Health and safety is not something a company or organisation can afford to overlook. HSE prosecutes both companies and individuals for breaches in health and safety law, with the punishments depending on the type of breach. When it comes to heavy duty shelving for a warehouse, there’s four key things that you need to consider:

Falling objects:

You have to take steps to reduce the risk of falling objects from storage systems, and to reduce the risk of harm from a falling object. Shelving systems with a lip, and shelves with solid sides, can reduce the risk of falling objects. Another way you can reduce the risk of falling objects, in the case of lighter objects (because heavier objects will not fall, unless the surface area is tilted), is to have rubber grips on the shelves themselves or a sandpaper base to prevent items from slipping.

Marking storage systems and shelving:

Storage systems should be properly designated, and they should be clearly marked. Furthermore, if there is an identified risk of falling objects, then the storage area should clearly indicate this. It is also good practice to restrict unauthorised personnel from the area, with clear and appropriate signage.

Shelving installation and ease of use:

Shelves and other storage systems should be properly installed and designed. For example, they should be installed by a professional, and where required, be anchored to the ground. Shelving units should also make loading and unloading as easy as possible, to reduce mechanical and manual handling issues, and they should be easy to dismantle should the need arise.

Shelving placement and traffic:

Shelving and other storage systems should have a placement where tight corners and uneven surfaces are not present; they should also leave enough space for people to safely walk through and past. It is good practice to avoid installation near awkwardly placed doors and on changes in gradient. In addition to this, it is good practice to place shelving away from sources of vibration, such as machinery and speaker systems, because these can shake the shelves’ fixings loose.

Any second hand shelving from Advanced Handling & Storage Ltd is safety checked before delivery or collection which is an incredible important factor in keeping your warehouse safe.

Get in Touch with Advanced Handling & Storage

If you want to maximise your warehouse space through the use of second hand or new shelving, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 0800 345 7088 or send an email to [email protected]

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