Updated 22 October 2026 · Avenclear Cleaning
The general duty
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to provide a safe working environment. Keeping the workplace clean is part of that duty. Northern Ireland has equivalent legislation in the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
The Workplace Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set out more specific duties in Great Britain, with equivalent 1993 regulations in Northern Ireland. In particular:
- Regulation 9 requires the workplace, furniture, furnishings and fittings to be kept sufficiently clean, and waste not to accumulate except in suitable containers.
- Regulation 20 requires suitable and sufficient toilets, kept clean and in an orderly condition.
- Regulation 21 requires suitable washing facilities, also kept clean.
The regulations do not set a fixed frequency. The standard is what is needed for the building and how it is used, which is why a written specification matters.
COSHH and cleaning chemicals
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply to many cleaning products. Employers, and cleaning contractors for their own staff, must assess the risks, keep safety data sheets, train staff and provide protective equipment where needed.
Who is responsible when you use a contractor?
You remain responsible for your workplace. The contractor is responsible for its staff, methods and chemicals. In practice, both should share risk assessments, and the contract should make clear who does what.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.