Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Edgware
Self Storage Edgware is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all customers, visitors, contractors, and employees. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks within our storage premises and associated areas used for handling, loading, and unloading goods, including when working alongside removal companies.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing sensible control measures. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the premises, facilities, and services we provide do not expose anyone to unnecessary risk. Health and safety is an integral part of how we operate and how we expect all users of our site to behave.
Scope and Application
This policy applies to everyone using Self Storage Edgware premises, including customers, employees, contractors, delivery drivers, and removal company personnel. It covers all indoor and outdoor areas under our control, such as access roads, loading areas, corridors, lifts, stairwells, storage units, and communal spaces.
Our Responsibilities
Self Storage Edgware will:
Identify and assess health and safety risks arising from our activities and the general use of the site, including loading and unloading of goods associated with removals.
Provide and maintain the premises, plant, equipment, and access routes in a condition that is safe and without significant risk to health.
Ensure safe systems of work for site operations, including traffic flows, use of trolleys, and access to lifts and stairways.
Display clear safety signage to guide customers, visitors, and removal teams, particularly in loading bays, fire escape routes, and restricted areas.
Provide basic information and guidance to customers and contractors about our rules, emergency procedures, and any known site-specific hazards.
Regularly inspect and maintain fire detection and fire-fighting equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems.
Review this policy periodically and revise it when there are significant changes to operations, layout, or legal requirements.
Customer and Contractor Responsibilities
We expect all customers, visitors, and contractors, including removal companies, to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, signage, and directions given by Self Storage Edgware staff.
Use the facilities, equipment, and access routes only for their intended purposes and in a responsible manner.
Ensure that any employees or helpers they bring onto site, such as removal crews, are briefed on the site rules and behave safely.
Not obstruct fire exits, corridors, stairways, or access roads at any time, including while loading or unloading.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, or incidents to a member of staff as soon as possible.
Safe Access, Traffic and Parking
To reduce the risk of accidents around the site, Self Storage Edgware will manage traffic flow and pedestrian routes as far as reasonably practicable. Users must drive slowly, observe any one-way systems, and follow marked bays or loading zones. Removal vehicles and customer vehicles must park only in designated areas and must not block entrances, exits, or emergency access points.
Pedestrians should keep to marked walkways where provided, be alert to moving vehicles, and avoid walking behind or between reversing vehicles. Reversing should be minimised and, where possible, guided by a second person. Engines should be switched off during loading and unloading where it is safe to do so.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Users are responsible for safe manual handling of their own items. To reduce the risk of injury they should:
Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person and seek assistance where necessary.
Use trolleys or other handling aids provided on site in a proper and careful manner.
Keep loads stable and within the recommended capacity of the equipment being used.
Stack goods safely within units, avoiding overloading shelves, blocking access, or creating unstable piles.
Removal companies operating on site must ensure their staff follow safe lifting techniques and use appropriate equipment such as sack trucks or dollies when moving goods between vehicles and units.
Prohibited Items and Dangerous Substances
For the safety of everyone on site, certain items must not be stored or brought onto the premises. These typically include:
Flammable, explosive, or combustible materials such as petrol, gas cylinders, fireworks, and certain solvents.
Chemicals or toxic substances that could cause harm if spilled or released.
Firearms, weapons, or ammunition.
Perishable goods that could decay or attract pests.
Any item that is illegal to possess or store.
Customers and removal companies must familiarise themselves with the full list of prohibited items as set out in our terms and conditions and must not attempt to store any item that may present a fire, chemical, or health hazard.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Edgware has measures in place to reduce fire risks and to deal with emergencies. Users must:
Familiarise themselves with fire exits, alarm call points, and evacuation routes upon arrival.
Keep all fire exits and escape routes clear at all times, including while loading or unloading.
Not tamper with or misuse fire alarms, extinguishers, or any emergency equipment.
Follow staff instructions immediately in the event of a fire alarm or other emergency and evacuate the building calmly and quickly.
Removal companies should plan their work so that access to fire exits and equipment is maintained throughout any loading or unloading operations.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur on our premises must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible, regardless of their apparent severity. This includes injuries, property damage, vehicle collisions, or situations that could have resulted in harm. Recording these events helps us learn from them and improve site safety for all users.
Training, Communication and Policy Review
Self Storage Edgware will provide staff with appropriate training relevant to their roles, including safe operation of equipment, fire safety, and emergency procedures. We will communicate key safety rules to customers and contractors through signage, written information, and direct instruction where necessary.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and aligned with our operations and legal obligations. Any significant changes will be communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers and regular contractors such as removal companies.
By using Self Storage Edgware facilities, all customers, visitors, and contractors accept their responsibilities under this policy and agree to cooperate in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
