Health and Safety Policy for Self Storage Ilford
Self Storage Ilford is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for customers, visitors, employees, contractors, and any removal or transport companies attending our facility. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, maintaining safe premises, and promoting safe behaviours on site.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying sensible control measures. We aim to safeguard everyone who uses our storage units or accesses the site, whether for storing goods, visiting, or carrying out removal and delivery activities.
We will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety at Self Storage Ilford rests with the company management. They ensure that appropriate resources, equipment, and training are provided so that activities can be carried out safely.
Supervisors and site staff are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, including monitoring site conditions, reporting hazards, managing access, and supporting customers and removal personnel with safety information where required.
All customers, visitors, and contractors, including removal companies, share responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions while on site. This includes following all safety instructions, signage, and procedures laid down by Self Storage Ilford.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out risk assessments covering our premises, operations, and foreseeable activities such as loading, unloading, and moving goods to and from storage units. These assessments consider slip and trip hazards, vehicle movements, manual handling, fire safety, working at height, and any other relevant risks.
Control measures may include designated pedestrian and vehicle routes, use of trolleys and handling equipment, clear signage, housekeeping standards, restricted access to certain areas, and emergency arrangements. These controls are periodically reviewed and updated in light of changes to site layout, equipment, or operating practices.
Site Access, Traffic and Parking
Self Storage Ilford manages access to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians on site. Customers, visitors, and removal companies must follow any instructions given by staff regarding parking locations, loading bay use, speed limits, and reversing or manoeuvring procedures.
Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas and must not obstruct emergency exits, access routes, or fire equipment. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are parked for loading or unloading, except where required for safe vehicle operation.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
We recognise that moving and storing goods can involve manual handling risks. Self Storage Ilford provides suitable trolleys and handling aids where reasonably practicable and maintains them in a safe condition.
Customers and removal personnel are expected to lift and carry loads safely, to use provided handling equipment correctly, and to avoid attempting to move items that are too heavy or awkward without assistance. Safe techniques and basic guidance may be provided by site staff on request; however, the planning and execution of any removal or delivery operation remains the responsibility of the customer and their chosen removal company.
Housekeeping and Unit Safety
Good housekeeping standards are essential for safety. Aisles, corridors, stairways, and emergency exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Items must not be stored in communal areas or left where they may cause a trip hazard or block access.
Within individual storage units, customers must stack and store items securely to prevent collapse or falling objects. Heavy items should be placed at lower levels and lighter items above. Units must not be overloaded in a way that could compromise structural integrity or safe access.
Prohibited Items and Hazardous Substances
To protect the safety of everyone on site, Self Storage Ilford strictly prohibits the storage of dangerous or inappropriate goods. This includes, but is not limited to, explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosive or toxic chemicals, firearms and ammunition, perishable food items, illegal substances, and any items that could create a fire, explosion, health, or environmental risk.
Customers must declare any goods that could present additional risk and must comply with all instructions regarding their packaging, labelling, and storage. If we become aware of prohibited or unsafe items being stored, we reserve the right to take necessary action to protect people and property.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Ilford maintains fire detection and emergency equipment appropriate to the site. Fire exits, escape routes, and assembly points are clearly signed and must remain unobstructed at all times.
In the event of an alarm, all persons on site must leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. Lifts must not be used during an evacuation. No one may re enter the building until authorised to do so by a responsible person or the emergency services.
Customers and contractors must familiarise themselves with the location of exits, alarm call points, and assembly areas on arrival and must follow any emergency instructions from staff.
Contractors and Removal Companies
Contractors and removal companies carrying out work or providing services on our premises must conduct themselves in a safe manner and comply with this policy and all relevant health and safety requirements. They remain responsible for the safety of their own employees and subcontractors, and for the safe use of their vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Where significant works are planned, method statements and risk assessments may be requested. Any activity that could affect the safety of other users, such as use of lifting equipment or handling of large or heavy items, must be carefully managed and, where appropriate, agreed with site staff in advance.
Training, Information and Supervision
Self Storage Ilford ensures that employees receive appropriate health and safety training and information relevant to their roles, including induction, emergency procedures, safe operation of any equipment, and customer guidance.
Customers and visitors are provided with essential safety information through signage, documentation, and verbal explanations where necessary. Staff are available during staffed hours to answer reasonable safety related questions and to highlight any specific risks or controls relating to particular areas of the site.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, near misses, injuries, and dangerous occurrences on site must be reported to Self Storage Ilford staff as soon as possible so that appropriate assistance, investigation, and corrective action can be taken. Records of incidents are maintained and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in operations, premises, legislation, or best practice. Updated versions will be made available to customers, staff, and contractors as appropriate to ensure continued awareness of our health and safety expectations and arrangements.
