Storage Partmouth Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Partmouth Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks within our storage facilities and during removal and transport activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by promoting a culture of safety, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this policy are to protect people, property, and the environment; comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards; identify, assess, and control risks associated with storage and removal operations; ensure that employees and contractors are appropriately trained and supervised; and promote safe behaviour for everyone who uses or visits our premises.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing adequate resources for safety measures and training; setting clear safety standards and procedures for storage units, loading areas, and vehicles; regularly reviewing risk assessments, incident reports, and performance indicators; and ensuring that all employees understand their health and safety duties.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must ensure safe systems of work are followed, that equipment is properly maintained, and that any health and safety concerns are addressed promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety procedures and instructions; use machinery, vehicles, lifting aids, and personal protective equipment correctly; report hazards, near misses, accidents, and unsafe conditions without delay; and participate in training and safety briefings as required.
Employees must never misuse any safety equipment or undertake tasks for which they are not trained or authorised, particularly in relation to manual handling, operating vehicles, and accessing storage units at height.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Partmouth Park carries out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, common areas, offices, loading bays, and removal operations. Typical risks include manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, and the handling of awkward or heavy items.
We develop safe systems of work to control identified risks, including clear procedures for loading and unloading, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, control of vehicle movements, and safe access to higher units. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and following any significant changes in operations or incidents.
Training and Competence
We provide employees with information, instruction, and training relevant to their role, including induction training covering emergency procedures, site rules, and reporting lines; manual handling training for staff who move goods or assist with removals; training in the use of mechanical handling and lifting equipment; and, where applicable, driver and vehicle safety training for removals and transport work.
Training needs are reviewed regularly to ensure employees remain competent and are aware of any changes in procedures or equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removal activities and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Wherever reasonably practicable, we use mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment; plan lifts in advance, taking into account the weight, size, and shape of items and access routes; encourage team lifting for heavy or bulky objects; and instruct staff to avoid over-reaching, twisting, or lifting loads beyond their capability.
Customers are encouraged to use trolleys and appropriate lifting techniques when moving items within the facility. Signage and guidance are provided to support safe handling practices.
Safe Storage Areas and Traffic Management
We maintain storage areas, corridors, stairways, loading bays, and car parks in a safe condition. This includes keeping access routes clear of obstructions, spillages, and waste; ensuring adequate lighting in all operational and customer areas; providing clear signage to highlight routes, restrictions, and emergency exits; and implementing traffic management rules to separate vehicles and pedestrians where possible.
Vehicle movements associated with removals and deliveries are controlled to minimise reversing and congestion, with designated loading and unloading points used wherever available.
Equipment and Vehicle Safety
All equipment used for storage and removal activities, including trolleys, lifting devices, and vehicles, is inspected and maintained at appropriate intervals. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately. Only trained and authorised persons may operate vehicles or specialised lifting equipment. Employees and contractors must follow pre-use checks and report any defects or issues without delay.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We implement fire safety measures to protect people and property. These include maintaining suitable fire detection and alarm systems where required, ensuring that fire exits and escape routes are kept clear at all times, installing appropriate fire extinguishers, and carrying out regular checks and tests of fire safety equipment.
Emergency procedures are in place and are communicated to staff, contractors, and customers through signage, induction, and briefings. Evacuation routes and assembly points are clearly indicated. In the event of an emergency, everyone on site must follow staff instructions promptly.
Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items
For the safety of all users, certain items must not be stored or handled within our facilities. Prohibited items typically include flammable or explosive substances, compressed gases, corrosive or toxic chemicals, perishable goods that may decay, illegal goods or substances, and any item that could present an unreasonable risk to people or property.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that items brought onto the site comply with our rules. Staff may refuse entry or storage of items that are considered unsafe or in breach of conditions.
Contractors, Visitors, and Customer Safety
Contractors working on site must follow our health and safety requirements and any specific method statements or permits provided. They are expected to manage the safety of their own work activities and cooperate fully with our staff.
Visitors and customers must observe site rules, including speed limits, parking instructions, no-smoking areas, and restricted zones. Children and pets must be supervised at all times. Anyone entering operational areas, including loading bays, must take particular care and follow instructions from staff.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported so that they can be investigated and lessons learned. Where necessary, corrective actions will be taken to prevent recurrence, such as updating procedures, improving equipment, or providing additional training.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our storage and removal activities. Updates may be made in response to operational changes, legal developments, or findings from incident investigations. Everyone associated with Storage Partmouth Park is expected to support and uphold this policy.
