Stacking of Articles Safety Tips
It’s important to ensure that you properly stack and store materials in your workplace so that they don’t endanger workers. For example, unstable stacks could collapse onto workers. And piles that block sprinklers can pose a fire hazard.
Naturally, you must comply with the requirements for safely storing materials in your jurisdiction’s OHS regulations, both when storing materials on racks or in piles/stacks. But here are general tips for safe stacking:
1. Ensure that materials aren’t stacked so high that they’re in danger of toppling over or collapsing.
2. Store heavy and unstable items as low as possible to the floor.
3. Ensure that loads are properly secured against movement on pallets and that pallets are in good condition and the appropriate size and type for the load.
4. Where possible, try to stack articles of the same size and weight together.
5. When stacking bags or bundles of material, alternate rows. For example, place one row running lengthwise, the next running widthwise, the third lengthwise, this will make the stack stronger the higher it goes, etc.
6. Ensure there’s adequate space to allow workers, forklifts and other lifting devices to navigate the workplace safely and efficiently.
7. Block or chock the bottom tiers /levels of round items so that they don’t shift or roll.
8. Ensure that materials aren’t stacked so high that they block sprinklers, could come into contact with ignition sources or are near energized electrical wires.
9. At home: dont stack old computers/ heavy pots/ chemicals/etc. on cupboards where it can fall on you or your kids.
10. Keep you stacking areas like your garage neat and tidy to prevent pests from harbouring there...its a good hide out for mice, cockroaches and even snakes and birds.
For more info please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer Stacking and Storage Training as well. brent@environeering.co.za/ Cell: 072 596 7722