Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Colliers Wood
Self Storage Colliers Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all customers, employees, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks within our self storage facility, including activities related to loading, unloading and working with professional removal companies.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying sensible and proportionate control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of how we operate and manage our storage units, access corridors, loading bays, car park and any associated office or reception areas.
We keep this policy under regular review to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the way our facility is used, including by customers using their own vehicles or engaging removal companies to assist with moving goods in and out of storage.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety at Self Storage Colliers Wood rests with the site management. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are in place, that staff receive suitable training and that safe systems of work are implemented and monitored.
All employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly and cooperate with any investigation into incidents or near misses.
Customers, visitors and removal company personnel must also take reasonable care for their own safety while on site. This includes following site rules, observing signage, using designated routes and reporting any unsafe conditions to a member of staff as soon as practicable.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for key activities within the facility, including use of trolleys, manual handling of goods, operation of doors and shutters, traffic movement in loading areas and general use of corridors, lifts and stairwells. Control measures arising from these assessments are communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers and contractors.
Special attention is given to activities commonly associated with removal services, such as the movement of large or heavy items, loading and unloading vehicles and the temporary storage of goods near entrances and loading bays. We seek to minimise congestion, trip hazards and unsafe stacking of items in these areas.
Site Access, Traffic and Parking
To reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, we operate clear rules for site access and parking. Customers and removal companies are required to use designated parking spaces and loading zones, follow any directional signs and obey any site-specific speed limits.
Pedestrian walkways are to be kept clear at all times. Where removal vehicles are manoeuvring, drivers must exercise extra caution and, where possible, use a second person to guide reversing or complex movements. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are stationary for loading or unloading, except where necessary for safe operation of tail lifts or similar equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling of goods presents a significant risk of strain and injury. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques and in the correct use of trolleys and other handling aids. Customers and removal company staff are strongly encouraged to use trolleys provided, to break down heavy loads into manageable portions where possible and to seek assistance rather than attempt to move items that are beyond their capability.
Any equipment provided by Self Storage Colliers Wood, such as trolleys or sack trucks, must be used only for its intended purpose and returned in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until it has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired or replaced.
Housekeeping and Unit Safety
Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining a safe storage environment. Corridors, fire exits, stairways and access routes must be kept clear of obstacles at all times. Goods must not be left unattended in common areas except during active loading or unloading, and any such activity should be completed as promptly as reasonably possible.
Within individual storage units, customers are responsible for stacking and arranging their goods in a safe and stable manner. Items should not be stacked above a safe height and must not be placed in such a way that they are likely to fall when the unit door is opened. Hazardous, flammable or prohibited items must not be stored in any unit under any circumstances, as specified in our terms and conditions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Colliers Wood maintains appropriate fire detection and alarm systems and provides clearly marked escape routes and fire exits. Fire extinguishers are positioned at designated points and are inspected at regular intervals. Fire exits and escape routes must never be blocked or obstructed.
In the event of a fire alarm, all persons on site must follow the evacuation instructions, leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. Lifts must not be used during an evacuation unless specifically authorised by emergency services. Re-entry to the building is not permitted until authorised by a responsible person.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property on site must be reported to a member of staff as soon as reasonably possible, so that appropriate assistance can be provided and an investigation can be carried out. We maintain an accident record and use the information to help prevent similar incidents recurring.
First aid arrangements are in place, and staff will assist in obtaining medical attention where required. However, customers and visitors remain responsible for their own medical needs and should seek emergency assistance directly where appropriate.
Contractors and Removal Companies
Contractors and removal companies operating on our premises must conduct their activities safely and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance. They are expected to supervise their staff, provide any necessary personal protective equipment and ensure that any equipment they bring onto site is in safe working condition.
Where large-scale moves or specialist removal operations are planned, we encourage early communication with site management so that access, timing and safety considerations can be coordinated to minimise disruption and risk.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We monitor compliance with this policy through routine inspections, review of incident reports and feedback from customers, staff and contractors. Where issues are identified, we take reasonable steps to address them promptly, which may include changes to procedures, additional training or physical alterations to the site.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, layout or applicable regulations, to ensure that it remains effective and appropriate for the self storage and removal-related activities carried out at Self Storage Colliers Wood.
