Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Hampstead
Self Storage Hampstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage facilities and removal-related activities, including loading, unloading, and transporting goods to and from our units.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our decision-making and day-to-day operations. We aim to maintain safe premises, safe systems of work, and clear guidance for anyone using our storage units or moving items on site.
Management will provide appropriate resources, information, and supervision to ensure health and safety standards are met and continually improved. All individuals on site are expected to cooperate with these arrangements and act responsibly.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the senior management of Self Storage Hampstead. Management will review this policy regularly, monitor performance, and ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, carrying out risk assessments, providing training and instruction, maintaining equipment, and investigating any incidents or near misses.
Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate with management in maintaining a safe workplace.
Customers, including those using removal services and vehicles, are expected to follow on-site safety rules, park and load safely, use equipment responsibly, and store items in a way that does not create risks for themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Self Storage Hampstead will conduct regular risk assessments covering storage areas, loading bays, corridors, stairways, lifts, and car parks. We will identify hazards related to moving and handling items, working at height when loading units, use of trolleys and handling equipment, vehicle movements, fire safety, and general security.
Control measures will be implemented to reduce risks, including clear signage, designated loading zones, safe traffic routes, limitations on storage height where appropriate, and restrictions on the types of items that can be stored.
We will review risk assessments periodically and whenever there are significant changes to the premises, equipment, or operations.
Safe Access, Traffic, and Parking
Self Storage Hampstead will manage vehicle and pedestrian movements to minimise the risk of collision or injury. This includes designated parking and loading spaces for removal vehicles, clear walkways for pedestrians, appropriate lighting, and speed limitations where required.
Customers and contractors must park only in designated areas, never block fire exits or emergency access routes, and follow any on-site traffic signs or instructions provided by staff. Engines should not be left running unnecessarily inside covered areas or near building entrances to avoid fumes and noise.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Handling heavy or awkward items is a key risk in storage and removal activities. Self Storage Hampstead will provide suitable manual handling guidance for staff and, where appropriate, information for customers on safe lifting techniques.
Trolleys and other handling aids will be made available where possible. Users must not overload equipment, must check that it is in safe condition before use, and must report any damage immediately. Employees will receive training in safe handling techniques and correct use of any equipment provided.
Where tasks involve particularly heavy or bulky items, assistance should be sought rather than attempting to move items alone. Customers are strongly advised to plan their lifting and loading in advance and to use professional removal assistance where needed.
Safe Storage of Goods
Self Storage Hampstead will ensure that storage units and common areas are structurally sound and maintained to a suitable standard. Customers are responsible for the way items are placed and stacked within their unit. To maintain safety, items must be stacked in a stable manner, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items above, and care taken not to exceed any stated load limits on shelving or floors.
The storage of prohibited or dangerous goods is not permitted. This includes flammable liquids, explosive substances, compressed gas cylinders, perishable food, live animals, illegal items, or any substance likely to cause harm, contamination, or excessive odour. Any uncertainty about whether goods are suitable for storage should be discussed with a member of staff before bringing them on site.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Hampstead maintains appropriate fire safety measures, including fire detection systems where installed, clearly marked escape routes, and fire-fighting equipment suited to the premises. Fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times and escape routes must be kept clear.
All persons on site must familiarise themselves with emergency exit routes, fire alarm points, and assembly areas. In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency, everyone must leave the building immediately, without collecting belongings, and follow instructions given by staff or emergency services.
Housekeeping and General Safety
Good housekeeping is essential to maintain a safe environment. Passageways, stairwells, and loading areas must be kept free from trip hazards and obstructions. Any spills, damage, or defects must be reported to staff without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.
Smoking, vaping, or the use of open flames is not permitted within storage buildings or loading areas. Customers and visitors must also comply with any signage regarding restricted areas or safety rules.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Self Storage Hampstead will provide suitable training and information to employees to ensure they can carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training, instruction in safe manual handling, equipment use, emergency procedures, and reporting of incidents. Refresher training will be provided where necessary.
Information on key safety rules and procedures will be made available to customers, especially those using removal vehicles or handling large volumes of goods. Staff will provide reasonable guidance on safe use of the facilities but cannot supervise every movement of goods; customers remain responsible for how they pack, move, and store their items.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, near misses, or dangerous occurrences on our premises must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents to identify causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in operations, legislation, or best practice. Self Storage Hampstead is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and encourages feedback from employees, customers, and contractors to help achieve this aim.
By using our storage facilities or working on our premises, you agree to cooperate with Self Storage Hampstead in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
