Metal fabrication: Improving safety through storage area layout and design

Legal Duties

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must provide and maintain for employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Storage location

Ensure there is sufficient storage space for all materials, machinery or tools used during production.

Ensure storage areas are clearly marked and materials, machinery or tools stay within the storage area when not in use.

Store materials delivered to the workplace near the start of the production process.

Store materials used throughout the manufacturing process close to where they will be used.

Ensure dangerous goods and hazardous substances are stored securely with appropriate signage.

Ensure there is adequate lighting in storage areas so employees can clearly see pathways, materials and any obstacles or trip hazards.

Ensure storage areas have adequate space for employees to access and move materials (including space for mechanical handling equipment such as bridge and gantry cranes or forklifts).

Develop and implement a traffic management plan for where people and powered mobile plant (for example, forklifts) require access to storage areas.

Regularly monitor and review storage areas to ensure they are kept clean and organised to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Storage types

Ensure the type of storage used is appropriate for the storage area space and the materials, machinery or tools being stored. The storage selected should also consider the type of mechanical handling equipment used to transport the items. Examples of storage types are shown in the 3 images below.

When selecting storage type, consider the way materials are used in the workplace. If a product is used frequently, store it in the employees best working zone - the area between the shoulders and knees.