Self Storage Catford Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Catford is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, removal partners, and visitors. This policy explains our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage premises, including access areas used by vehicles and removal companies.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying sensible control measures. We aim to maintain clean, secure, and well-managed facilities where staff and customers can work, visit, and move goods safely.
Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations, including storage unit access, handling of goods, use of equipment, and coordination with removal companies and delivery services. We are committed to continual improvement of our standards and practices.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Self Storage Catford holds overall responsibility for health and safety within the facility. This includes ensuring that:
All relevant health and safety legislation and guidance applicable to our storage operations is observed and incorporated into our procedures.
Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for key activities, including customer access, staff duties, loading and unloading, vehicle movements, and use of handling equipment.
Safe systems of work are implemented, communicated, and reviewed regularly, especially for higher-risk tasks such as moving heavy items or operating equipment.
Staff are provided with appropriate information, instruction, and training to carry out their duties safely and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
Equipment, fixtures, and fittings are maintained in a safe condition, including lighting, fire safety systems, lifting aids, doors, and access controls.
Accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded, investigated where necessary, and used to improve future health and safety performance.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Self Storage Catford share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. Employees are expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions, signage, and training provided by the company.
Use any safety equipment or personal protective equipment supplied for their role, and report any defects or issues immediately.
Keep access routes, corridors, stairwells, and loading areas clear of unnecessary obstructions to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, and any concerns about health and safety to management without delay.
Cooperate fully with any investigation, audit, inspection, or review aimed at improving health and safety.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Self Storage Catford is committed to providing customers and visitors with clear information and safe access while on site. To help ensure a safe visit, customers and visitors are asked to:
Observe all safety signage, speed limits, and directional markings within the facility, including those in loading bays and parking areas.
Take care when carrying or moving items, avoiding overloading trolleys and seeking assistance with heavy or bulky goods.
Supervise any accompanying children at all times and prevent them from playing in loading bays, stairwells, or other high-risk areas.
Use designated access routes and lifts where provided, and avoid forcing doors, gates, or shutters.
Report any hazards, spillages, or damage noticed during their visit so that prompt action can be taken.
Working With Removal Companies and Contractors
Our facilities are regularly used by removal companies, delivery drivers, and contractors. Self Storage Catford expects all third parties operating on site to:
Follow all site safety rules, traffic management measures, and instructions given by our staff.
Conduct their own risk assessments for the work they undertake, such as lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading.
Use appropriate equipment for handling goods, ensuring that items are secured safely when transported through shared access areas.
Park and manoeuvre vehicles safely in accordance with any designated loading zones, one-way systems, and signage.
Ensure that all employees, subcontractors, and drivers are competent to work safely and are familiar with site-specific requirements.
Risk Management and Safe Working Practices
Self Storage Catford uses a structured approach to managing risk across the facility. This includes:
Carrying out regular inspections of storage areas, corridors, stairways, loading bays, and external spaces to check for hazards such as spillages, damage, poor lighting, or obstructions.
Maintaining a system for promptly addressing defects, including damaged flooring, faulty doors, or malfunctioning equipment.
Encouraging safe manual handling by advising staff and customers not to exceed safe lifting capabilities and to use trolleys, pallet trucks, or other aids where available.
Controlling access to restricted areas, plant rooms, and back-of-house spaces to prevent unauthorised entry.
Managing traffic movement on site to minimise the risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, especially in areas frequently used by removal vehicles.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Catford maintains fire safety arrangements and emergency procedures appropriate to the facility. These include:
Installing and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and clear escape route signage.
Ensuring escape routes and exits are kept clear and doors are not wedged open in a way that could compromise fire safety.
Providing staff with training on emergency procedures, including evacuation, alarm activation, and assisting customers where safe to do so.
Displaying instructions for customers and visitors on what to do in the event of an emergency, including the location of exits and assembly points.
Carrying out periodic tests and drills to confirm that systems are functioning and procedures are effective.
Health, Welfare, and First Aid
Self Storage Catford recognises the importance of health and welfare for both staff and visitors. We aim to:
Provide suitable welfare facilities for employees, including access to hygiene and rest facilities where appropriate.
Maintain first aid provisions proportionate to the size and nature of the premises, ensuring that first aid materials are available and that staff know how to access them.
Respond promptly to any report of injury or ill health on site and, where necessary, contact emergency services.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when required to reflect changes in legislation, operations, or identified risks. We monitor performance through inspections, incident reporting, customer feedback, and staff consultation.
A copy of this policy is available to employees, customers, contractors, and removal partners upon request, and key information is displayed within the facility. By working together and following these guidelines, Self Storage Catford aims to provide a safe and well-managed storage environment for everyone who uses or visits our premises.
