Self Storage Wimbledon Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures adopted by Self Storage Wimbledon to protect the health, safety and welfare of our customers, visitors, contractors and staff. It applies to all areas of our storage facility, including access routes, loading bays, corridors, storage units and associated office areas.
Our aim is to provide secure, well managed storage with safe access for people who are loading, unloading or moving goods, whether using our facility independently or in conjunction with a removal company or transport provider.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
Self Storage Wimbledon is committed to meeting all applicable health and safety legislation and to maintaining a safe environment for everyone on site. We will regularly review this policy and our associated procedures, particularly when there are changes to our operations, facilities or services.
Management is responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy, ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are carried out, and that controls are in place to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Staff are trained to recognise hazards and to follow safe systems of work in all routine activities, including assisting customers in the use of trolleys, lifts and access points.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
All customers, visitors and representatives of removal companies using our facility share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others around them. This includes following staff instructions, observing all safety signs, and using equipment and facilities only for their intended purpose.
Customers are expected to plan their visits carefully, particularly when transporting heavy, bulky or awkward items. Suitable clothing and sturdy footwear should be worn when lifting or moving goods. Children and pets must be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to run or play in loading bays, corridors, stairwells or car parks.
Access, Parking and Traffic Management
We manage vehicle movements to minimise the risk of accidents in loading areas and car parks. Designated parking and loading zones should be used at all times, and vehicles must not obstruct fire exits, emergency access routes, gates or doors. Speed limits and directional signage must be followed.
Drivers of vans and removal vehicles remain responsible for the safe manoeuvring, loading and unloading of their vehicles. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are stationary and being loaded or unloaded, and loads must be secured properly before any vehicle leaves the site.
Safe Moving and Handling
Lifting and moving goods is a key aspect of using storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, customers and contractors should:
Plan the lift before starting, checking the route is clear of obstacles and trip hazards.
Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward to be handled safely; seek assistance or break the load into smaller parts where possible.
Use both hands and adopt a stable stance, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting while lifting or carrying.
Whenever appropriate, use trolleys or other suitable manual handling equipment provided on site. These should be used sensibly and returned to designated storage areas after use.
Professional removal companies and contractors are expected to ensure their staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques and that they use appropriate handling equipment.
Condition of Premises and Equipment
We maintain the building structure, internal areas and equipment so far as reasonably practicable to provide a safe environment. This includes regular inspections of lighting, floors, stairways, doors, corridors, lifts and loading bays, as well as the maintenance of trolleys and other equipment supplied by the facility.
Any damage, spills, defects or hazards such as uneven surfaces, broken fixtures, malfunctioning doors or faulty lighting must be reported to staff as soon as they are noticed so that remedial action can be taken promptly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Wimbledon maintains fire safety systems and procedures appropriate to the nature of our operations. This includes clearly signed fire exits, emergency lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, and where appropriate, fire extinguishing equipment. Fire exits and escape routes must be kept clear at all times.
Customers, visitors and contractors must familiarise themselves with the location of emergency exits on arrival and follow all instructions given by staff or emergency services in the event of an alarm or evacuation. Lifts must not be used during a fire alarm or evacuation unless specifically authorised by the emergency services.
Only goods that are permitted under our storage terms and conditions may be stored. Flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous substances are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure whether an item is suitable for storage, ask a member of staff before bringing it onto the premises.
Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents, near misses, injuries and incidents, however minor, should be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. This allows us to provide any necessary assistance, record the details and take action to prevent a recurrence.
We may request basic information to complete an incident report. This information will be handled in line with our data protection obligations. Where necessary, we will also cooperate with emergency services and regulatory authorities.
Working with Contractors and Removal Companies
Removal companies, tradespeople and other contractors operating on our site must comply with this Health and Safety Policy and any additional safety rules notified to them. They are responsible for the safety of their own employees and must ensure they are competent, instructed and supervised adequately.
Contractors should carry out their own risk assessments, use appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure that any equipment they bring onto site is safe and suitable for its intended use.
Continuous Improvement
Self Storage Wimbledon is committed to the continuous improvement of our health and safety performance. We will review risks associated with storage activities, moving and handling, vehicle movements and general premises management on a regular basis. Feedback from customers, visitors, contractors and staff is welcomed and will be considered in these reviews.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to provide a safe, practical and secure environment for everyone using our storage and associated removal and transport services.
