Storage Ealing Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Ealing manages health, safety and welfare in all storage and removal activities. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment for customers, visitors, contractors and team members, while protecting property and the wider community.
Policy Statement
Storage Ealing is committed to preventing accidents, work related ill health and damage to property. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify, assess and control risks arising from our storage facilities, handling of goods and removal operations.
Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services. We expect everyone using our premises or working on our behalf to act responsibly, follow safety rules and report concerns at the earliest opportunity.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all Storage Ealing locations and covers:
Day to day operation of storage units and common areas.
Removal and transport activities, including loading and unloading vehicles.
Customer access for moving, storing and retrieving goods.
Contractors and service providers working on site.
Any other work activities under the control of Storage Ealing.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety lies with the senior management of Storage Ealing, who ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided.
Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring standards, carrying out or arranging risk assessments and taking corrective action where required.
Employees of Storage Ealing must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and guidance provided.
Use equipment and vehicles only as trained and authorised.
Report hazards, defects, near misses, incidents and accidents without delay.
Customers, visitors and contractors are expected to:
Observe safety signage and directions from staff.
Use trolleys, lifts, ramps and handling aids correctly.
Keep access routes, fire exits and loading areas clear.
Notify a member of staff immediately if they notice a hazard or incident.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Ealing will identify foreseeable hazards associated with storage and removal activities. These include, but are not limited to, manual handling, slips and trips, working at height for loading, vehicle movements, use of lifting and handling equipment, and fire risks.
Risk assessments are carried out and reviewed periodically, and when work practices or layouts change. Findings are used to develop safe systems of work, operating procedures and training for staff.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
Storage areas, corridors, stairwells and loading bays will be kept tidy and as free as reasonably practicable from obstructions. Floors and surfaces will be monitored and maintained to reduce slip and trip risks.
Storage units must be loaded and stacked safely. Heavy or bulky items should be placed at lower levels. Items must not be stored in a way that blocks doors, ventilation, lighting, access routes or emergency exits.
Customers will be informed of any restrictions on stored goods and must not store hazardous, explosive or illegal items. Where goods present special handling requirements, this must be discussed with Storage Ealing in advance.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key risk area in both storage and removal services. Storage Ealing will provide training to relevant staff on safe lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks and lifting equipment.
Where loads are heavy, awkward, unstable or difficult to grip, staff are instructed to seek assistance or use appropriate equipment. Customers are encouraged to do the same and to ask for guidance when needed.
Vehicles, Loading and Removal Operations
Vehicle movements in loading bays and access roads will be controlled as far as reasonably practicable. Loading areas must be kept clear, well lit and free from unnecessary obstructions.
Storage Ealing will ensure that staff involved in removal and transport activities are competent, suitably trained and aware of the specific risks of lifting, carrying and securing loads.
Vehicles will be loaded in a stable and secure manner, taking into account weight distribution, access for unloading and prevention of load shift during transit.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire risk assessments will be completed and reviewed regularly. Storage Ealing will provide and maintain appropriate fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment in line with relevant standards.
Fire exits, escape routes and assembly points will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times. Instructions on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency will be displayed on site.
All building users must familiarise themselves with escape routes and follow staff instructions during an evacuation.
Welfare, First Aid and Incident Reporting
Storage Ealing will provide suitable welfare arrangements for employees, including access to washing and rest facilities where required by the nature of the work.
First aid provisions appropriate to the size and nature of the premises and activities will be available on site. Details of first aid arrangements will be communicated to staff and displayed for users of the facility.
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work related ill health must be reported to management. Records will be kept and, where necessary, incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement preventive measures.
Training, Consultation and Communication
Storage Ealing is committed to providing employees with information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to work safely and competently. Training needs will be reviewed periodically and whenever new equipment, processes or significant changes occur.
Employees will be consulted on matters affecting their health and safety and are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement.
Clear safety information will be provided to customers and contractors so they understand how to use the facilities safely, including when moving or storing goods and when arranging removal services.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety policy will be monitored through regular inspections, audits and reviews of incident reports. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions will be taken promptly.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes to operations, legislation or best practice. Storage Ealing is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance, ensuring that our storage and removal services remain safe, reliable and responsible.
