Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Bow
Self Storage Bow is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for customers, visitors, removals teams, contractors and employees. This Health and Safety policy sets out our aims, responsibilities and procedures to prevent injury, protect property and support safe use of our storage facilities and associated removal activities.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to manage risks associated with self storage and removal access, to maintain safe and well-maintained premises, to provide information and guidance to customers and contractors, and to promote a positive health and safety culture across all operations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Self Storage Bow has overall responsibility for health and safety within the facility. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are made available for implementing this policy, that suitable risk assessments are carried out and reviewed, that safety procedures for unit access and removals are prepared, that staff are trained and supervised, and that workplace inspections and audits are undertaken at regular intervals.
Management will monitor compliance with this policy and act promptly to address any shortcomings, incidents or near misses. Changes to operations, building layout or the use of removal vehicles and equipment will be assessed for their impact on safety and appropriate controls will be introduced.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Self Storage Bow share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Staff are required to follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report defects and hazards without delay, and cooperate with management on health and safety matters. Employees must not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety, such as fire equipment, signage, pedestrian routes or security systems.
Where employees are involved in assisting customers or removals teams, they must take particular care when near vehicles, lifting equipment, loading bays and access ramps, following manual handling guidance and using only authorised equipment.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, visitors and removals personnel using Self Storage Bow must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are required to follow all safety signs, instructions from staff and site rules. Customers must ensure that their chosen removals companies and helpers understand the access arrangements, loading areas and restrictions on materials.
Customers must not store prohibited or dangerous items, must keep aisles, walkways and fire exits clear when loading or unloading, and must ensure that any trolleys, pallet trucks or personal moving equipment are used safely and returned after use. Children must be supervised at all times within the facility and its car park.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Self Storage Bow undertakes risk assessments covering the main activities within the storage facility, including access to units, use of lifts and stairways, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, manual handling, working at height for maintenance, and fire and security systems. Where a significant risk is identified, appropriate control measures and safe systems of work are implemented.
Written procedures are prepared for key activities such as opening and closing the facility, operating loading bays, managing deliveries and overseeing maintenance works. These procedures are communicated to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and removals teams.
Vehicle Movements and Removal Operations
The movement of vehicles and the activities of removal companies are carefully managed to minimise risk. Designated parking, turning and loading areas are provided where feasible. Drivers must follow on-site speed limits, directional signage and instructions from staff. Engines should be switched off while vehicles are being loaded or unloaded when appropriate.
Customers and removals teams must ensure loads are stable and secure, avoid blocking shared access, and use safe techniques for loading and unloading. Any specialist moving equipment brought onto site must be maintained in good condition and operated only by competent persons.
Premises, Equipment and Maintenance
Self Storage Bow will maintain the building, fixtures, fittings and equipment so that they remain safe and suitable for use. This includes regular inspection of corridors, staircases, loading bays, doors, lighting, emergency exits, fire doors, alarms and security systems. Any defects are recorded and remedied as soon as reasonably practicable.
Handling equipment provided by the facility, such as trolleys and pallet trucks, is inspected periodically and taken out of service if damaged or unsafe. Areas that may present a slip, trip or collision hazard are clearly marked, and housekeeping standards are maintained to keep floors, walkways and common areas clear.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Bow maintains fire detection and alarm systems appropriate to the premises. Fire escape routes and exits are kept clear and are clearly signed. Fire safety equipment such as extinguishers is provided and inspected on a regular schedule. Customers and visitors must familiarise themselves with the nearest exits and follow all instructions in the event of an alarm.
Emergency procedures cover fire, security incidents, serious accidents, fuel spills and other significant events. Staff receive training on emergency response, including raising the alarm, assisting evacuation where safe, and liaising with emergency services.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
To reduce fire, contamination and injury risks, Self Storage Bow enforces strict rules regarding the storage of hazardous substances and prohibited items. Customers are not permitted to store flammable liquids, explosive materials, compressed gas cylinders, perishable foods that may decay, illegal goods or any items likely to pose a health or safety risk.
Any suspected hazardous or prohibited items may be investigated and, where necessary, removed or reported in line with contractual terms and applicable regulations. Signage and guidance are provided to remind customers of these restrictions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Self Storage Bow provides employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, emergency procedures, customer interaction around vehicles and equipment, and specific training for maintenance or supervisory duties. Refresher training is provided when procedures change or at set intervals.
Clear information on safety rules, site layout, emergency exits and restrictions is provided to customers and visitors through signage, written guidance and verbal briefings where necessary. Staff are available during operating hours to answer questions and to provide guidance on safe access and loading.
Accident Reporting and Review
All accidents, incidents and near misses on the premises or in associated loading areas must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. Details are recorded in an incident log and, where appropriate, investigated to identify root causes and any required corrective actions.
Management periodically reviews incident data, risk assessments and this Health and Safety policy to ensure that it remains effective and reflects current operations. Lessons from incidents involving customers, visitors or removal companies are used to improve procedures and communication.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to the business, the layout or use of the premises, or relevant regulations. The latest version is made available to employees and is accessible to customers upon request at the facility.
By using Self Storage Bow, customers, visitors and removals teams agree to cooperate with this policy and to contribute to a safe and secure environment for everyone.
