Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Shepherd's Bush
Self Storage Shepherd's Bush is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for all customers, visitors, contractors and employees, including those involved in removals and transport to and from our facility. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, managing risks and promoting safe behaviour throughout the site.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to manage health and safety in a systematic, proportionate and practical way. We aim to prevent injury, protect property and minimise disruption by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures in all storage areas, corridors, loading bays and access routes used by customers and removal teams.
We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and associated guidance. We will review our arrangements regularly and update them when changes occur in our operations, building layout, or the way customers and removal companies use the facility.
Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage Shepherd's Bush holds overall responsibility for health and safety at the facility. Management will ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed, and that adequate resources are provided for the maintenance of safe premises, equipment and working practices.
Employees are responsible for following established safety procedures, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, incidents and near misses, and cooperating in any training or instruction provided. Staff are expected to be vigilant in busy areas such as loading bays, corridors, lift lobbies and stairwells.
Customers, visitors and any removal company personnel using the site share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow site rules and signage, take reasonable care when moving and handling goods, and promptly report unsafe conditions or incidents to a member of staff on site.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out risk assessments for key activities and areas within the facility, including vehicle movements, loading and unloading, manual handling, use of trolleys, access to upper levels, and general circulation within the building. These assessments are reviewed periodically and when there are significant changes to operations or facilities.
Control measures may include physical safeguards, clear signage, traffic management arrangements, safe systems of work, and staff training. Where reasonably practicable, risks will be eliminated; where this is not possible, they will be reduced to the lowest level achievable through sensible precautions.
Safe Access, Traffic and Parking
Vehicle access, parking and loading at Self Storage Shepherd's Bush are managed to reduce the risk of collision, obstruction and injury. Customers and removal vehicles must follow marked traffic routes, observe posted speed limits and use designated loading areas.
Pedestrian routes are to be kept clear and used wherever available. Drivers must not obstruct fire exits, emergency access points or clearly signed no parking zones. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are stationary for loading or unloading, unless required for safe operation of lifting equipment specifically approved for use.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling presents a significant risk in any storage and removal environment. Customers, staff and removal teams should avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward. Where possible, items should be broken down into smaller loads and handled using trolleys or other suitable equipment provided.
Heavy, bulky or unstable items must be secured and moved with appropriate caution. Safe lifting techniques should always be used, including keeping the load close to the body, avoiding twisting and ensuring a stable footing. Any equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks or pallet jacks must be used in accordance with instructions and must not be overloaded.
Safe Storage of Goods
Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods stored in their units are safe, lawful and securely stacked. Items should be stored in a stable manner, with heavier items at the bottom, and no goods should be stacked so high that they risk toppling or obstructing lighting, sprinklers or ventilation.
Prohibited or hazardous items include, but are not limited to, explosives, flammable liquids or gases, corrosive substances, toxic chemicals, firearms, ammunition, perishable goods likely to attract pests, and any items that present an unreasonable risk to health, safety or property. Management reserves the right to inspect and take appropriate action where a serious risk is suspected.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a core element of our health and safety arrangements. Fire detection and alarm systems, extinguishers and emergency lighting are installed and maintained in accordance with applicable standards. Fire exits and escape routes must remain clear at all times and must never be used for storage.
In the event of a fire alarm, all persons must leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. Lifts must not be used during a fire evacuation. Staff will assist with directing people and liaise with the emergency services. No one may re-enter the building until authorised to do so by staff or the emergency services.
Housekeeping and General Safety
Good housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls. Corridors, staircases, loading bays and common areas must be kept free from obstructions and spillages. Waste must be disposed of in appropriate containers and not left in units, passageways or parking areas.
Customers and removal teams should ensure that doors are closed after use where required for fire separation, and that any damage to doors, locks, lighting, flooring or other fixtures is reported immediately so that it can be assessed and repaired.
Incident Reporting and First Aid
All accidents, near misses, injuries, fires or hazardous occurrences on site must be reported to staff as soon as possible, regardless of severity. This allows us to provide assistance, record the incident, investigate underlying causes and implement additional measures where necessary.
Basic first aid provisions are available on site. Serious incidents will be escalated to the emergency services. Customers and contractors are encouraged to ensure that their own staff, including those engaged in removal work, are trained and equipped for first aid consistent with their role.
Training, Information and Review
Staff receive information and training relevant to their responsibilities, including safe operation of equipment, emergency procedures and customer support in high risk areas such as loading bays and access routes. Safety information, signage and guidance are displayed prominently throughout the facility to assist customers and removal personnel.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in operations, legislation or best practice. Feedback from customers, staff and contractors is welcomed and will be considered as part of the continuous improvement of health and safety at Self Storage Shepherd's Bush.
