Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Earls Court
Self Storage Earls Court is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for customers, employees, visitors, contractors and removal partners. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage facility and associated activities, including loading, unloading and handling of goods.
We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property by maintaining high standards of safety management, training and supervision. Health and safety is a core part of how we operate and is integral to the way we manage our premises and services.
Policy Objectives and Responsibilities
Our primary objectives are to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, to continually improve our safety performance and to promote a positive safety culture for all users of the site, including customers using removal and transport services.
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, systems and supervision are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, carrying out risk assessments, maintaining safe equipment and ensuring staff receive suitable training.
All employees, contractors and removal company personnel working on site must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow site rules, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and cooperate with any safety instructions given by our staff.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out regular risk assessments covering all relevant activities, including customer access, storage unit use, vehicle movements, loading bays, lifts and handling of goods. These assessments identify potential hazards and the control measures needed to minimise risks.
Control measures may include physical safeguards, clear signage, speed limits for vehicles, housekeeping standards, limits on the weight of items handled, safe stacking requirements and access control to restricted areas. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after any significant change in operations or incident.
Where removal companies operate on or around the site, we expect them to have their own risk assessments and safe systems of work. We work with removal partners to ensure that their procedures are compatible with our safety standards and do not compromise the safety of customers or staff.
Safe Access, Traffic and Parking
The safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians is essential to our operations. Traffic routes, loading areas and pedestrian walkways are set out to reduce the risk of collision and congestion. Drivers must follow site speed limits, directional signs and instructions from staff at all times.
Removal vehicles, vans and customer cars must park only in designated areas and must not obstruct fire exits, emergency access routes or unit doors. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are being loaded or unloaded, unless required for essential equipment. Reversing should be minimised and aided by a banksman where necessary.
Pedestrians, including customers and visitors, should remain on marked routes where provided and be particularly cautious around loading bays, ramps, lifts and vehicle entrances.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Improper manual handling is a common cause of injury. We encourage the use of trolleys, sack trucks and other handling aids provided on site. Items should be packed sensibly, with heavy goods at the bottom and loads kept within a manageable weight.
Staff and contractors must follow manual handling training guidance, including planning lifts, keeping loads close to the body and seeking assistance for large or awkward items. Customers and removal teams are also encouraged to assess the weight and stability of goods before lifting and to split loads where possible.
Any equipment provided by Self Storage Earls Court, such as trolleys or pallet trucks, must be used only for its intended purpose, inspected before use and returned to designated areas after use. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service.
Storage Unit Safety and Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe environment, certain items must not be stored in any unit. Prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, gas cylinders, corrosive or toxic materials, firearms or weapons, perishable goods likely to rot or attract pests, and any illegal goods.
Goods must be stacked safely within units, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter, fragile items on top. Aisles should be kept clear to prevent trips and falls and to allow safe access in emergencies. Customers and removal companies are responsible for the safe packing and arrangement of goods within units, in line with our guidance and terms of use.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire safety measures, including detection systems, alarms, clearly marked escape routes and fire-fighting equipment suitable for the facility. Fire exits and access routes must remain clear at all times and must never be blocked by vehicles, goods or waste.
In the event of an alarm, everyone on site must evacuate immediately by the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly point. Lifts must not be used during an evacuation. No one may re-enter the building until authorised by a responsible person or the emergency services.
Staff receive training in emergency procedures and the use of fire-fighting equipment where appropriate. Visitors, customers and removal contractors are expected to familiarise themselves with fire exit locations and follow all instructions during an emergency.
Housekeeping and Site Condition
Good housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips, falls and other accidents. Walkways, corridors, loading bays and entrances must be kept clear and free from spillages, packaging waste and obstacles. Waste must be disposed of in appropriate containers and not left in common areas.
Any damage to the building, fixtures, fittings or safety equipment must be reported immediately. Temporary hazards, such as wet floors or damaged surfaces, will be clearly marked and rectified as soon as reasonably practicable.
Contractors, Removal Partners and Visitors
All contractors and removal companies working on our premises must comply with this policy and any specific site rules provided. They are responsible for the competence and conduct of their employees and for ensuring that their equipment is safe and properly maintained.
Contractors may be required to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, insurance and risk assessments before commencing work. High-risk activities may require additional controls, permits or supervision. Visitors must be accompanied where required and must follow all safety instructions given by staff.
Training, Communication and Monitoring
We provide staff with appropriate health and safety training for their roles, including induction training, refresher sessions and specific instruction on equipment use, manual handling, fire safety and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided where roles or risks change.
Health and safety information is communicated through signage, written guidance and staff briefings. We encourage feedback from customers, staff and contractors on any safety concerns or suggestions for improvement.
Incidents, near misses and hazards are recorded, investigated where appropriate and used to improve our systems and controls. Regular inspections are carried out to monitor compliance with this policy and to ensure that our premises remain safe and well maintained.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, premises or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be made available on request and implemented across the facility.
By using Self Storage Earls Court, all customers, visitors and contractors agree to cooperate with this policy and with any reasonable instructions aimed at protecting their own safety and that of others on site.
