Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage St John's Wood
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Self Storage St John's Wood manages the safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, removal teams, visitors and customers using our storage facilities and associated removal services. Our aim is to provide a safe, clean and well managed environment where risks are identified, controlled and continuously reviewed.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Self Storage St John's Wood is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all operations, including storage, handling, loading and unloading of goods, and coordination with third party removal companies. We seek to prevent accidents, protect property and safeguard the health of everyone on our premises.
Our key objectives are to:
Identify and assess hazards associated with self storage units, loading bays and removal activities.
Implement and maintain effective control measures to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Provide clear information, instruction and supervision to employees, contractors and customers.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Promote a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety within Self Storage St John's Wood. Management will ensure that:
Risk assessments are completed, recorded and regularly reviewed for all key activities, including storage operations and customer access, as well as cooperation with removal and delivery services.
Safe systems of work are developed and followed for reception, office areas, corridors, staircases, lifts, loading bays and parking areas.
Fire safety, emergency procedures and first aid arrangements are maintained and communicated.
Employees receive appropriate training and are competent to carry out their duties safely.
Resources are made available to maintain the facilities, equipment and safety controls in a safe condition.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are required to:
Follow company health and safety procedures and safe working practices at all times.
Use equipment, tools and machinery safely and for their intended purpose.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents, defects or unsafe behaviour without delay.
Participate in health and safety training and apply the knowledge gained.
Cooperate with management, contractors and removal teams to ensure coordinated and safe operations.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, visitors and removal company personnel using the facility have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others. When using the storage facility and removal services coordinated on site, they must:
Follow all safety signs, instructions and guidance provided by staff.
Supervise accompanying children and vulnerable persons at all times.
Use trolleys, lifts, corridors and stairways safely, showing consideration for other users.
Ensure goods are safely packed and loaded, avoiding overloading trolleys or vehicles.
Refrain from storing or handling prohibited or dangerous goods, including flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic or illegal items.
Immediately inform staff of any spillages, obstructions, damage or incidents.
Safe Use of Storage Units and Premises
To reduce the risk of injury and property damage, the following principles apply to all units and common areas:
Goods must be stacked in a stable manner, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
Access routes, fire exits, corridors and signage must not be blocked by goods, vehicles or equipment.
Customers and removal teams must take care when opening unit doors to prevent items falling.
Smoking, vaping, naked flames and hot works are not permitted anywhere on the storage premises.
Electrical items must not be left plugged in or operating in storage units.
Any damage to doors, locks, lighting, flooring or walls must be reported promptly.
Moving, Handling and Removal Activities
Manual handling and removal operations can present significant risks if not managed correctly. Self Storage St John's Wood will:
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and pallet trucks where appropriate.
Provide guidance on safe lifting techniques and the handling of bulky or heavy items.
Coordinate with removal companies and delivery drivers to manage traffic flow and parking in loading areas.
Maintain clear markings, lighting and signage in loading zones and vehicle access routes.
Seek to separate vehicle movements from pedestrian walkways where reasonably practicable.
Customers and removal teams are expected to plan loads, share lifting where required and use suitable equipment for heavy or awkward items.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a core priority for our storage and removal operations. We will maintain and regularly test fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and fire fighting equipment appropriate to the premises.
Fire evacuation routes and exits will be clearly signed, kept unobstructed and routinely inspected. Emergency procedures, including assembly points and evacuation instructions, will be displayed in prominent locations.
In the event of a fire alarm or emergency, all persons on site must follow staff directions, evacuate promptly and not re-enter the building until authorised to do so. Customers must not store items that increase fire risk beyond normal household or business goods.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses occurring on the premises or in connection with our storage and removal activities must be reported to a member of staff. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions.
Where necessary, incidents will be investigated by management, and findings will be used to improve procedures, equipment or training. Cooperation from employees, customers and contractors is essential in this process.
Training, Consultation and Review
Self Storage St John's Wood will provide appropriate health and safety induction and refresher training for employees, particularly for those involved in customer service, maintenance, security and coordination with removal companies.
We encourage feedback from staff, customers and contractors on safety matters and will consider reasonable suggestions for improvement. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when required by changes in legislation, operations or identified risks.
By using our storage facility and related removal services, all parties agree to cooperate with this policy, helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.
