Warehouse and distribution centers, either privately or publicly owned where tenants rent space, existing particular safety and security arrangements that should be understood and meticulously handled to prevent losses. Here we will discuss few important points of warehouse safety.
A common warehouse process may be divided right into many different storage areas and each area could cause a different safety issue both for employees and for inventory. Each part needs to be assessed for such hazards as storage height, fire safety, housekeeping, and other unique risks such as sort of item kept (unsafe products, flammables, awkward shaped things, etc.). Storage elevation and aisles width play a major part in assets safety and make sure to know all the dimensions and protections for your processes.
For those warehouses that maintain day-and-night operations, there are more safety problems. Proper direction and training should be provided for all changes. Mishaps can occur due to slips on oily floors, falling from heights, or hazards from improperly stacked pallets. Remember that where a facility is open to the general public, such exposures may cause injury to customers as well as employees. Good housekeeping is a key.
For many employees who work in warehouses, most of their training will be on the job. Training and certification for some warehouse operations should be obtained from experienced and competent resources. Visitors to these facilities must be warned of hazards; their individual safety is dependent on the facility management. Frequent and sometimes severe accidents involve the interaction of forklifts and visitors who are in unauthorized areas, or vehicle drivers entering the loading area. All operations must have safety programs in place, and video monitoring devices should be working. Don’t assume the safety of your guests. Make a plan and follow it for everyone’s protection.
As a means to help you evaluate your very own warehouse– here is a fast list of products to include in your self-inspection procedure.
Aisles
- Are all aisles sizes maintained and not blocked?
- Are floor holes and/or openings protected?
- Are mats used where drainage or entry areas need to be protected?
- Is housekeeping – including storage space pile alignment– inspected and maintained?
Stairs & Mezzanines
- For all stairways of 4 or more risers, are there hand rails existing?
- Are barriers given on the open side of exposed stairs?
- Are railings and toe boards present on all mezzanines over adjacent lower areas?
Ladders
- Do any fixed ladders in use require fall prevention cages?
- Are all step ladders in use under 20′ high?
- Are all ladders evaluated quarterly?
Exits and Pathway to Exits
- Are all exits properly marked and illuminated?
- Are emergency exit doors equipped with panic-bar hardware?
Fire Security
- Are all fire extinguishers tagged and inspected monthly?
- Are fire alarm systems inspected bi-monthly?
- Is there clearance of a minimum of 36″ from all major electrical panels and equipment?
Material Handling
- Are trucks and trailers secured from movement throughout all loading and unloading operations?
- Have safety aisles been designated, permanently marked and maintained clear to enable clear passage?
