Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Kingston upon Thames
Self Storage Kingston upon Thames is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, visitors, contractors, removal partners, and employees. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with self storage facilities and related removal and handling activities carried out on or from our premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting effective control measures in place. We aim to achieve continual improvement in health and safety performance and to promote a positive safety culture throughout our operations.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making, and day-to-day management of storage and removal activities.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all areas of our premises, including storage units, loading bays, internal corridors, lifts, stairwells, car parks, and office areas. It covers all activities associated with storing, moving, and removing goods, including those carried out by customers, staff, contractors, and any appointed removal companies operating on site.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage Kingston upon Thames has overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management will:
Ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the effective planning, organisation, monitoring, and review of health and safety measures.
Provide and maintain safe facilities, plant, and equipment, including loading areas, handling aids, lifts, and security systems.
Ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely through appropriate training, information, supervision, and instruction.
Undertake regular inspections and risk assessments to identify hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify causes and take appropriate corrective action.
Consult with employees and, where appropriate, removal partners and contractors on matters affecting health and safety.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees must:
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions, and signage provided by the company.
Use equipment, handling aids, and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, accidents, or near misses to management without delay.
Cooperate with management to enable the company to fulfil its health and safety obligations, including attending training and briefings.
Avoid horseplay, unsafe practices, or interference with safety devices and equipment.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors, including those engaging removal companies or carrying out their own moving activities, must:
Follow all safety instructions, rules, and signage provided at the facility.
Use trolleys, lifts, and other equipment safely and return shared equipment to designated areas after use.
Pack and stack goods securely to avoid overloading units or creating unstable loads that could fall or cause injury.
Ensure children and vulnerable persons are supervised at all times and kept away from loading areas and moving vehicles.
Refrain from bringing prohibited or hazardous items onto the premises, including flammable, explosive, toxic, or illegal substances.
Removal Companies and Contractors
Removal companies and contractors operating on site must comply with this policy and all health and safety rules communicated by Self Storage Kingston upon Thames. They are responsible for the safety of their own staff and must:
Ensure their employees are trained, competent, and properly equipped for manual handling and vehicle operations.
Use vehicles, lifting equipment, and tools that are suitable, properly maintained, and inspected in accordance with legal requirements.
Plan loading and unloading activities to reduce risks such as slips, trips, falls, and contact with moving vehicles.
Cooperate with site management on traffic management, access control, and emergency arrangements.
Risk Management and Safe Practices
We will regularly assess risks associated with storage and removal operations and introduce control measures to reduce them, including:
Maintaining clear walkways, exits, and access routes free from obstructions and trip hazards.
Providing appropriate lighting in internal and external areas, including loading bays and corridors.
Managing vehicle movements and parking to reduce the risk of collision with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Encouraging safe manual handling practices, including breaking down heavy loads, using trolleys, and team lifting where appropriate.
Managing fire risks through suitable storage rules, good housekeeping, fire detection, and clearly marked escape routes.
Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Kingston upon Thames will maintain clear emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, and other foreseeable incidents. These include:
Clearly displayed instructions and signage for evacuation routes and assembly points.
Regular testing and maintenance of fire alarms, emergency lighting, and other safety systems.
Periodic drills for staff and clear guidance for customers and visitors on what to do in an emergency.
Provision of appropriate first aid arrangements, including trained staff where required and accessible first aid supplies.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training and information to our employees so they can carry out their duties safely. This may include:
Induction training covering site-specific hazards, safe working practices, and emergency procedures.
Manual handling training for staff involved in moving and handling goods and equipment.
Refreshers and updates when procedures, equipment, or legislation change.
Ongoing supervision and monitoring to ensure procedures are followed and standards are maintained.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy and the associated procedures will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective and appropriate for the business. We will:
Review incidents, near misses, and customer feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Carry out periodic audits and inspections of the premises, including storage and loading areas.
Update risk assessments and control measures when changes occur, such as new equipment, processes, or services.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required by significant changes to operations or legislation. Self Storage Kingston upon Thames is committed to working with employees, customers, and removal partners to maintain a safe environment for all.
