The Importance Of A Warehouse Safety Checklist

If you’re a warehouse manager, it’s vital to have a comprehensive checklist that covers all safety aspects of your facility. This will ensure your team knows the expected safety protocols and how to execute them. Using this checklist can save you time and money while also protecting your employees. So what items should you include?

Aisles

Aisles are one of the most important things to keep in mind when designing a warehouse. They need to be wide enough for forklifts to pass through safely, but should also include safe clearances for employees to move through. Ensure aisles are free of obstructions, including packaging, which could cause workers to trip or fall. Likewise, ensure that power cords aren’t running along walkways or into workstations, which can lead to injuries and near misses.

Storage Racks

Storage racks are a common part of a warehouse, and they play an important role in keeping the items stored there safe. However, if they are not properly inspected or maintained, they can become unsafe for employees. According to OSHA regulations, all storage racks should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified person for visible signs of damage or deterioration. This inspection should include a written log of the date, time, and location.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the process of moving outdoor air into a building or room and distributing it in an efficient manner. It is also used to control exposure to airborne contaminants (Etheridge & Sandberg, 1996; Awbi, 2003). The ventilation system in your warehouse should be designed for the size of the space and its occupants. It should also be optimized for energy efficiency.

Safety Signs

Safety signs are a crucial part of any warehouse safety checklist. They help workers identify and address hazards in the workplace, such as dangerous chemicals, moving machinery, forklifts, floor and wall openings, and more. Safety signs are also required by law and can be a great way to stay OSHA compliant and in line with other government safety regulations. They are often used to indicate exit areas, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other vital health and safety facilities.

Emergency Exits

Emergency exits provide safe escape routes in case of a fire. They must be clearly marked and accessible to all employees. NFPA requires that all exit routes be separated by 1- or 2-hour fire-resistant materials. These exit routes should also have doors that swing out of the way of travel. Many buildings use magnetic locking devices that are fail-safe, a mechanism that unlocks the door when electricity flows into an electromagnet. They can be integrated with cloud-based access control systems to generate access credentials such as mobile keys and passcodes.

Drainage

In order to keep the warehouse floor safe, drainage must be installed properly. This means that ditches should be unclogged and drain pipes should not be blocked with sanitary waste. For instance, if the sewage system is used to dispose of waste from toilets, it should be installed with mesh screens that filter hair strands and other solid materials. Having good drainage can also help prevent slips, trips, and falls. This is especially important in the case of stacked storage racks.