Page 27 - Logistics News June 2019
P. 27
Safety
A sprinkler system should be installed welding, dents or bends.
that corresponds with rack structure. Make sure you recognise and trust the
Inform employees about the location of original manufacturer of the material.
fire extinguishers, emergency response Confirm that racking is structurally sound and
equipment, hazardous materials logs and properly handled during installation and tear
storage capacity information. Emergency down.
preparedness is equally important to Rigorous inspection standards will help
prevention in maintaining a safe workplace. you avoid purchasing a product that will
When installing new pallet racking, verify deteriorate and potentially put employees at
with the architect that the floor can safely risk for injuries.
handle proposed weight loads. The floor
needs to be even to support rack structure. Forklift safety
Precautions also should be taken if there A large portion of all warehouse injuries
are risks for seismic or natural disasters in involve improper use of forklifts or
the region that could potentially damage insufficiently trained operators. Hiring
the facility. Ensure columns are properly licensed and experienced forklift operators
anchored to concrete slab flooring. Obtain is essential to minimising workplace injuries.
the load capacity of the floor from the Selecting storage racks that accommodate
building’s architect prior to planning forklift traffic can help to facilitate a better
warehouse storage and layout. Check local working environment for forklift operators.
building codes and stay informed about All aisles in the warehouse should be
regulations to prevent violations. clear to allow safe forklift traffic and permit
Assess pallet racking regularly to ensure sufficient clearance. When forklifts will be
it is in proper condition, with no threats used for item retrieval, consider purchasing
to structural integrity. Checking weight drive in or drive through pallet racking. This
capacity is in line with storage guidelines type of rack will allow a forklift to pass under
and installing capacity plates will help to or through the shelves to provide easier
prevent overloading. Check for cracks, dents, access to items and can maximise floor
bends and twists that may compromise the space.
functionality of the storage. Drive in and drive through racks optimise
Check nuts and bolts to verify they space and create aisles, but are more
are tightened and that safety locks are susceptible to damage from repeated forklift
functioning. Inspections of pallet racking impact. Utilising aisle protectors, upright
should involve checking the hardware to protectors and guardrails will help to reduce
ensure it is tightened, looking for missing destruction and prolong the life of storage
pieces in hardware and a visible assessment equipment. Corner protectors and other
to check whether racks are level, square and safety products are worth purchasing to
plumb. protect the investment of storage materials
If racks need to be reconfigured or and help preserve the structural integrity of
adjusted, always contact your provider to the rack.
ensure proper set-up and compatibility. When installing new racking or hiring
Different brands and style of racks are new employees, ensure operators can have
incompatible with each other and could pose supervised practice loading and unloading
a risk to employees if improperly assembled. materials to ensure they can confidently
manoeuvre the storage and handle materials
Buying used racking without damaging the product. Ensure that
Buying used pallet racking can offer savings the drivers centre their loads when moving
in equipment cost, an option to recycle items to prevent forklifts from tipping and
products and can offer a similar quality to loads from falling. Make sure drivers are
new product. However, take extra precautions aware of weight limits of the forklifts and
when assessing the quality of used storage. never overload them. Drivers should ensure
Look for signs that it has been repaired, the loads are secured during transport and
such as areas that look painted or evidence loaded as close to the mast as possible to
of welding. There is no way of knowing maintain balance and security. Establish
whether the individual who repaired the an ongoing training programme for forklift
rack is qualified or that it is in an acceptable operators within your warehouse. Purchase
condition to use. Only buy used racking if it is safety equipment that will protect drivers
in prime condition and shows no sign of rust, from falling materials. •
June 2019 | Logistics News 25
