Environmental health Warehouse operations

The main hazards associated with warehouses include:

Injuries arising from lifting, pushing, pulling etc

In order to prevent such injuries employers are required to take precautionary measures to minimise hazardous manual handling operations (such as pallets, boxes etc) and use lifting, handling and assisting aids wherever practicable (such as pallet trucks and trolleys). Employers must also carry out a sufficient assessment of manual handling operations.

Electrical

All equipment should be installed and maintained by a competent person. It is recommended (IEE Wiring Regs BS7671) that the fixed system is inspected/tested at least every five years (or more frequently as recommended by a qualified electrician) and that all electrical appliances are examined/checked  ("PAT" Tested) at a frequency appropriate to the risk.

Regular maintenance should include visual checks for general wear and tear ensuring that plugs, leads and sockets are in good condition and that there is no exposed wiring. Where appropriate, industrial type plugs and sockets should be used as these are more robust and can stand up to the conditions better. Working areas should have sufficient socket outlets to avoid trailing cables. Any corrective actions must be carried out immediately.

Safe use of machinery

To prevent harm to employees ensure that all staff are fully trained to use the equipment provided (forklift trucks, compactors, pallet invertors, dock levellers etc). Ensure that workplace equipment is maintained and it is safe for use and that it is the right equipment for the job. There is a statutory requirement that a competent person, usually your insurance company engineer, must periodically inspect certain equipment such as forklifts, dock levellers compressors etc.

Workplace transport

Workplace transport is one of the most multi-factorial risk control issues employers have to cope with. Adequately controlling the risks depends on establishing and sustaining control over a wide range of matters which broadly fall into three categories:

  • Safe site - well defined traffic routes where every effort is made to separate pedestrians and vehicles and the need for reversing kept to a minimum
  • Safe vehicle - Effective maintenance of steering, brakes, lights and reversing aids (fitted when appropriate)
  • Safe driver - Fork lift truck drivers trained and competent in accordance with ACoP - HSE Publication L117 (HSE Books)

There should also be similar training for drivers of other types of vehicles coupled with the active supervision of driver behaviour.

Floors, corridors and stairs

In order to prevent slips and trips these areas should be kept free from obstructions. Floor coverings and route ways should be maintained and all areas should be well lit. Staff should wear sensible footwear. Warning signs should be displayed during cleaning to warn staff of potentially slippery surfaces. Ensure that any change in floor level is clearly visible.

Falls from height

All work at height should be assessed and avoided wherever practicable. If it cannot be avoided then access equipment must be well maintained, regularly inspected and securely stored. Staff must be instructed on the safe system of work and trained how to safely use access equipment. For example, getting on and off larger vehicles and activities such as loading, unloading, sheeting, etc. which can potentially lead to falls causing injury and fatality. Where possible, the need to climb on top of vehicles should be avoided. The edges of loading bays also need to be clearly marked.

For more information on working at heights, please view the HSE guidance document.

Falling objects

Most goods are stored in some form of racking system. These should be regularly checked for damage. Racking should not be used if damaged. It is recommended that the corners of racking be protected to minimise the effect of impact from forklift trucks etc. Storage systems should not be used over capacity as this can result in collapse. Notices should be attached to all racking installations advising the safe maximum working loads. Mezzanine floors must have edge protection.

LPG installations

LPG (propane or butane) is a colourless liquid, which readily evaporates into a gas. It has no smell, although it will normally have an odour added to help detect leaks. When mixed with air, the gas can burn or explode when it meets a source of ignition.

Information on the safe use and storage of LPG in cylinders and small bulk installations is published on the HSE website

Further guidance on arrangements for storage and display of LPG containers can be found in the Liquefied Petroleum Association's (LPGA) Code of Practice CoP7 (Storage of full and empty LPG cylinders and cartridges).

Low temperatures

Suitable and sufficient arrangements should be made for cold store workers so that they can periodically warm themselves. Thermal/protective clothing should be provided.

Additional information

Main legislative requirements

Related information