Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Brompton
Self Storage Brompton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for customers, visitors, contractors, employees and any third parties using our storage facilities or associated removal and transport services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks and promoting safe working practices across our operations.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property or goods by assessing risks, implementing suitable controls and monitoring our performance. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our day-to-day decision making, including the design, operation and maintenance of storage units, access areas and loading zones used by removal vehicles.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all activities carried out on our premises, including but not limited to storage, loading and unloading, handling of goods, vehicle access, office activities and any removal or transport services managed by us. It covers employees, agency staff, contractors, delivery and removal crews, customers and visitors while they are on site or under our direction in the course of work.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety performance at Self Storage Brompton. Management will:
Ensure that appropriate resources, instruction and equipment are provided to maintain safe operations and facilities.
Identify significant hazards, conduct regular risk assessments and implement control measures to minimise risks.
Maintain clear safety procedures for storage units, communal areas, loading bays and vehicle routes used by removal operators.
Ensure that staff receive relevant training on safe manual handling, working around vehicles, emergency procedures and the safe supervision of customers and contractors.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Review this policy periodically and update it as necessary in line with operational changes or legal requirements.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including those assisting with removals, transport, site maintenance and customer services, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, site rules and training given by the company.
Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or practices without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.
Cooperate with management and any appointed safety representatives during inspections, investigations and audits.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors, including any independent removal crews acting on their behalf, must comply with our site rules and behave in a way that does not endanger themselves or others. This includes:
Observing all safety signage, traffic routes and speed limits within the site.
Using allocated loading areas and respecting instructions from staff when manoeuvring vehicles.
Avoiding the use of unsafe ladders, improvised steps or makeshift lifting equipment.
Not smoking or vaping in storage units, loading bays or other internal areas.
Ensuring that children and pets are closely supervised at all times and kept away from moving vehicles and equipment.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out regular risk assessments covering key hazards associated with self storage and removal activity, including manual handling, work at height, slips and trips, fire safety, vehicle movements, security of goods and lone working. Based on these assessments, we implement control measures such as:
Providing suitable trolleys and lifting aids to assist with moving heavy or bulky items.
Maintaining designated pedestrian walkways and vehicle routes with clear signage.
Ensuring adequate lighting in corridors, stairwells, external areas and loading bays.
Maintaining floors, ramps and steps in good condition and dealing promptly with spillages or obstructions.
Implementing access controls and security procedures to protect people and property.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling of goods is a common activity for both customers and removal personnel. To reduce the risk of injury we:
Provide guidance and training to staff on safe lifting techniques and risk awareness.
Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other aids rather than manual lifting where practicable.
Discourage customers from attempting to move items that are beyond their capability and recommend professional assistance for heavy or awkward loads.
Inspect equipment supplied for customer use and remove it from service if it is damaged or unsafe.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
For the safety of everyone on site, certain goods must not be stored or handled within our facility. These typically include:
Explosives, flammable liquids and gases, or other highly combustible materials.
Chemicals, toxic substances or hazardous waste that may create health or environmental risks.
Perishable food items or other goods that may attract vermin or create hygiene concerns.
Illegal goods or items of a nature that could compromise the safety or integrity of the site.
Customers and removal operators are responsible for ensuring that prohibited items are not brought onto the premises. Staff may refuse entry or request the removal of any items considered unsafe.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain fire detection and protection systems suitable for the nature of our premises. Emergency exits, escape routes and assembly points are clearly marked and must be kept clear at all times. In the event of an alarm or other emergency:
All persons on site must follow staff instructions and evacuate promptly.
Lift use is prohibited during fire evacuations; stairways should be used where available.
Customers and contractors should not attempt to re enter the building until advised that it is safe to do so.
Contractors and Removal Partners
Contractors and external removal companies working on site are required to operate safely and in accordance with this policy and any additional site specific requirements. We will, where appropriate:
Provide relevant safety information, including site rules, emergency procedures and vehicle routes.
Require contractors to demonstrate that they have suitable health and safety arrangements in place for their employees and activities.
Monitor contractor behaviour on site and suspend work if serious safety concerns are identified.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We provide suitable health and safety training to staff on induction and at regular intervals, with additional instruction where roles or risks change. Information about site rules and safety standards is communicated through signage, written procedures and verbal briefings. We encourage feedback from staff, customers and contractors on health and safety matters and will consider such feedback when reviewing procedures and facilities.
Monitoring and Review
Self Storage Brompton monitors health and safety performance by reviewing incident reports, inspection findings, customer comments and staff feedback. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or legal obligations. Continuous improvement in health and safety is a core objective of our business and underpins the service we offer to storage and removal customers.
