Driveway Sealing Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Company Service Area

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy outlines safe working standards for driveway sealing, including driveway sealant application and related surface protection carried out by our gardening company across our service area. It sets out responsibilities, safe systems of work, and controls to reduce risk to staff, clients, contractors and the environment.

The policy applies to all forms of driveway surface preservation, such as asphalt resurfacing, concrete driveway sealing and tar-based sealers. It recognises the unique hazards presented when sealing a driveway, including slips, chemical exposure, fumes, ignition risk and traffic interactions on driveways shared with pedestrians or vehicles.

Scope: This document covers pre-job planning, preparation of the driveway surface, seal driveway application, curing, site protection and waste handling. It aims to ensure that every driveway sealing project delivered by our gardening team is completed with consistent safety standards, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and robust environmental controls.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management will ensure that systems are in place to implement this policy, including risk assessments, provision of PPE, training and supervision. Team leaders and operatives are responsible for following safe work procedures and reporting safety concerns immediately.

Operatives must be competent in the use of a driveway sealer and related equipment. Staff should be trained in chemical handling, spill response, manual handling reduction techniques, and traffic management when working in domestic or commercial driveways within our gardening company service area.

Key duties include:

• Completing a pre-work site assessment and hazard checklist;
• Using appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, respirators, and slip-resistant footwear;
• Maintaining and inspecting tools and heating or spraying equipment to prevent leaks or ignition;
• Ensuring a safe exclusion zone around the work area and implementing traffic control where needed.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

The risk assessment must identify hazards such as flammable sealants, dust from surface preparation, trip hazards from equipment, and exposure to wet sealant. Control measures include using low-VOC products where possible, keeping ignition sources away, and ventilating enclosed areas.

Mechanical preparation (e.g., power brushing) should be carried out with dust suppression controls and suitable masks. For chemical exposure, always follow manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and implement spill kits and containment. Substitute high-risk products when a safer driveway sealer alternative is available.

Environmental precautions: Prevent sealant entering drains or soft landscaping; use booms and absorbents at run-off points. Dispose of used containers, rags and leftover sealant through authorised waste streams; never pour unused material into drains or soils.

Safe Work Procedures

Before starting driveway sealing work, clear the area of debris, check the weather forecast for appropriate curing conditions, and ensure that adjacent planted areas are protected with sheets and barriers. Use signage to notify residents and passersby of the work area.

Follow manufacturer instructions for dilution and application rates. Whether using broom, squeegee, brush or sprayer techniques for driveway sealing services, apply sealants in consistent, controlled passes to reduce splatter and over-application. Avoid working alone in high-risk situations; maintain communication via radios or mobile devices.

Implement traffic management for shared access. For busy driveways, consider temporary rerouting, clear signage, and marshals to manage vehicle movements during application and curing times. Ensure that curing times are clearly communicated to occupants and that barriers remain in place until surfaces are safe to use.

Training and Competence All operatives must undertake induction training specific to driveway maintenance and sealing tasks. Refresher training should be provided periodically and whenever new products or equipment are introduced. Record all training and keep certificates accessible for inspection.

Supervisors must verify the competence of subcontractors and new employees before permitting solo work. Competence checks include safe use of heating devices, mixers, sprayers and understanding of SDS documentation for each sealant type used.

Emergency Procedures and Review

In the event of a spill, fire or medical emergency, follow established emergency response steps: isolate the area, use spill kits and fire extinguishers appropriate to the material, and seek medical help where necessary. Report incidents immediately and complete an incident form to enable investigation and corrective actions.

Monitoring and review are essential. Conduct regular site audits, toolbox talks and review risk assessments after incidents or near misses. Continual improvement should focus on reducing chemical risks, improving vehicle protection during application and enhancing communication with clients and contractors in the gardening company service area.

Summary of commitments:

• Provide safe systems of work for driveway surface sealing;
• Ensure PPE, training and supervision are in place;
• Minimise environmental impact and ensure responsible waste disposal;
• Maintain open reporting, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Adherence to this health and safety policy for driveway sealing is mandatory for all employees and contractors engaged by our gardening company. It supports safe, efficient and environmentally responsible delivery of driveway surface protection and sealant applications throughout our service area.