Self Storage Dulwich Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Dulwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, removal partners and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with self storage facilities, vehicle access and removal activities on our premises.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and incidents by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our day to day operations and decision making.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage Dulwich has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Management will provide appropriate resources, information and guidance to maintain safe working conditions across all storage areas, access routes and loading zones.
Management duties include conducting or arranging risk assessments, ensuring that equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe condition, and making sure that staff receive suitable training. We will monitor performance, investigate incidents and take corrective action where necessary to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must cooperate with management to enable compliance with health and safety legislation and company procedures.
Employees are expected to follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and defects without delay, and participate in any health and safety training provided. Unsafe practices, tampering with safety equipment or failure to follow established procedures are not tolerated.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, visitors and individuals working as part of a removal or delivery team must respect site rules and follow all safety instructions provided by Self Storage Dulwich staff. This includes observing traffic management guidance, keeping fire exits clear and using designated access routes.
Customers are responsible for the safe handling, packing and movement of their own goods, and for ensuring that any third party removal company they engage works in a safe and considerate manner. Hazardous, flammable or prohibited items must not be brought onto the premises.
Working with Removal Companies and Contractors
We recognise that removals and deliveries involve vehicle movements, loading activities and the use of handling equipment. Contractors and removal companies operating on our site must adhere to our health and safety requirements at all times.
All drivers and removal teams must observe speed limits, park only in designated areas, and use loading bays with care. Manual handling techniques must be followed to reduce the risk of injury. Any equipment brought on site, such as trolleys or lifting aids, must be in good condition and used by competent persons.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Self Storage Dulwich conducts regular risk assessments covering storage units, corridors, stairwells, lifts, loading bays, car parks and office areas. We assess risks associated with slips, trips and falls, manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, fire and security.
Control measures may include appropriate signage, clear marking of pedestrian and vehicle routes, provision of trolleys, restrictions on the types of goods stored, and procedures for safe loading and unloading. We review risk assessments periodically and when significant changes occur, such as new layouts or operational practices.
Site Access, Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
To reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, all users of the site must follow local traffic rules and any instructions issued by staff. Speed must be kept low, especially near entrances, loading bays and storage access doors.
Pedestrians should use designated walkways where available and remain alert to the movement of cars, vans and larger vehicles used by removal companies. Reversing should be carried out slowly and carefully, using assistance from a colleague where possible. Obstructions must not be left in driving lanes or access points.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Improper manual handling can result in strains and injuries. Customers, employees and removal teams are encouraged to use trolleys and handling equipment provided on site where suitable. Heavy or awkward items should be lifted by two or more people or moved using appropriate aids.
Basic manual handling guidance includes planning the lift, keeping the load close to the body, avoiding twisting while carrying, and taking frequent breaks when moving large quantities of goods. Only trained staff should operate any specialised equipment provided by Self Storage Dulwich.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Dulwich maintains fire safety measures that may include detection systems, alarms, extinguishers and clearly marked escape routes. Fire exits and access ways must be kept clear at all times. Smoking and the use of open flames are not permitted within buildings or near storage units.
In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency, everyone on site must follow the directions of staff, evacuate promptly and proceed to the designated assembly area. No one should re enter the building until advised that it is safe to do so by an authorised person.
Prohibited and Hazardous Materials
For the safety of everyone using our facilities, certain items must not be stored or handled on our premises. These typically include explosive, flammable, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous substances, as well as illegal goods, perishable food items likely to attract pests and any materials that present an unreasonable risk.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that their goods are suitable for storage. If prohibited or unsafe items are discovered, Self Storage Dulwich may take appropriate action to remove the risk and protect other users and the premises.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, near misses, property damage and unsafe conditions must be reported to Self Storage Dulwich staff as soon as possible. Prompt reporting enables us to investigate, learn from events and implement improvements.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage operations, customer needs and any associated removal activities. Updates may be made following changes in legislation, site layout, working practices or after significant incidents. By using our facilities, all parties agree to support and comply with this policy.
