Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Putney
Self Storage Putney is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all customers, employees, visitors, and contractors, including those involved in moving, removals, and the transportation of goods to and from our storage facility. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, promoting safe working practices, and complying with applicable health and safety legislation.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health arising from activities on our premises or in connection with our services. Our objectives are to identify and control hazards; provide safe access, egress, and storage conditions; promote safe manual handling and loading practices for customers and removal companies; and ensure continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Self Storage Putney has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out where necessary; that appropriate safety measures and equipment are in place; that staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training; and that incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated, and used to improve safety standards.
Management will review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities, or relevant legislation. Updates will be communicated to employees and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors who use the site for storage, removals, and associated services.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Self Storage Putney are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions and procedures; use equipment and resources as intended; report any hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions to management; and cooperate with investigations into accidents, incidents, or near misses.
Employees who supervise or assist with customer access, the handling of trolleys, or coordination with removal companies have an additional duty to ensure that these activities are conducted safely and in line with this policy.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, visitors, and representatives of removal companies share responsibility for safety while on site. Users of the facility are expected to follow all displayed instructions, directional signage, and guidance provided by staff; use loading areas, corridors, lifts, and stairways safely; operate trolleys and handling equipment in a controlled manner; and refrain from obstructing access routes, fire exits, or emergency equipment.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods brought to the facility are safe to store; that they are properly packed and stable; and that any third-party removal or transport services they engage work safely and comply with relevant regulations.
Safe Access, Parking, and Loading
Self Storage Putney will provide clearly marked access routes, designated loading and unloading zones, and, where appropriate, guidance on safe vehicle movements. Drivers of cars, vans, and removal vehicles must follow site speed limits, observe any one-way systems, and park only in authorised areas.
Loading bays and entrances must be kept clear at all times to allow safe movement of goods and people. Drivers and handlers are responsible for securely loading and unloading items, using suitable lifting techniques and equipment, and ensuring that goods do not present a risk of falls, trips, or collisions.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The handling of boxes, furniture, and other stored items can create a risk of injury if not carried out correctly. Self Storage Putney encourages all users, including removal companies, to plan lifting tasks carefully; avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward; seek assistance when required; and use trolleys, pallet trucks, and other handling aids where provided.
Any equipment supplied on site must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with any instructions displayed. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and should be reported to staff immediately.
Control of Hazardous and Prohibited Items
For the safety of all users, Self Storage Putney prohibits the storage of certain hazardous, illegal, or unsafe materials. This typically includes flammable or explosive substances, compressed gases, corrosive materials, toxic chemicals, perishable or decomposing goods, live animals, and any items that may present a fire, health, or environmental risk.
Customers and removal companies must ensure that no prohibited items are brought onto the premises. If in doubt about the suitability of any item for storage, customers should consult facility staff before moving goods into units.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Putney will maintain appropriate fire safety measures, including clearly signed fire exits, emergency lighting where required, and suitable firefighting equipment. Fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Customers and visitors must familiarise themselves with the nearest exits and follow all instructions given by staff in the event of an emergency.
Smoking, vaping, and the use of open flames are strictly prohibited within the building, storage units, loading areas, and any other designated no smoking zones.
Housekeeping and Site Standards
Good housekeeping is essential for maintaining a safe storage environment. Self Storage Putney will endeavour to keep common areas, corridors, and loading bays clean, well-lit, and free from obstructions. Spillages, damaged flooring, or other hazards will be dealt with promptly once identified.
Customers are responsible for keeping the areas around their units tidy while loading and unloading, for promptly removing waste and packaging where disposal facilities are provided, and for ensuring that items are stored in a stable and secure manner within their units.
Accident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, injuries, and near misses occurring on the premises should be reported to Self Storage Putney staff as soon as possible, whether they involve employees, customers, visitors, or removal company personnel. Accurate reporting helps us to investigate causes, implement corrective actions, and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and best practice in the self storage and removals related environment. By using our facility, customers and their chosen removal providers agree to cooperate with the principles and procedures contained in this policy, helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.
