Storage Brent Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Brent Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, vehicle access, loading and unloading, and removal activities carried out on or around our premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards.
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Management will provide leadership, resources, and training, and we expect all staff, customers, and contractors to cooperate, follow safety procedures, and act with care for themselves and others.
Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining this policy, ensuring appropriate resources are available, and regularly reviewing performance. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing and monitoring safe working practices, delivering briefings, and making sure that staff and contractors understand their duties.
All employees are responsible for working safely, following instructions and training, reporting hazards, defects, incidents, and near misses, and using any equipment provided for their safety. Customers, visitors, and removal teams using our site are expected to comply with site rules and safety signage and to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
Risk Assessment and Control
We carry out regular risk assessments covering the storage premises, loading areas, access routes, stairways, lifts, and any other relevant spaces. Particular attention is given to activities connected with moving and handling goods, vehicle movements, and the use of trolleys or lifting aids. Where risks are identified, suitable control measures are introduced, recorded, and reviewed periodically.
Control measures may include physical safeguards, such as barriers and signage, procedural controls, such as designated loading zones and traffic routes, and provision of handling equipment where appropriate. We are committed to updating risk assessments whenever there are significant changes to our operations, layout, or equipment.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
Storage units, corridors, and common areas must be kept orderly, with clear access and exit routes at all times. Items must be stored safely, secured where necessary, and not stacked above recommended heights. Customers and removal companies are expected to use safe loading techniques and to avoid overloading trolleys or vehicles.
Fire exits, alarm call points, and firefighting equipment must remain unobstructed. All users of the site must follow the instructions of staff during emergency situations, including evacuations. Smoking, vaping, or the use of open flames is not permitted within storage buildings or loading areas, unless in specifically designated external smoking zones if provided.
Manual Handling and Removal Activities
Manual handling is a core activity associated with storage and removals. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by providing appropriate equipment, such as trolleys and pallet trucks where suitable, and by promoting proper lifting techniques. Staff receive instruction on safe handling, including assessment of load weight, stability, and route planning.
We encourage customers and removal operatives to plan their moves in advance, use suitable vehicles, and break down heavy loads into manageable parts. Oversized or unusually heavy items should be discussed with staff so appropriate precautions can be considered. Anyone who feels unable to lift or move an item safely should not attempt to do so and should seek assistance.
Vehicle Movements and Traffic Management
Our sites may involve regular vehicle movements from customers, removal companies, and deliveries. To manage this safely, we may use marked traffic routes, speed limits, designated loading bays, and restricted parking areas. Drivers must follow all site rules, drive at low speed, remain vigilant for pedestrians, and switch off engines when loading or unloading where practical.
Pedestrians should use marked walkways where provided and remain aware of moving vehicles, especially in loading zones and near entrances. Children must be closely supervised at all times and kept away from vehicle routes and operational areas.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
We aim to maintain a clean, well lit, and well ventilated environment. Floors, stairs, and access routes will be kept as free as reasonably practicable from slip and trip hazards. Spills are to be cleaned promptly and reported to staff if assistance is required.
Where staff facilities such as toilets, washrooms, and rest areas are provided, they will be maintained to a reasonable standard of cleanliness and safety. All building fabric, doors, gates, and shutters will be inspected periodically and maintained so they operate safely.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
The storage of hazardous, flammable, explosive, toxic, or otherwise dangerous substances is strictly controlled and may be prohibited under our terms and conditions. Customers are responsible for ensuring that items brought onto site are safe and suitable for storage. Staff may refuse entry to items or materials that present an unacceptable risk.
If any potentially hazardous material is identified on site, it will be dealt with in a controlled manner. This may include isolation of the area, notification to appropriate authorities, and safe removal or disposal by competent contractors where required.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Employees receive appropriate training relevant to their roles, including induction training, emergency procedures, manual handling awareness, and any task specific instruction necessary for their duties. Refresher training is arranged where needed, and staff are encouraged to raise any training needs with their manager.
Customers and contractors are provided with key safety information through signage, verbal briefings, and written instructions where appropriate. Supervisors monitor compliance with safety rules and take corrective action if unsafe behavior or conditions are observed.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses on site must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. This enables us to provide assistance, record what happened, and take steps to prevent recurrence. Serious incidents will be investigated by management and, where required, reported to the appropriate authorities.
We treat incident data as a tool for learning and improvement. Trends will be reviewed periodically, and any necessary changes to procedures, equipment, or training will be implemented.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value feedback from employees, customers, and contractors regarding health and safety matters. Concerns or suggestions can be raised with site management, who will consider them and respond as appropriate. Where practical, we will involve staff in the development and review of procedures affecting their safety.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the operations of Storage Brent Park. We are committed to maintaining a culture where safety is integral to all activities and where everyone plays a part in keeping the environment safe and secure.
