Store room safety : common faults

• Introduction
• Legislation
• Common faults
• Further information

Introduction

Storerooms may be used for food, clothing, stationery, chemicals, and a variety of other items. If they are left to get untidy and cluttered the hidden hazards may pose a risk to staff that have to retrieve items from them. Regular clear outs of redundant equipment are needed. It is a good idea to ensure shelves are secure and stacked properly when replenishment or a stock check takes place.

Legislation

See Health and Safety Regulations

Common faults

The following are examples of common storeroom faults:

• Unsafe racking
• Top heavy racking
• Smoking near flammable goods
• Improper storage of liquid petroleum gas
• Ladders with damaged or broken rungs
• Standing on boxes instead of ladders to reach items on shelves
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of routine cleaning
• Broken glass
• Leaking chemical containers
• Accumulation of refuse and redundant equipment
• Horseplay
• Aisles obstructed
• Obstructed fire exists
• Gas cylinders not chained to walls
• Inadequate storage space
• Working in confined spaces
• Fork lift trucks

Further information

• Visit www.hsebooks.co.uk for information about storerooms.