Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage West Hampstead
Self Storage West Hampstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all customers, employees, contractors and visitors using our storage and removal-related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, maintaining safe facilities and promoting safe working practices on our premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health arising from activities on or connected with our storage facilities, including the loading, unloading and moving of goods. We will identify and manage risks, provide clear information and guidance, and monitor our performance to continually improve safety standards.
All persons using our premises have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage West Hampstead is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that:
Suitable and proportionate risk assessments are carried out for activities on site, including vehicle movements, use of trolleys, loading bays and access routes. Facilities, equipment and access areas are maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Employees receive appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. Incident and accident reports are recorded, investigated where necessary and used to improve control measures. Emergency procedures, including fire safety arrangements and evacuation routes, are kept up to date and clearly communicated.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must follow safe systems of work and cooperate with management to uphold this policy. Employees are required to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of customers and colleagues. Use equipment, including handling aids and protective devices, in accordance with training and instructions. Report any hazards, defects, spillages or unsafe conditions immediately to management. Report all accidents, injuries and near-misses, however minor they may appear. Refrain from horseplay, unsafe practices or any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
Customer and Contractor Responsibilities
Customers and contractors using Self Storage West Hampstead facilities, including those engaged in moving, packing or removal activities, are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions and signage displayed on site. Use loading areas, lifts, corridors and access routes with care and consideration for others. Ensure that goods are packed, stacked and transported safely, particularly when using trolleys and removal vehicles. Avoid blocking fire exits, corridors or access to safety equipment. Supervise children and vulnerable persons at all times and prevent them from operating handling equipment or playing in loading areas.
Contractors working on site must follow their own safe systems of work and comply with instructions issued by Self Storage West Hampstead management. Any work that may affect the safety of customers or staff must be agreed and coordinated in advance.
Safe Storage Practices
To reduce the risk of accidents, damage and injury, the following storage practices must be observed:
Heavy items should be stored at a low level to avoid strain and reduce the risk of falling objects. Goods should be stacked in a stable manner, avoiding overloading shelves or leaning items against doors and walls. Hazardous, flammable, explosive, corrosive, illegal or perishable items must not be brought onto the premises or stored in any unit. Aisles and access routes within storage units should be kept clear so that items can be reached without overreaching or climbing. Customers must not alter or interfere with the structure, fixtures or fittings of any storage unit.
Manual Handling and Moving Goods
Manual handling, including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, is a common activity within storage and removal environments. To reduce the risk of injury, all persons on site should:
Assess the weight and size of items before lifting and ask for assistance or use equipment when required. Keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting the back while lifting or carrying. Use trolleys, pallet trucks or other handling aids provided where suitable and operate them with care. Ensure that routes are clear and well lit before moving large or heavy items. Load removal vehicles safely, securing items to prevent movement during transport and avoiding overloading.
Traffic Management and Parking
Vehicle movements present a significant risk, particularly in loading areas. To manage this risk:
Vehicles must only park and load or unload in designated areas. Speed limits and one-way systems, where indicated, must be observed at all times. Drivers must take particular care when reversing and use a guide where available. Pedestrians should use designated walkways where provided and remain alert to moving vehicles and handling equipment. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are parked for loading or unloading for extended periods.
Housekeeping and Environment
Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining a safe working and storage environment:
Corridors, stairways, lifts and loading bays must be kept free from obstruction. Spillages must be reported immediately so that they can be cleaned and the area made safe. Waste must be disposed of in appropriate containers or designated areas and must not be left in units, corridors or loading bays. Lighting and ventilation systems must not be obstructed or tampered with.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
Self Storage West Hampstead maintains fire detection and protection systems appropriate to the premises. In the event of a fire or other emergency:
Follow the instructions given by staff and displayed on fire action notices. Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit, without using lifts. Do not stop to collect belongings or re-enter the building until it is confirmed safe to do so. Do not block or misuse fire doors, extinguishers or other safety equipment at any time.
Training, Communication and Review
Self Storage West Hampstead will provide employees with information and training relevant to their roles and responsibilities, especially where they assist customers with loading, unloading or handling activities. Safety information will be communicated through signage, written guidance and, where appropriate, verbal instruction.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or relevant regulations. Updates will be made available on request and reflected in our procedures and staff training.
By using the facilities and services of Self Storage West Hampstead, including any associated moving or removal activities carried out on our premises, all parties agree to cooperate with this policy and to conduct their activities in a safe and responsible manner.
