Storage Brentford Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and principles adopted by Storage Brentford to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It applies to all activities carried out on our premises and to work undertaken in connection with our storage and removal services.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Brentford is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that health and safety responsibilities are understood and fulfilled.
Health and safety is a core management responsibility and a shared duty for everyone who works with or for Storage Brentford. We expect employees, agency workers and contractors to cooperate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for establishing and reviewing this policy, setting clear objectives for health and safety performance and ensuring sufficient resources are provided to implement it. Managers and supervisors must ensure that safe systems of work are in place for all storage and removal operations, including lifting, loading, unloading, packing, transport and handling of goods.
Managers must regularly review risk assessments, investigate incidents and near misses, and take corrective action where required. They are responsible for ensuring that employees receive suitable induction, ongoing training and supervision appropriate to their role, particularly in relation to manual handling, use of equipment and safe driving for removal activities.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly and comply with procedures designed to protect health and safety. Employees must report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses or unsafe practices to management without delay. Where personal protective equipment is provided, it must be used and maintained in accordance with guidance and training.
Employees involved in storage and removal work must pay particular attention to safe lifting techniques, vehicle loading limits, securing of loads, safe use of trolleys and equipment, and awareness of other people working in the same area. No task should be undertaken if it is considered unsafe or beyond the level of training provided.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Brentford will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for activities within our facilities and for related removal operations. This includes, but is not limited to, risks associated with manual handling, slips and trips, working at height when accessing higher storage areas, operation of lifting and handling equipment, vehicle movements and handling of customer goods.
Control measures will be implemented to minimise identified risks. These may include defined traffic routes for vehicles and pedestrians, load limits for storage units and vehicles, safe stacking rules, housekeeping standards, use of protective equipment and specific procedures for unusual or higher risk items. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and following any significant change in activities, processes or layout.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is central to storage and removal work. Storage Brentford will provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, use of mechanical aids and methods of team lifting. Wherever reasonably practicable, equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks and lifting devices will be used to reduce the risk of strain and injury.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate mechanical handling equipment. All equipment will be maintained in a safe condition and subject to appropriate inspection. Employees must visually check equipment before use and must not use damaged or defective items.
Vehicles, Driving and Site Traffic
Vehicle movements within and around our premises present a significant risk. Storage Brentford will manage traffic routes, loading areas and parking to minimise the likelihood of collisions or injury. Designated loading zones will be clearly identified and kept clear of obstacles. Drivers must follow site rules, including speed limits and instructions from staff who are managing loading or unloading activities.
For removal services, drivers and crew members must ensure that vehicles are loaded within safe weight limits, that loads are secured to prevent movement in transit and that access to emergency exits is not obstructed. Journey planning and rest breaks will take account of driver wellbeing and legal requirements relating to driving time and fatigue.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Brentford will maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including fire detection, suitable extinguishers, clear emergency routes and signage. Emergency exits and access routes must be kept clear at all times. Fire drills and emergency procedure reviews will be carried out at appropriate intervals.
All employees, contractors and visitors must familiarise themselves with emergency instructions on arrival at the site. In the event of an alarm, everyone must follow evacuation directions and proceed to the designated assembly point without delay and without collecting personal belongings that may cause obstruction.
Hazardous and Prohibited Items
For the protection of customers and staff, certain items are restricted or prohibited from storage and removal, including but not limited to flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous materials. Customers will be informed of these restrictions and are responsible for ensuring that their goods comply with the conditions of storage and transport.
Where items present a particular risk, special handling procedures or additional controls may be required. Any suspicion of hazardous or prohibited goods must be reported immediately to management so that appropriate action can be taken.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Brentford will provide ongoing training relevant to each role, including induction for new starters, refresher sessions and specific training on new equipment, processes or regulations. Employees will be consulted on health and safety matters and are encouraged to make suggestions to improve safety practices, especially in relation to storage layouts, handling methods and vehicle operations.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, reflects current legislation and supports safe, reliable storage and removal services. Revisions will be communicated to all employees and, where relevant, to contractors and partners.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Storage Brentford aims to maintain a safe, healthy environment for everyone who uses or works within our facilities and services.
