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Grounds Maintenance in Care Homes (England) Policy

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} ensures that its grounds and gardens are always kept in a well-maintained condition so that they are safe, attractive and fit for use.

The policy on grounds maintenance is written in line with Regulation 15: Premises and Equipment of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which includes a requirement for all care home premises to be suitable and properly maintained.

{{org_field_name}} aims to ensure that its buildings and grounds are always kept in a well maintained condition so that they are safe and fit for use and offer the best possible environment for residents and staff. Its policy is based on relevant guidance, including HSG220:Health and Safety in Care Homes, published by the Health & Safety Executive.

Other legislation and regulations that the home must meet include the following:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which sets out the broad principles for managing health and safety legislation in the workplace and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 imposes a duty to carry out appropriate risk assessment.
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 outline provisions that must be made in relation to the work environment.
• Further legislation relating to the premises will be considered as appropriate; for instance, legislation relating to fire safety, asbestos, building and maintenance work, waste, disabled access to buildings, etc.
• {{org_field_name}} will comply with current Building regulations and Codes of Practice relating to premises.
• In all construction or maintenance work the home will comply fully with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

Procedures

In {{org_field_name}}:

• Grounds and gardens will be designed so they allow access to sunlight and present an attractive and pleasant place for residents and visitors to use.
• Grounds and outside spaces will be designed so that full access is enabled for people with disabilities in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
• Grounds should be maintained to an appropriate standard with the grass cut, beds weeded, hedges trimmed and all areas kept free of litter.
• Pathways should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are free from trip hazards, such as broken, raised or dropped paving slabs.
• Pathways and access routes will be illuminated, especially steps, stairways, slopes and ramps.
• Perimeter fences should be installed and maintained so that they are sufficient to deter pests and intruders and to keep out external litter.
• Directly employed grounds maintenance staff and contractors must work safely at all times, both for their own protection and for the protection of other staff, service users and visitors. In particular:
a) gardening and grounds maintenance tools must be supervised at all times and never left lying about
b) when not in use, tools should be locked away in a shed or secure area or taken away by contractors
c) special attention should be paid to power tools and items, such as lawnmowers and strimmers
d) whenever major work is being done, such as mowing lawns, lopping trees or cutting hedges, appropriate safety signs and access restrictions should be used.
• All employees and contractors should be adequately provided with suitable personal protective equipment. This may include hard hats, ear and eye protectors, overalls, gloves and reinforced boots.
• Grounds maintenance works should always comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Wherever equipment is being used for grounds management work, all reasonable steps should be taken to exclude other people from the area of use, particularly where drivable machines are being employed.
• Trees will be managed so that they do not present a hazard — tree felling or branch removal will require the use of warning signs and barriers and full compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
• Large-scale grounds maintenance projects should be isolated using appropriate security fencing which will prevent unauthorised access.
• All grounds maintenance chemicals and poisons should be procured, stored, handled, used and disposed of in a way that complies with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

Grounds Maintenance Contractors

Where contractors are employed to maintain the grounds, {{org_field_name}} Manager will ensure that:

• adequate arrangements are in place to select, appoint and monitor the contractors
• the safety record and competence of contractors is checked as well as their professional qualifications, registration and certification
• all contractors have a current health and safety policy and suitable insurances in place
• health and safety issues are considered before work commences and a suitable health and safety plan developed in any grounds maintenance project or work that requires one
• appropriate risk assessments are conducted and reviewed to ensure the safety of all using the site
• contractors abide by site rules at all times.

Training

Staff responsible for the maintenance of the premises and grounds will be competent and qualified with the appropriate training to achieve the required standards.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

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