Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Richmond upon Thames
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Self Storage Richmond upon Thames manages the safety and welfare of customers, visitors, employees, contractors and others who may be affected by activities on our premises. We are committed to providing a clean, secure and responsibly managed storage environment, including for customers using removal companies and transport services.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices on site. We will identify and control risks arising from storage activities, moving and handling of goods, vehicle access, and the use of equipment. Everyone using the facility must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all areas of our self storage facility, including internal corridors, storage units, loading bays, car parks, lifts, stairways and external access routes. It covers all persons on site, including customers, their employees, removal and delivery companies, contractors and visitors.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes assessing risks, maintaining the building and equipment, providing appropriate information and signage, and monitoring compliance with this policy. Management will:
Carry out regular inspections of the premises and equipment. Maintain reasonable lighting, ventilation and housekeeping standards. Provide and maintain trolleys, lifts and access equipment in a safe condition. Ensure that fire detection and protection systems are in place and tested. Display clear health and safety instructions, including emergency information. Investigate significant incidents and take corrective action where necessary.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
All customers and visitors, including those using removal and transport companies, share responsibility for safety on site. They must:
Follow all safety instructions and signage. Use equipment, such as trolleys and lifts, only for their intended purpose. Load and move goods safely, without overloading equipment or obstructing routes. Keep fire exits, corridors and common areas clear at all times. Report hazards, damage, spills or unsafe conditions to staff promptly. Supervise children and vulnerable persons at all times on the premises. Refrain from using intoxicating substances or unsafe behaviour while on site.
Removal Companies and Third Party Contractors
Removal companies and other contractors operating on site must work in a safe and considerate manner. They are responsible for the safety of their own staff and for ensuring their activities do not endanger others. We expect removal and delivery services to:
Plan lifting and carrying tasks to avoid overloading staff. Use suitable vehicles and loading methods for the site layout. Observe all site speed limits and traffic routes. Avoid blocking access roads, loading bays, entrances and exits. Securely park vehicles only in designated areas. Use appropriate personal protective equipment where required. Cooperate with our staff and comply with site safety rules at all times.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We will assess foreseeable risks associated with self storage operations and the movement of goods, including risks from manual handling, slips and trips, falling objects, vehicle movements, and fire. Control measures may include:
Non slip flooring and appropriate cleaning schedules. Adequate lighting in corridors, stairways and loading areas. Suitable storage height guidelines to reduce the risk of falling items. Clear marking of steps, ramps and uneven surfaces. Signage warning of specific hazards where appropriate. Restricted access to staff areas and plant rooms.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Injuries often arise from poor lifting techniques or misuse of equipment. To minimise these risks, we will provide suitable trolleys and lifting aids where practical and keep them in reasonable working order. Customers, visitors and removal companies must:
Assess the load before lifting and divide it into smaller loads where possible. Use trolleys or lifting aids rather than carrying heavy items by hand. Avoid standing under raised loads or stacked goods that may fall. Ensure that goods on trolleys are stable and do not project dangerously. Take extra care when moving items in lifts, on ramps and around corners.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems and provide firefighting equipment suited to the premises. Fire routes and exits must remain unobstructed at all times. In the event of an alarm or emergency:
All persons must leave the building promptly by the nearest safe exit. Do not use lifts during a fire evacuation. Follow the instructions of staff and proceed to the designated assembly area. Do not re enter the building until authorised by staff or emergency services.
Prohibited Items and Activities
For safety reasons, certain items and activities are not permitted in storage units or on site. These typically include:
Explosives and fireworks. Flammable or combustible liquids and gases in unsafe quantities. Toxic, corrosive or hazardous chemicals. Firearms and illegal items. Perishable or decomposing goods that may create health hazards. Any activity involving live flames or unsafe electrical appliances.
Customers are required to comply with our terms and conditions, which set out specific restrictions on stored goods and activities.
First Aid, Incidents and Reporting
Basic first aid arrangements are in place for use in the event of minor injuries. Serious incidents or injuries must be reported to staff immediately so that appropriate action can be taken. We may record incidents in an internal log and, where necessary, notify relevant authorities. Customers, visitors and contractors should cooperate fully in providing information to support any investigation.
Training, Information and Supervision
Staff members receive appropriate training in health and safety relevant to their roles, including fire safety and incident response. We will provide clear information to customers, removal companies and visitors through signage, verbal guidance and written materials, ensuring that site safety rules and emergency procedures are understood.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates
We regularly review the effectiveness of our health and safety arrangements and this policy. Reviews may occur following significant changes to the premises, services, regulations, or after any serious incident. We reserve the right to amend this policy when necessary to reflect updated legal requirements, industry standards or operational changes, and will implement revised measures as appropriate.
By using our self storage facility, all customers, visitors, removal companies and contractors agree to follow this Health and Safety policy and any additional instructions issued by our staff to protect the wellbeing of everyone on site.
