Self Storage Finsbury Park Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Finsbury Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors and removal company partners. This policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures we follow to manage health and safety risks across our storage facilities and related services.
Policy Statement
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health arising from our activities. Our aims are to maintain safe premises, safe systems of work, and clear guidance for anyone who accesses or works within our storage units and shared areas, including those involved in moving, loading and unloading goods.
Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day management and decision-making. We expect everyone on site to act with care, follow instructions and immediately report any hazards, near misses or incidents.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Self Storage Finsbury Park will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations applicable to our operations. We will keep our procedures under review and update them where necessary to reflect changes in law, industry standards and best practice for storage facilities and handling of goods.
We aim to meet or exceed recognised industry guidelines for the safe operation of self storage units, manual handling, and working with third-party removal providers.
Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:
Identifying health and safety risks and putting control measures in place. Ensuring the storage premises, access routes and loading areas are maintained in a safe condition. Providing appropriate information, guidance and, where relevant, training to employees. Making sure that suitable equipment is available and kept in good working order. Investigating accidents, incidents and complaints and taking corrective action.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees are required to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all site rules, safe working procedures and instructions from management. Use any safety equipment or systems provided for their protection. Report hazards, defects, near misses, incidents or unsafe practices without delay. Cooperate fully with any investigation or health and safety initiative.
Customers, Visitors and Removal Partners
Customers, their visitors and any removal company personnel using our facilities must:
Follow all safety signage, instructions and guidance given by staff. Use loading bays, lifts, trolleys and access areas responsibly and within their designed capacity. Keep fire exits, corridors and shared areas free from obstruction. Take care when lifting, carrying and stacking items, and use suitable lifting techniques or equipment. Report any hazards or incidents they become aware of while on site.
We expect removal companies and third-party service providers operating on our premises to have their own health and safety arrangements and to ensure their staff work safely while on site.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We regularly carry out risk assessments to identify potential hazards relating to the storage environment and associated activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving goods between units, and using lifts or access equipment.
Based on these assessments we establish safe systems of work, including:
Clear procedures for access to the facility, including parking and loading areas. Guidelines for manual handling of items to reduce risk of strain or injury. Rules for the safe use of trolleys and handling aids. Controls on the storage of hazardous or prohibited goods. Housekeeping standards to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to the premises, equipment or ways of working.
Premises, Equipment and Maintenance
We will maintain the building, units and shared spaces to a safe standard. This includes:
Regular checks of lighting, flooring, doors, locks and access controls. Inspection and servicing of lifts and any mechanical handling equipment. Ensuring loading bays and access ramps are kept in good condition. Prompt attention to defects or damage which could pose a risk to users.
Any equipment made available for customers or removal teams, such as trolleys, will be maintained as far as reasonably practicable to ensure safe use.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Finsbury Park maintains clear fire safety arrangements and emergency procedures, including:
Provision and maintenance of appropriate fire detection and fire fighting equipment. Clearly marked fire exits and escape routes which are kept unobstructed. Visible signage detailing what to do in the event of an emergency. Evacuation procedures to be followed by staff, customers and contractors.
All persons on site must familiarise themselves with the location of escape routes and follow staff instructions during any evacuation.
Manual Handling and Loading Activities
Moving and storing goods is central to our services and to the work of many removal partners. To reduce the risk of injury:
We encourage the use of trolleys and handling aids where appropriate. Items should be packed in manageable loads and stacked safely within units. Heavy or bulky items should be lifted by more than one person or with suitable equipment. Customers and contractors are advised to avoid overreaching, twisting while lifting, or carrying loads that obscure their view.
Where employees are required to undertake regular manual handling, suitable training or instruction will be provided.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
For the safety of all users, certain items must not be stored in our units. These include, but are not limited to, flammable or explosive substances, corrosive chemicals, gas cylinders, illegal goods, or any materials which present an unreasonable risk to people or property.
Customers and removal teams must comply with our storage terms and conditions and must not bring prohibited items onto the premises. If hazardous items are discovered, we will take appropriate steps to manage the risk and, where necessary, involve relevant authorities.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will ensure that employees receive appropriate information and where relevant training in relation to their duties, including familiarisation with emergency procedures, manual handling guidance, and safe operation of any equipment they are required to use.
Information for customers, visitors and removal partners will be communicated through signage, written guidance and direct instructions from staff where necessary.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous occurrences on our premises must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. We will record and, where appropriate, investigate incidents to identify root causes, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
We will keep any required records in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates
This health and safety policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or earlier if there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or applicable legislation.
Feedback from employees, customers, contractors and removal partners is welcomed and will be considered as part of our continuous improvement in health and safety management.
By accessing and using our facilities, all parties agree to cooperate with Self Storage Finsbury Park in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
