Part 5 - Logistics Series - Taming the Supply Closet - Storage Safety

Part 5 - Logistics Series - Taming the Supply Closet - Storage Safety

Storage Safety

Storing things correctly is important, storing things SAFELY is even more important.

Long story short, go to OSHA's Health and Safety website and do what it says.

Weight limits

Weigh your equipment when you get it and document it.  When the time comes to deploy your team you will have weight limits when packing cargo.  A car with three occupants only has room for two hundred pounds of equipment.  Shelves and other furniture should come with signage that states the maximum weight capacity of the shelf or furniture piece.  This needs to be displayed on the shelf or documented some where so that equipment can be safely stored.  

Replacing Damaged Equipment

Damaged equipment which can no longer be safely used should never be stored with deployment supplies.  If it needs to be stored it should be labeled as being damaged to prevent some one from being hurt.  An example is storing damaged power extension cords (OSHA CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii)).

OSHA requires that damaged power cords be removed from service if it becomes damaged.  Electric tools also need to be inspected regularly and removed from service if damage is found.

Storing fuel

According to OSHA fuel storage needs to be done in an approved container located in an approved storage cabinet.

Shelf and Container placement and condition

Any containers or boxes need to be documented and fully closed when stored.  Boxes or containers need to fit neatly on the shelf and not hang over the edge in any way.  Damaged boxes, bent shelves or other containers with abnormal signs of wear should be replaced.  Shelves need to be placed on secure level ground and a security anchor needs to be attached to the wall or the shelf bolted to the floor to prevent the shelf from falling over.  Heavier boxes and equipment needs to be on lower shelves, and lighter equipment needs to be on higher shelves.

Working safely in the storage area

Make sure, work gloves, safety goggles and safe lifting practices are used to prevent injuries.
Safe lifting means using your legs to lift a heavy object, keeping the object close to your center of gravity and not using your back. Ladder storage and use need to as per OSHA requirements.