the 6th year!
