There is a legal requirement to maintain a clean, tidy and healthy workplace and this is laid down in the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and more specifically in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also requires all passageways and exit routes to be free from obstruction at all times.

All workplaces must be kept 'sufficiently' clean and tidy. The level of cleanliness required depends on the use of the workplace. The level of cleanliness that can reasonably be expected, will determine the frequency and effort, and the ease with which cleaning can actually be achieved.