External Cleaning & Surface Restoration Program
Related SafeGroup Service:
External Cleaning & Surface Restoration Program
Project Overview
Sector – Pharmaceuticals
Service – Planned & Periodic Specialist Cleaning
Incident – Build-up of ingrained algae, organic growth and environmental grime across high-footfall pedestrian walkways, paved areas and outdoor seating facilities, creating aesthetic concerns and increasing slip-risk potential
Location – Macclesfield, UK
Objective – To improve the appearance and cleanliness of external surfaces, effectively remove biological and environmental contamination, and enhance safety across frequently used pedestrian routes through a planned programme of external cleaning.
The Challenge
Several site-specific challenges required careful planning and execution:
- Strict biodiversity objectives prohibited the use of chemical cleaning agents.
- A nearby canal meant environmental protection measures were paramount throughout the project.
- No permanent water supply was available in the working areas.
- Although SafeGroup technicians hold the relevant trainingMand CALM certification for hydrant usage, site restrictions prevented access to hydrants.
- Previous cleaning methods had struggled to restore aged external furniture and heavily trafficked surfaces to the desired standard.
- Works needed to be completed without disrupting normal site operations.
Our Response
The transformation of the outdoor seating areas was particularly notable.
Aged timber benches and tables responded exceptionally well to the hot- water cleaning process, revealing the natural finish of the wood and providing an ideal surface for subsequent treatment.
The wider cleaning programme successfully restored multiple external areas, improving both appearance and safety across the site.
During the works, the team were subject to random client Health & Safety inspections, all of which were passed with excellent feedback from the client team regarding standards of safety, professionalism and site management.
The Outcome
- Hot-water cleaning solution successfully implemented without chemicals
- Biodiversity and environmental objectives fully maintained
- Slip hazards reduced through removal of algae and contamination
- External furniture restored and prepared for future treatment
- Multiple client Health & Safety inspections passed
- Project delivered on time and in accordance with the agreed programme
- Positive client feedback received throughout the works
Customer Voice
“Your team have at all times been very professional whilst on site as have you been with your communication and regular calls to myself to check in.
Hannah And Rob have been very professional and at all times adhered to any site rules aswell as your own rules for how you work and wear your own PPE.
They have both been super friendly to myself and anyone else around them and I think they have enjoyed working at site from what they have told me.
They have navigated around site really quickly which is great to see.
They have listened to all the permit issuers and followed all the
rules which is fantastic to see also.
Please give them a “Thankyou” from myself for making this a smooth exercise to do.“
Elaine Whitter
Customer Service Manager, AstraZeneca, Operations Campus
“Following a significant fire incident impacting operations at our client site, we engaged our specialist partner, SafeGroup, to support with recovery activities. They mobilised quickly, attending site the same day to assess requirements and develop a structured recovery plan. Works commenced over a bank holiday weekend, involving multiple technicians, specialist equipment and complex logistics, all of which were managed effectively. Communication throughout was clear and consistent, enabling us to keep our client informed on progress, timelines and safety considerations. SafeGroup demonstrated a strong focus on safety and collaboration, working alongside other trades, our team and the client to respond to evolving requirements, including changes to scope, working patterns and environmental controls such as air quality and PPE requirements. The programme was delivered in line with agreed milestones, and the outcome met the project requirements in a challenging and time-sensitive environment.”
“Safe Group are a trusted supply chain partner to our business, supporting specialist and emergency cleaning services across our portfolio. Safe Group provide rapid effective solutions. Evidencing commitment, expertise, and flexibility, with attention to detail, they have been instrumental in delivering a successful outcome for us and that of our clients. ”
“I've worked with SafeGroup for a number of years now, for a variety of services from flood responses, sewage spills, commercial or high-level cleans, and upholstery cleaning. I've always found their service excellent, always providing a swift response when we need them, and a great quality of work too. ”
“SafeGroup delivers specialist and reactive cleaning services across the M&S estate, covering both food and department stores. We rely on their service nationally across a combined 1000+ store list. SafeGroup offers a genuine partnership approach, through bespoke management systems and dedicated personnel. It is constantly seeking to improve and overdeliver. From floor and carpet cleaning to emergency flood or sewage response cleans, SafeGroup delivers an end-to-end service that ensures we are operational and compliant. Its quality of work is backed up by its communication and reporting. This is testament to our successful and continually growing partnership.”
“We have been working in partnership with Safegroup for approximately 3 years now. We have developed the account over the past few years and have found Safegroup very easy to deal with. They have supported us on numerous disasters and always delivered works to a high standard. Communication has always been great throughout. It’s piece of mind knowing we have their support whenever required.”
