Self Storage Waterloo Health and Safety Policy
Self Storage Waterloo is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, removal companies, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks within our storage facilities and during associated handling, loading, and unloading activities.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing practical control measures. Health and safety are integral to the way we manage storage operations, interact with customers, and work with removal companies and delivery partners.
All employees and contractors are required to follow this policy, relevant procedures, and any additional safety instructions given on site. We expect customers and removal teams using our site to cooperate fully with our safety measures and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Roles and Responsibilities
The management team at Self Storage Waterloo has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and regularly reviewed. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, and training so that health and safety standards are understood and applied.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Following all safety procedures, signage, and instructions.
Reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly to management.
Using equipment correctly and only for its intended purpose.
Customers, visitors, and removal company personnel are responsible for:
Complying with on-site rules, signage, and any instructions given by our staff.
Ensuring safe loading, unloading, and transport of goods within the facility.
Supervising children and vulnerable persons at all times while on the premises.
Immediately informing staff of any hazards, damage, or incidents.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Self Storage Waterloo carries out risk assessments to identify potential hazards related to storage units, corridors, loading bays, lifts, car parks, and handling equipment. These assessments consider the activities of employees, customers, removal operatives, and other visitors.
Control measures are implemented to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. These may include physical safeguards, access controls, housekeeping standards, signage, personal protective equipment where appropriate, and safe systems of work.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or premises, or following an incident or near miss.
Safe Access, Traffic Management and Parking
We aim to provide safe access to and within the facility for pedestrians and vehicles. Traffic routes, loading areas, and parking spaces are laid out to minimise the risk of collision or obstruction, especially where removal vehicles and customer vehicles may be manoeuvring.
Drivers must follow site rules, observe any speed restrictions, and park only in designated bays. Engines should be switched off while loading and unloading wherever possible. Pedestrians should use marked walkways where provided and remain alert to vehicle movements.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many activities at a self storage facility involve lifting, carrying, and moving items. To reduce the risk of injury, we encourage the use of trolleys, sack trucks, and other handling aids provided on site. Removal companies and customers are encouraged to plan lifting tasks, share loads where possible, and avoid awkward or excessive lifting.
Our staff receive guidance on safe manual handling techniques and the correct use of equipment. Customers and removal operatives are responsible for ensuring that they use their own tools and lifting equipment safely and in good condition. Equipment provided by Self Storage Waterloo must not be misused or modified.
Housekeeping and Unit Safety
Good housekeeping is essential for safe storage operations. Access routes, corridors, stairways, and loading areas must be kept clear of obstructions and trip hazards. Spills or debris should be cleaned promptly or reported to staff if assistance is needed.
Customers and removal teams must ensure that items are stacked securely within storage units, without overloading or placing heavy items in unstable positions. Goods must not protrude from units or block entrances and exits. Dangerous, illegal, or prohibited items must not be brought onto the premises or stored in any unit.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Self Storage Waterloo maintains fire safety arrangements that may include fire detection systems, alarm points, extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes. Exits and emergency routes must be kept unobstructed at all times.
Customers, visitors, and removal staff must familiarise themselves with emergency exits and follow the instructions provided on site. In the event of an alarm, all persons must evacuate the building immediately and assemble at the designated area. No one should re-enter the building until authorised by a responsible person.
Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices, is prohibited inside the building and in any signed no smoking areas. The use of open flames, hot works, or any ignition sources is not permitted without prior authorisation and appropriate precautions.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, cases of ill health, near misses, and damage to property that occur on our premises must be reported to Self Storage Waterloo staff as soon as possible. This includes incidents involving customers, contractors, and removal personnel.
We will record and, where necessary, investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where applicable, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Training, Information and Consultation
Employees receive appropriate induction and role-specific training on health and safety matters, including emergency procedures, manual handling, and safe use of equipment. Refresher training is provided as needed.
Information about site rules, hazards, and safe practices is made available through signage, written guidance, and direct communication from staff. We welcome feedback from employees, customers, and removal partners on health and safety issues and will consider this when reviewing our procedures.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Self Storage Waterloo monitors health and safety performance through routine inspections, audits, and review of incident reports. We use these findings to improve our systems, premises, and working practices.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant to our operations, and aligned with current legal and industry standards. Changes will be communicated to employees and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors.
By using our facilities, customers, visitors, and removal companies agree to support and comply with this Health and Safety Policy, helping to maintain a safe environment for everyone on site.
