Health and Safety Policy for Storage Tooting Bec
Storage Tooting Bec is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, employees, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, moving and removal activities carried out on or from our premises.
Policy Statement
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing proportionate control measures. We will maintain our facilities, vehicles and equipment in a safe condition and ensure that everyone using our services understands their responsibilities for health and safety.
This policy applies to all areas of our operations, including storage units, access routes, loading bays, parking areas and any associated handling and removal activities.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety and integrating it into everyday decision-making. Management duties include ensuring that facilities, equipment and vehicles used for storage and removals are suitable, properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals. Management will also appoint competent persons to coordinate health and safety tasks, risk assessments and necessary training.
We will review this policy regularly and when significant changes occur to our operations, our premises or relevant legislation, to ensure that it remains effective and up to date.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are required to use equipment, vehicles and handling aids correctly and in line with their training. Any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses or incidents must be reported to management without delay.
Employees must follow all safe systems of work, instructions, signage and procedures, especially when carrying out lifting, loading, unloading and moving items within storage areas or during removal activities.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors share responsibility for acting safely while on our premises. They must comply with safety signs, access rules and any instructions provided by our staff. Customers are expected to pack, load and store their goods in a manner that does not create risk to themselves, our employees or other users of the site.
Where customers arrange or participate in removal activities, they should follow safe lifting techniques, avoid overloading trolleys or vehicles and ensure that children and vulnerable persons are kept clear of moving equipment and vehicles.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out risk assessments for key activities such as storage access, loading and unloading, vehicle movements, manual handling and use of equipment. Control measures are implemented to minimise the risk of injury, including layout planning, safe traffic routes, appropriate signage and equipment selection.
Where significant risks are identified, written procedures and specific controls will be established. These may include restrictions on certain activities, designated loading areas, use of personal protective equipment and limits on the weight and size of items handled manually.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of storage and removal work. We are committed to reducing the need for hazardous lifting through careful planning, the use of handling aids and, where appropriate, mechanical equipment. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including how to assess load weight, maintain good posture, avoid twisting and work within personal capability.
Customers are encouraged to break down heavy items into smaller loads where possible and to use trolleys, pallet trucks or other aids provided, returning them to designated points after use. Overloading units, trolleys or vehicles is prohibited, as it increases the risk of strain and accidents.
Safe Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Any equipment or vehicles used for storage or removal work must only be operated by those who are trained and authorised to do so. Pre-use checks will be carried out where appropriate and any damaged or defective equipment must be taken out of use and reported immediately.
Vehicle movements on and around the site will be controlled to reduce the risk of collision. This may involve designated routes, speed limits, reversing guidance and restricted access points. Pedestrians and vehicles must respect barrier systems, line markings and directional signs.
Slips, Trips and Falls
We seek to maintain clear and unobstructed access routes, stairways and loading areas. Spillages will be cleaned promptly and uneven surfaces or damaged flooring reported for repair. Materials, boxes and equipment must be stored so that they do not block fire exits, walkways or emergency access points.
Customers and staff should ensure that items do not protrude into walkways and that cables, straps or packaging are kept tidy and disposed of safely.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a critical part of our health and safety arrangements. We provide suitable fire detection and warning systems, extinguishers appropriate to the risks present and clearly marked escape routes. Fire exits and access to fire-fighting equipment must never be obstructed.
Staff receive instruction on emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, assist with evacuation and liaise with emergency services if required. Customers and visitors must familiarise themselves with the location of exits, assembly points and emergency instructions displayed on site.
Hazardous and Prohibited Items
To maintain a safe storage environment, we restrict or prohibit the storage of items that present particular health and safety risks. These include flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic substances, gas cylinders, firearms, illegal goods, perishable foods likely to rot and any items that could attract pests or create contamination.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that they do not bring hazardous or prohibited items onto the premises. Where uncertainty exists, customers should seek advice from staff before attempting to store such items or arrange their removal.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide appropriate health and safety training and information to employees according to their role, including induction, task-specific instructions and refresher training where necessary. Particular emphasis is placed on manual handling, safe driving, equipment operation, fire safety and emergency response.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and will intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are identified. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses or customer feedback will be used to improve our arrangements.
Monitoring, Reporting and Review
We actively monitor health and safety performance by recording accidents, incidents and near misses and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence. Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal and these will be considered as part of continuous improvement.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our storage and removal operations, premises or applicable regulations. Our goal is to continually improve safety standards for everyone who works with or uses Storage Tooting Bec.
