Self Storage Streatham Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Streatham is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for customers, visitors, contractors and employees. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, loading and unloading of goods, including activities connected with removal and transport services that operate on our premises.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from activities at our site. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect people, property and the environment by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures.
We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards and will review this policy periodically to help ensure it remains suitable and effective.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety at Self Storage Streatham rests with the company management. They are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to implement and maintain this policy, and that appropriate systems are in place to manage health and safety risks.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including:
Ensuring risk assessments are carried out, kept up to date and communicated to relevant people.
Maintaining safe systems of work for storage, access, loading and unloading.
Ensuring that staff receive suitable information, instruction and training.
Monitoring compliance with site rules and safety procedures.
Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with management in all health and safety matters, follow site rules and training, and report hazards, accidents and near misses without delay.
Customers, visitors and contractors, including removal company personnel, must follow all site safety instructions, signage and directions given by staff. They are responsible for ensuring that their own equipment and vehicles are operated safely while on our premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess risks arising from our activities, including but not limited to:
Use of storage units, corridors and common areas.
Vehicle movements, loading bays and access roads.
Manual handling of furniture, boxes and heavy items.
Use of trolleys, sack trucks and other handling equipment.
Working at height when loading vehicles or stacking goods.
Where risks are identified, we will implement suitable control measures such as designated walkways, clear signage, speed restrictions, loading bay procedures, and guidance for safe lifting and carrying. These measures are designed to protect both our staff and all users of the facility, including those involved in removal and delivery work.
Site Rules and Safe Behaviour
To maintain a safe environment, the following general rules apply at Self Storage Streatham:
All users must observe site signage, including speed limits, one-way systems and loading bay instructions.
Fire exits, corridors and access routes must be kept clear at all times.
Smoking, vaping and the use of open flames are prohibited inside buildings and in designated no smoking areas.
Goods must be stored safely within units, stacked in a stable manner and not exceeding weight or height limits where specified.
Dangerous, explosive, flammable or illegal items must not be stored on the premises.
Children and pets must be supervised at all times and kept away from loading areas and moving vehicles.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many activities within a storage and removal environment involve manual handling. To reduce the risk of injury, we will provide guidance to staff on safe lifting techniques and correct use of handling equipment.
Where customers or third-party removal teams use trolleys, sack trucks or similar equipment provided on site, they are expected to use this equipment responsibly and return it after use. Equipment must be checked visually before use and any damage or defects reported to staff immediately. Improvised use of equipment, overloading or unsafe stacking of items on trolleys is not permitted.
Vehicle Movements and Loading Bays
Our site may be busy with vans and larger vehicles associated with storage and removal services. To manage these risks, we will:
Provide clear markings and signage for loading bays and parking areas.
Encourage safe reversing and manoeuvring practices, including the use of a banksman where appropriate.
Discourage idling engines in enclosed spaces and ensure that vehicles do not obstruct emergency access routes.
Drivers and removal teams are responsible for securing loads safely within their vehicles and for carrying out their own checks to ensure that goods are stowed securely before leaving the site.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems in line with our fire risk assessment. Fire exits and escape routes will be kept clear, and emergency lighting will be maintained where provided.
In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency:
All persons on site must leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit.
Do not use lifts during an evacuation.
Proceed to the designated assembly area and await further instruction from staff or emergency services.
Customers and contractors must familiarise themselves with the location of fire exits and alarm call points when using the facility.
Accident Reporting and First Aid
All accidents, incidents and near misses on our premises must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. This helps us to investigate, take corrective action and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
We will maintain appropriate first aid provisions and ensure that staff know how to access first aid supplies or assistance. In serious cases or where required, emergency services will be contacted immediately.
Training, Information and Review
We will provide employees with appropriate information, instruction and training to enable them to work safely, including induction training, refresher training where required and briefings on changes to procedures or site layout.
Information on health and safety rules, including guidance relevant to storage and removal activities, will be made available to customers and contractors through signage and written site rules.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary, taking into account changes in legislation, operations or significant incidents. Our objective is continual improvement in health and safety performance and the ongoing protection of everyone who uses Self Storage Streatham facilities.
