Self Storage Camden Health and Safety Policy

Self Storage Camden is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for customers, visitors, employees, contractors and removal companies using our storage facilities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with self storage, handling goods, moving items to and from units, and operating within our premises.

Our Health and Safety Principles

We aim to prevent accidents, work related ill health and unsafe practices by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting sensible control measures in place. We expect everyone on site, including customers and any removal teams they appoint, to act responsibly and follow our safety rules. Safety is a shared responsibility and forms part of how we operate every day.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Self Storage Camden holds overall responsibility for health and safety at our facilities. This includes setting clear standards, providing resources to meet those standards and reviewing health and safety performance on a regular basis. Management will ensure that:

All relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice are taken into account in the design and operation of the site. Safe systems of work are developed for key activities such as access control, traffic movement, use of lifts, handling equipment and fire safety. Staff receive appropriate training and instructions so they can carry out their duties safely and support customers and removal workers using the site. Any significant incidents, near misses or complaints related to safety are investigated and, where necessary, corrective actions are implemented.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. Employees must follow company procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, report hazards promptly and cooperate with any health and safety instruction or training provided. Where staff supervise vehicle access, loading areas or use of equipment, they must ensure that safety rules are explained and enforced fairly and consistently.

Customer and Visitor Responsibilities

Customers and visitors, including anyone assisting them such as friends, family members or removal company staff, must observe all site safety rules. This includes complying with speed limits and traffic flow directions, parking only in designated areas, not obstructing emergency exits, and keeping children and pets under control at all times. Customers are responsible for the safe packing, handling and stacking of their own goods, using appropriate equipment and not overloading trolleys, lifts or storage units.

Contractors and Removal Companies

Contractors and removal companies operating on our premises must work safely and professionally at all times. They are expected to provide competent staff, suitable vehicles and properly maintained equipment for the collection, transport and delivery of goods. They must cooperate with our site rules, including access control, parking, loading bay use and any restrictions on working hours or noise. Where they carry out lifting, loading or unloading activities, they should use correct manual handling techniques and mechanical aids as needed, to protect both their own staff and others nearby. Any contractor or removal team that fails to observe safety standards may be asked to leave the site.

Hazard Identification and Risk Management

We regularly review activities on site to identify potential hazards such as vehicle movements, uneven surfaces, restricted spaces, stacked goods, or use of lifts and stairs. Risk assessments are carried out for significant hazards, and control measures are introduced where required. These may include signage, access restrictions, improved lighting, housekeeping rules, or changes to procedures. We expect all site users to respect these controls and to notify staff if they become aware of any new or deteriorating hazards.

Safe Storage and Handling of Goods

To minimise risks of injury, damage or fire, customers and removal teams should store and handle goods safely. Heavy or bulky items should be lifted carefully, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom of stacks, with lighter items on top, and walkways within units should be kept clear. Goods must not be stored in a way that could cause them to fall when doors are opened. Prohibited or hazardous materials must not be brought onto the premises or stored in units. This includes flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic or illegal items, as well as goods that may leak, rot or attract vermin.

Traffic Management and Vehicle Safety

The movement of cars, vans and removal lorries within our site is managed to reduce the risk of collision or injury. Drivers must follow marked routes, observe any one way systems and adhere to posted speed limits. Loading and unloading should take place only in designated areas and must not block access roads, fire routes or pedestrian walkways. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are parked for loading, and reversing must be carried out with particular care. Where appropriate, the use of a banksman or guide is encouraged for larger vehicles.

Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety

We maintain emergency procedures for fire, serious incidents and evacuation. Fire exits and escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Fire safety equipment is provided and maintained, and instructions are displayed on site. In an emergency, all site users must follow staff instructions, leave the building by the nearest safe exit and not re enter until authorised to do so. Customers and contractors should familiarise themselves with exit routes from their units and the areas they use most frequently.

Reporting Incidents and Concerns

We encourage prompt reporting of accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or security concerns. Customers, employees, contractors and removal workers should inform a member of staff as soon as reasonably possible if an incident occurs, or if they see anything that might present a risk. This information allows us to investigate, take corrective action and help prevent recurrence.

Training, Communication and Review

Health and safety information is shared with employees through induction, ongoing training and regular briefings. Key safety rules and warnings are also displayed around the site for the benefit of customers, visitors and removal teams. Management will review this policy periodically, and whenever significant changes to operations, legislation or guidance occur. Updates will be implemented as needed to maintain a safe storage environment and to support everyone who uses our facilities.

By using our site, customers, visitors and removal companies agree to cooperate with this Health and Safety Policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others while on the premises.