Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Chelsea
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Self Storage Chelsea manages the safety and welfare of employees, customers, contractors, and visitors, including those using our facilities for removal and transport services. Our aim is to provide a secure and well managed storage environment where risks are reduced as far as is reasonably practicable.
Health and Safety Commitment
Self Storage Chelsea is committed to maintaining a safe workplace and storage environment. We will identify, assess, and control risks related to our storage units, loading areas, access routes, and handling of goods. We seek to prevent accidents, work related ill health, and damage to property through careful planning, clear procedures, and regular review.
We expect everyone on site, including staff, customers, removal company teams, and visitors, to cooperate with this policy and follow all reasonable instructions and safety rules.
Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage Chelsea is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are in place. Management will:
Conduct regular risk assessments for storage units, corridors, loading bays, and parking areas.
Maintain buildings, lighting, access control, and security systems to a safe standard.
Provide staff with information, instruction, and training relevant to their roles.
Ensure emergency procedures, including fire safety and evacuation, are in place and communicated.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implement corrective actions where needed.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees of Self Storage Chelsea must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are required to:
Follow all safety procedures and training provided.
Use equipment, trolleys, and handling aids correctly.
Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions immediately to management.
Cooperate with any investigation into accidents or incidents.
Support customers and removal teams with safety information relevant to the site, when requested.
Customer and Contractor Responsibilities
Customers, removal companies, and any contractors using our facilities must behave responsibly while on site. They are required to:
Observe site rules, signage, and instructions from staff.
Ensure manual handling is carried out safely and use suitable lifting aids where available.
Keep loading bays, corridors, and fire exits clear at all times.
Store goods safely within units, stacking items in a stable manner.
Refrain from bringing prohibited or dangerous items onto the premises.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
Self Storage Chelsea will provide clear guidance on the safe use of storage units, including information to customers and removal teams when they move items in or out. Key safe use rules include:
Do not overload units beyond reasonable capacity, and avoid over stacking heavy items.
Place heavy or bulky items at a low level and lighter items on top, ensuring stacks are stable.
Use trolleys and handling aids provided where appropriate and return them after use.
Do not block aisles, doorways, fire exits, or access routes with stored goods or vehicles.
Avoid using makeshift platforms, ladders, or unsafe methods to reach higher items.
Manual Handling and Loading Bays
Manual handling risks are common when moving and storing goods, particularly for removal company staff and customers. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, we promote the following principles:
Plan lifts before starting, checking weight, stability, and route.
Use correct lifting techniques and team lifting where necessary.
Use mechanical aids such as trolleys where available.
Avoid twisting or overreaching while carrying loads.
Take breaks when handling multiple or heavy items.
Loading bays and parking areas are to be used with care, observing any traffic management instructions. Vehicles must be parked considerately in designated areas, with hazard awareness during reversing and maneuvering.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Chelsea maintains fire detection and alarm systems appropriate to the premises. Fire safety arrangements include:
Clearly marked fire exits and escape routes kept free from obstruction.
Fire extinguishers and other safety equipment maintained and accessible.
Regular testing of alarms and periodic fire drills for staff.
Emergency lighting in appropriate areas.
In the event of an alarm, all persons must evacuate the building immediately and follow instructions from staff. Re entry is not permitted until management confirms it is safe to do so.
Prohibited and Hazardous Items
To protect the health and safety of everyone on site, certain items must not be stored. These typically include:
Flammable, explosive, or combustible materials.
Compressed gas cylinders or fuel containers.
Chemicals, corrosive substances, and toxic materials.
Illegal goods, firearms, or weapons.
Perishable foodstuffs or items likely to attract vermin.
Customers and removal companies must declare any potentially hazardous items before bringing them on site and must comply with all prohibitions issued by Self Storage Chelsea.
Security and Personal Safety
Self Storage Chelsea operates security measures such as controlled access and monitoring systems to protect customers, staff, and property. All users must keep personal access devices secure and must not share codes or keys. Suspicious behaviour or unauthorised access must be reported to staff immediately.
When working alone or outside normal hours, staff and authorised users should remain vigilant, follow lone working guidance, and ensure that someone is aware of their presence on site when appropriate.
Accident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses on site must be recorded and reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Self Storage Chelsea will review such reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in operations, facilities, or applicable guidance. The latest version will be made available to staff, customers, and contractors on request.
