Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Barnet
Self Storage Barnet is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks across our storage facilities and associated removal and transport activities. We aim to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
Policy Objectives
Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent accidents and incidents, protect people from harm, maintain safe premises and equipment, and foster a positive safety culture. We seek continuous improvement in our practices, especially in relation to storage unit access, manual handling, loading and unloading of goods and the movement of vehicles connected with removal services.
Legal Responsibilities
Self Storage Barnet will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance. We recognise our duty to provide safe systems of work, adequate information, instruction and training, and suitable welfare facilities. Employees and others working on our behalf are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and with any procedures that support it.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated. Management will regularly review health and safety performance, investigate accidents and near misses, and ensure corrective actions are taken. They must lead by example, promote safe behaviour and support staff who raise safety concerns in good faith.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have 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. Employees must follow safety procedures, make proper use of equipment provided, report hazards, defects and incidents promptly, and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety purposes. Staff involved in removal, loading and unloading must adhere strictly to manual handling guidance and vehicle safety procedures.
Customer and Contractor Responsibilities
Customers and contractors using our storage facilities or working on our premises are required to act safely and follow site rules. This includes driving carefully on site, parking only in designated areas, using equipment safely and not bringing prohibited or unsafe items into storage. We expect removal teams, drivers and other contractors to comply with relevant legislation, operate safe lifting and loading techniques and cooperate with any site-specific induction or instructions given by our staff.
Risk Assessment
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including operation of storage units, movement of vehicles, manual handling of goods and use of handling and lifting equipment. These assessments identify hazards such as slips, trips, falls, crush injuries, musculoskeletal disorders and risks associated with heavy or awkward loads. Control measures are implemented and reviewed periodically, particularly where removal or transport work creates additional or changing risks.
Safe Premises and Equipment
Self Storage Barnet will maintain its buildings, storage units, corridors, loading bays and external areas in a safe condition, as far as reasonably practicable. We will ensure that lighting is adequate, floors and access routes are kept clear, doors and gates operate safely and security measures do not compromise safe evacuation. All equipment supplied for handling goods, such as trolleys, dollies and pallet trucks, will be maintained, inspected and taken out of service if considered unsafe.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Where vehicles are used for deliveries, collections or removal services, we will seek to manage traffic risks by designating routes and loading areas, controlling speed on site and separating vehicles and pedestrians where practicable. Drivers must follow safe driving practices, secure loads properly and use appropriate lifting aids. Customers and visitors are asked to follow site signage and directions from staff to avoid congestion and reduce the risk of collision or injury.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling of goods is a significant aspect of storage and removal operations. We will provide guidance and, where appropriate, training on safe lifting techniques, team handling and the use of mechanical aids. Wherever possible, tasks will be planned to minimise the need to lift and carry heavy or awkward items. Employees and contractors must not attempt to lift loads that are beyond their capability and should request assistance or equipment when needed.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Barnet will maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including alarm systems, fire detection where relevant, fire-fighting equipment and clearly marked escape routes. Staff receive instruction on emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements. Customers and contractors must familiarise themselves with escape routes, keep fire exits clear and follow all instructions from staff in the event of an alarm or emergency.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
For the safety of everyone on site, certain goods must not be stored within our facilities. These include hazardous, flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise dangerous substances, as well as items that could present a health risk. We may also impose restrictions on perishable goods or materials that attract pests. Customers must comply with our terms and conditions regarding prohibited items and declare any concern they may have about the nature of goods being stored or moved.
Information, Instruction and Training
We provide employees with appropriate information, instruction and training relating to their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, refresher training and task-specific guidance for removal-related work, such as loading, unloading and securing items. Where contractors are engaged, we will share relevant safety information and expect them to ensure that their staff are competent and adequately trained.
Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses occurring on our premises or during work activities on our behalf must be reported as soon as practicable. We will record these events, investigate underlying causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence where necessary. Customers and contractors are encouraged to notify staff of any hazards or incidents they observe while using the facility.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Self Storage Barnet will monitor health and safety performance by reviewing incident data, conducting inspections and seeking feedback from employees and users of the facility. This policy and its supporting procedures will be reviewed periodically or following any significant change in our operations, including changes in the range or scale of removal and transport services associated with our storage offering. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety management.
Policy Communication and Availability
We will make this Health and Safety Policy available to employees, customers, contractors and visitors upon request and display key safety information on site. Everyone who uses our facilities or works with us is expected to support the aims of this policy and contribute to a safe environment for all.
