Self Storage Westminster Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Self Storage Westminster to provide a safe and healthy environment for customers, staff, contractors and visitors. It applies to all areas of our storage facilities and to any related removal and handling activities carried out on, to or from our premises.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Self Storage Westminster is committed to preventing accidents, injuries and ill health associated with storage use, moving goods and associated services. We aim to maintain facilities, equipment and processes that are safe, secure and suitable for their intended purpose. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our daily operations, from customer access and site security to loading, unloading and internal movements of goods.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Self Storage Westminster holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes establishing and reviewing this policy, setting relevant objectives and ensuring adequate resources are available to implement them. Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for the premises, storage units, access routes, loading bays, vehicular movements and handling of goods.
Managers will monitor compliance with safe working practices, arrange appropriate inspections and maintenance, and respond to incidents, near misses or complaints. Where necessary, procedures will be updated and additional control measures introduced to reduce risk.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all training, instructions and site rules, particularly in relation to safe manual handling, use of lifting aids, operation of equipment and guidance given to customers and removal crews.
Employees are expected to report hazards, defects, spillages, unsafe behaviour and any accidents or near misses to management without delay. No employee is required to work in unsafe conditions or to perform tasks for which they have not been trained.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, removal companies and other visitors are required to behave in a safe and responsible manner while on site. This includes following posted safety signs and instructions from staff, parking only in designated areas and observing speed limits and one-way systems where present.
Persons loading or unloading vehicles, operating trolleys or handling goods within our facilities must ensure they do so safely and without creating risks to others. Children must be supervised at all times and animals kept under control. Any unsafe condition, spill or damage must be reported to site staff as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Self Storage Westminster will identify and assess foreseeable hazards related to storage, access, vehicle movements and the handling of goods. This includes but is not limited to slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, falling items from height, collision risks in car parks and loading areas, and the dangers associated with prohibited or unsafe materials.
Based on these assessments, the company will implement appropriate control measures, such as clear walkways, lighting, signage, restrictions on certain goods, segregation of pedestrians and vehicles where practicable, and designated areas for loading, unloading and waiting. These controls will be reviewed periodically and after any significant change or incident.
Manual Handling and Removal Activities
Safe manual handling is essential in a storage and removals environment. Employees and, where appropriate, regular contractors are trained to lift and move goods using correct techniques, to use trolleys or lifting aids where available and to avoid handling loads that are too heavy or awkward without assistance.
Removal companies and customers are encouraged to plan their moves carefully, pack items securely and use suitable equipment for transport. Oversized or heavy items should be managed with particular care to prevent strain injuries and damage to property. Any specialist lifting or complex removal operations on site must be discussed with management in advance so that appropriate arrangements and controls can be put in place.
Safe Use of Storage Units and Prohibited Items
Units must be loaded in a stable and secure manner to prevent items from falling when doors are opened or while goods are being moved. Heavy objects should be stored low down, with lighter items placed above. Customers and removal teams should not climb on furniture, boxes or shelving, or use makeshift steps.
Certain goods are not permitted for storage, including explosive or highly flammable materials, chemicals that may present a risk to health, perishable goods that may decay, living creatures and any items that are illegal to possess or store. Details of prohibited items and any additional restrictions relevant to the site are made available to customers and must be followed at all times.
Equipment, Maintenance and Housekeeping
Self Storage Westminster will maintain its buildings, fixtures, fittings, access routes and equipment in a condition that is safe for use. Routine inspections are carried out and defects rectified as promptly as reasonably practicable. Where equipment such as trolleys or lifting devices is provided, it will be maintained and withdrawn from service if found to be unsafe.
Good housekeeping is an important part of risk control. Walkways, staircases, corridors and loading areas must be kept clear of obstructions. Spills must be cleaned promptly or cordoned off. Waste materials should be disposed of in appropriate containers and not left in common areas, loading bays or fire escape routes.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements include clearly marked escape routes, emergency lighting where installed, and appropriate fire detection and alarm systems for the premises. Fire exits and routes must be kept clear at all times and must not be blocked by vehicles, pallets, boxes or other stored goods.
In the event of an alarm or other emergency instruction, all occupants must leave the building immediately using the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. Lifts must not be used during a fire evacuation. Only authorised personnel may attempt to tackle a fire and only if it is safe to do so. Emergency procedures are reviewed regularly and may be updated as the site or operations develop.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive information and training relevant to their role, including site rules, emergency procedures, safe manual handling and how to assist customers and removal crews safely. Refresher training is provided where necessary and when new equipment, processes or significant changes are introduced.
Instructions, warning signs and notices are displayed where needed, including at entrances, loading areas, stairwells and other key locations. Staff provide guidance to customers and removal providers on safe use of the facility and may intervene if unsafe practices are observed.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, near misses, dangerous occurrences and security or safety concerns must be reported to management. Records are kept, investigated where appropriate and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to operations, facilities or relevant legislation. Self Storage Westminster is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to working collaboratively with customers, staff, contractors and removal companies to maintain a safe environment for all.
