Safety Tips and Emergency Procedures
Please ensure you understand the material completely as you will be talking through your understanding of the material with Haylie during a coaching meeting.
Safety Tips
Possible Dangers and The Solutions
Tripping down stairs while vacuuming - Keep the vacuum close to you and be mindful of your feet
Turning on gas while cleaning stove top - Take gas burner knobs off before cleaning
Slipping in a shower/tub - Keep the floor dry while you clean the walls, then get out to wipe down the tub
Cutting self on knives - Don't clean knives
Having blinds or pictures fall on you - Test the blinds or pictures to make sure that they are attached securely
Stubbing toes - Wear good shoes
Cuts from oven thermometer - Make sure the light is on and locate the thermometer and clean around it carefully
Slipping on ice/snow - Wear good snow boots/shoes, walk slowly if there is ice or snow
Fall off counter/chair while cleaning up high - Be careful!
Hot bowl in microwave - Use a towel or cloth to take bowl/cup out of microwave
Tripping on vacuum cord - Keep the cord organized and looped in your hand
Spraying self in shower - Test out the shower faucet before getting in the shower to clean the walls
Burns from hot stovetops - Look for the "hot" light and come back to clean that later
Burns from hot water in sinks/tubs - Test out the water temperature carefully
Sprains from heavy furniture - Lift with your legs, not back. Ask for help.
Emergencies
Gas Leak
In the event you smell gas, exit the house immediately with pets if possible.
Call the client and MOD to inform them of the situation.
Call Centerpoint or 911 right away if the client did not pick up. Confirm authorization to make the call to a 3rd party if you do reach the client.
Power outage
Check the fuse box located in the basement or garage typically to see if there is a main fuse blown (applicable for any situations where fuses are blown.)
Contact the client and MOD if you cannot regain power.
Open blinds to get light inside.
Clean what you can without electricity as you wait for further instructions.
Water leaks
If it is flowing, attempt to shut off source or shut off main water typically found in utility rooms or behind a toilet
Call the client immediately.
Clean water up as much as possible with client’s towels, paper towels, etc.
Inform MOD.
Fire or Break-in
Call 911 immediately
Injuries
For minor injuries to you or your partner, take a moment, retrieve first-aid kit in the bag, and assist with helping if need be.
Fill out an “Incident Report” found in the binder.
For major injuries, call the nurse hotline (information in binder) and continue with their process and advice. Report this incident to a manager on duty right away.
Ensure there are no biological hazards left at the client's home.
Lead is responsible for communicating with the management team or directly with the client in the event the injury alters their ability to stay on schedule with cleaning.
Call 911 if needed BEFORE calling the nurse hotline.
Animal excrement
Be reasonable, if possible, pick up with paper towels and place more paper towels over the spot to indicate the area of incident to the client.
Inform the client immediately.
“Hey so the dog seemed to have had an accident in the living room, we placed paper towels over the spot, but it is out of our scope to do anything further. Just thought I would inform you of it so you are able to take care of it in the appropriate manner for your home.”
Inform client and MOD for all emergency situations. For non-emergencies, do the best you can to find a solution without going completely out of your way. Call MOD to seek advice and directions. Our clients appreciate us going above and beyond when possible.