Self Storage Richmond Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Richmond is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors, including those using our facilities in connection with removals, collections and deliveries. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, complying with relevant legislation and promoting safe working practices throughout our storage premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing proportionate controls. We will:
Regularly review our health and safety arrangements to ensure they remain effective and appropriate for self storage and removal-related activities.
Provide and maintain safe premises, plant and equipment, including storage units, loading areas and access routes.
Ensure that employees receive information, instruction and training necessary to perform their duties safely.
Encourage cooperation and communication on health and safety matters between management, staff, customers and contractors.
Comply with all applicable health, safety and fire regulations relevant to storage and associated removal operations.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management of Self Storage Richmond. Management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to implement this policy and that suitable risk assessments and safety procedures are in place.
Supervisors and appointed staff members must monitor day-to-day safety standards, report concerns, enforce safe practices and ensure that visitors, including removal company personnel, follow site rules.
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. Employees must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly and promptly report accidents, incidents, hazards or near misses.
Customers and contractors, including removal teams, must cooperate with this policy by observing all site rules, signage and instructions from staff. They remain responsible for the safe conduct of their own activities while on site, including manual handling, vehicle movements and the use of any tools or equipment they bring with them.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Self Storage Richmond conducts periodic risk assessments covering the building, storage units, walkways, loading bays, vehicle access, fire safety and any other significant hazards. Based on these assessments we develop safe systems of work, which may include restrictions on certain activities, areas or materials.
Where removal companies or customers carry out frequent handling or transportation of goods, we expect them to follow safe lifting techniques and to use suitable equipment such as trolleys where appropriate. Staff will provide guidance on permitted access routes, loading zones and any restrictions designed to reduce risks from congestion, falls, collisions or obstruction.
Premises Safety and Housekeeping
We aim to maintain our premises in a clean, orderly and safe condition. This includes regular inspections to identify trip hazards, damaged fixtures, unsafe surfaces, insufficient lighting or other potential risks.
Walkways, fire exits, corridors and loading areas must be kept clear at all times. Customers and removal personnel are required to store goods within their allocated units only and not in shared areas, stairways or access routes. Spillages or breakages must be reported to staff immediately so that they can be dealt with promptly and safely.
Vehicle Movements and Loading Areas
Vehicle movements, especially those associated with removal services, are managed to minimise risks to pedestrians and other users. Drivers must adhere to displayed speed limits, one-way systems and designated parking or loading bays.
Engines should not be left idling in enclosed or covered areas where fumes may accumulate. Reversing should be done with particular care and, where possible, with assistance from another person acting as a banksman to guide the driver safely.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying and stacking are common within storage facilities and during removal activities. We encourage the use of trolleys, pallet trucks and other handling aids where available and suitable.
Employees receive manual handling guidance to reduce the risk of strain or injury. Customers and removal crews are expected to lift within their own capabilities, use appropriate techniques and avoid overloading equipment. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, should be used where the nature of the goods or handling environment makes this advisable.
Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items
For the safety of everyone on site, certain items and substances must not be stored or handled within our facility. These include, but are not limited to, flammable or explosive materials, corrosive substances, toxic chemicals, gas cylinders, firearms, illegal items, perishable foodstuffs and any goods that may present a risk of contamination, infestation or fire.
Customers and removal companies are responsible for ensuring that their goods comply with these requirements. Staff may refuse access, storage or loading of items considered unsafe or unsuitable for the facility.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Richmond maintains fire safety measures including detection and alarm systems, clearly marked escape routes and appropriate fire-fighting equipment. Fire exits and emergency routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
In the event of an alarm or emergency, all persons on site must follow staff instructions, evacuate promptly by the nearest safe route and assemble at the designated area. Lifts must not be used during an evacuation. Re-entry to the building will only be permitted once authorised by a responsible person.
Accident Reporting and First Aid
All accidents, incidents, near misses or cases of property damage occurring on the premises must be reported to staff as soon as possible. Staff will ensure that details are recorded and, where necessary, that incidents are reviewed to identify corrective actions.
First aid provisions are maintained on site, and staff will assist in accessing first aid equipment or contacting emergency services if required. Customers and contractors should inform staff immediately if anyone is injured or feeling unwell.
Training, Information and Review
We provide employees with appropriate health and safety information, instructions and training relevant to their roles, including the safe management of storage areas, interaction with removal activities and emergency procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and additionally when significant changes occur to our operations, layout or legal requirements. Updated information will be communicated to staff and made available to customers and contractors upon request.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Self Storage Richmond is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. We welcome feedback and suggestions from employees, customers, removal partners and other visitors to help us enhance the safety, comfort and reliability of our storage environment.
