Health and Safety Policy for Selfstorage Hackney

At Selfstorage Hackney, health and safety is a core responsibility that supports the wellbeing of customers, staff, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out the standards we follow to help maintain a safe, secure, and well-managed storage environment. Our approach to storage unit safety is based on prevention, clear procedures, and regular monitoring, so that risks are reduced wherever possible.

We are committed to providing a clean, orderly, and responsibly managed storage facility where people can access their belongings with confidence. Safe storage practices are essential in a busy environment, and we expect everyone using the premises to contribute to a culture of care. This includes following site rules, handling goods carefully, and reporting concerns promptly.

The purpose of this policy is to outline how we manage common hazards and promote safe behaviour across the premises. Whether individuals are storing household items, business stock, or seasonal goods, the same principles apply: maintain clear access routes, store items appropriately, and avoid actions that could place people or property at risk. Effective self storage health and safety depends on cooperation from everyone on site.

General Safety Principles

All areas of the facility should be kept free from obstruction, with walkways, doors, and emergency exits left clear at all times. Customers must avoid blocking corridors with loose items, packaging, or equipment. Good housekeeping reduces the chance of trips, slips, and collisions, which are among the most common hazards in storage environments.

Any item stored must be suitable for storage and must not create danger to others. Prohibited items include hazardous chemicals, flammable materials, illegal goods, explosives, and anything that may leak, ignite, or emit harmful fumes. We expect customers to use sound judgement and ensure that all stored possessions are stable, secure, and appropriately packed.

Fire safety is a major part of our storage facility safety arrangements. Combustible waste should never be left in units or communal areas, and all users must follow site fire precautions. We take steps to reduce fire risk through inspections, control of ignition sources, and clear restrictions on unsafe materials. In the event of an incident, people should follow emergency instructions calmly and without delay.

Responsibilities of Staff and Users

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, carrying out risk assessments, and reviewing procedures regularly. Staff are expected to remain alert to unsafe conditions, keep the premises tidy, and respond promptly to hazards or incidents. They should also receive appropriate training to support safe operations and to handle routine safety tasks in a consistent manner.

Customers play an equally important role in maintaining a safe environment. They must:

• Use trolleys, lifts, and access routes correctly
• Lift items safely and seek help with heavy or awkward goods
• Report spills, damaged fittings, or unsafe behaviour
• Ensure their unit is locked and items are stored securely

Where contractors or delivery personnel visit the site, they are expected to comply with all site rules and any instructions given by staff. This includes wearing suitable footwear, keeping within designated areas, and avoiding unsafe loading or unloading practices. Shared responsibility is central to safe self storage and helps protect everyone on the premises.

Risk Control and Site Maintenance

Regular inspections are carried out to identify hazards such as damaged flooring, faulty lighting, blocked exits, or signs of water ingress. When issues are found, we take action according to priority and severity. Maintaining the condition of the building and equipment is vital for unit safety and for the comfort of those using the facility.

Cleaning routines are designed to keep surfaces free from dust, debris, and spillages. Any reported leak or contamination is assessed quickly, and affected areas may be restricted until they are safe to use. We also check that doors, locks, alarms, and other security measures operate effectively, because safety and security are closely linked in a storage environment.

At the middle of our policy, it is important to note that emergency preparedness is not optional. Staff are trained to respond to fire, injury, power failure, or other urgent situations in a calm and organised way. Customers should familiarise themselves with site notices and follow instructions if an evacuation or temporary closure is required. Good emergency planning supports a safer experience for all users.

Incident Reporting and Review

Any accident, near miss, or unsafe condition must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Reporting helps us identify recurring problems, improve controls, and prevent future harm. We treat every report seriously, whether it involves a minor injury, a damaged unit, or behaviour that could put others at risk.

Records of incidents and maintenance actions are reviewed to help improve standards over time. Where necessary, policy updates and additional controls will be introduced to reflect changing risks or operational needs. This approach allows storage health and safety procedures to remain practical, effective, and proportionate.

Training and communication also form an essential part of our safety culture. Staff should understand how to identify risks, use equipment safely, and apply site rules consistently. Clear signage, simple instructions, and regular reminders help reinforce expectations and encourage responsible behaviour across the premises.

Commitment to Continuous Safety

We recognise that a safe storage facility depends on ongoing attention rather than one-off action. For that reason, this policy is reviewed regularly to make sure it remains relevant and effective. Changes may be made in response to new risks, operational changes, or lessons learned from inspections and incidents.

Our aim is to provide a reliable and well-controlled storage environment where people can use the service with confidence. By maintaining good standards, working cooperatively, and staying alert to hazards, we support a safer setting for everyone. This commitment reflects our wider duty to protect people, property, and the smooth running of the facility.