Longspan shelving provides a great storage solution for warehouses, making efficient use of the space available, so as many goods can be stored as possible.
However, it is important that safety measures are taken when installing the units, as well as using them.
How to install longspan shelving safely
Firstly, longspan shelving needs to be fitted in straight lines to ensure it is connected together correctly.
When the frame height to depth ratio exceeds 4:1, or there is a risk of the shelving becoming unstable, or the top shelf is higher than a reasonably reachable height, it should be anchored to the floor.
This ensures the shelving unit is secure, no matter how tall it is or the weight of the load it has to carry.
When installing a longspan shelving unit in a warehouse, it is also essential not to put it so it covers fire exits or doorways. These need to be kept clear at all times so staff can escape the building if they are in danger.
It should also never exceed height restrictions, as this could lead to it collapsing, and it is worth checking the floor quality to check it is able to support the weight of the unit when it is fully loaded.
The aisle between the shelves also needs to be kept wide enough to allow equipment such as forklifts, trolleys and warehouse steps to fit.
How to load it safely
It is important that workers are fully aware and understand the unit’s load capacity. This can be done by displaying safety signs at the end of the racks with the maximum shelf weight on.
Workers should be reminded to distribute the goods on the shelf evenly, putting the heaviest ones on the bottom shelves and loading these first.
Keeping the lighter loads on the higher shelves prevents the unit from becoming imbalanced and potentially toppling over, and reduces the risk of the worker straining or causing themselves an injury.
The shelves need to be kept tidy at all times, and overcrowding of items should be avoided. This enables staff to access the items safely and pull them off the shelves without knocking other items over.
It is also essential that boxes are not placed on the shelf so they overhang, as this increases their chances of falling over, and can make the unit more likely to tip.
When fitting the shelves, it is important they remain accessible and are not too high. If the unit exceeds a reachable height, other appliances need to be provided to safely remove the goods from the higher shelves.
Hazardous substances should also be clearly marked, stored in appropriate containers and kept separated from other wastes.
Employers have a duty of care to ensure their workers are in a safe environment by maintaining the longspan shelving to prevent dangerous faults, as this could cause serious injuries.
This is part of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) – Section 2, the Workplace, Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the HSE Warehouse and Storage Safety Guide HS (G) 76.
So it is essential that bosses check for damaged frames or posts, deformed beams, missing bolts or beam locking pins and bent braces regularly to make sure the equipment remains safe for staff to use.
