InspectNTrack’s customizable software helps maintain warehouse safety, keeping facilities organized, safe, and OSHA audit ready.

Categories to Consider for Warehouse Safety

 

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has specific regulations for warehouses to ensure the safety and health of workers. Here are some of the key OSHA regulations regarding warehouse safety:

  1. Hazard Communication: Employers must have a written hazard communication program to inform employees about hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
  2. Material Handling: Employers must ensure that material handling equipment is properly maintained, and employees are trained in its safe operation.
  3. Fire Safety: Employers must implement fire safety procedures, including the availability and use of fire extinguishers, proper storage of flammable and combustible materials, and clear exit routes.
  4. Electrical Safety: Employers must ensure that electrical equipment and wiring are properly installed and maintained, and employees are trained in safe electrical work practices.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide appropriate PPE to employees, including eye and face protection, respiratory protection, and fall protection.
  6. Walking-Working Surfaces: Employers must maintain safe walking-working surfaces, such as floors, stairs, and ladders, and provide fall protection when necessary.
  7. Ergonomics: Employers must implement ergonomic programs to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive motions, awkward postures, and other ergonomic hazards.

These are just some of the key OSHA regulations that have been established to promote warehouse safety. This might seem like a lot to manage, and that is because it is a lot to manage! Organization and proper tracking systems are paramount to successfully complying with these regulations. Let’s take a closer look at some of these categories to learn what is required to maintain compliance.

Material Handling Equipment

One important aspect of warehouse safety is the handling of equipment. Warehouses can ensure that material handling equipment is properly maintained by following these steps:

  1. Create a maintenance schedule: Develop a maintenance schedule for all material handling equipment, including regular inspections and preventive maintenance procedures. The schedule should be based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the frequency of use of the equipment.
  2. Train employees: Train employees on how to properly use and maintain the equipment. They should know how to identify and report any problems or malfunctions.
  3. Conduct regular inspections: Regularly inspect the equipment for signs of wear and tear, damage, and other issues that could affect its safe operation. Inspections should be done before and after each use and at regular intervals according to the maintenance schedule.
  4. Perform preventive maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance procedures on a regular basis to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. This includes replacing worn parts, lubricating moving parts, and checking fluid levels.
  5. Keep accurate records: Keep accurate records of all maintenance procedures, repairs, and inspections. This will help identify any recurring issues and track the equipment’s overall performance.
  6. Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and repair of the equipment. This includes using the recommended parts and fluids and following the correct procedures.

Managing the inspection, maintenance, and documentation requirements for multiple different types of equipment can be a daunting task when managed manually. That is why so many companies are switching to include safety software into their operations.

InspectNTrack software is designed to fully manage and store all information regarding equipment inspections and maintenance. This can be accomplished by adding the schedules for each type of equipment into the software. Once this data is in the system, the software maintains maintenance and inspection records, and alerts you when maintenance or inspections are due.

Not only is the software great for storing data, but it also aids in the process of performing inspections and other maintenance activities. Performing an inspection is as simple as scanning a barcode attached to the equipment and answering a few questions on the screen. By following these steps, warehouses can ensure that material handling equipment is properly maintained and functioning safely, which can prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property. Warehouse safety just got that much easier!

Inspection App Solutions

forklift machines in a warehouse

Warehouse Fire Safety

Fire safety is an integral part of overall warehouse safety. Here are several measures that can be taken to keep a warehouse safe from fires.

  1. Install and maintain fire suppression systems: Fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors should be installed and regularly maintained to ensure they are in good working condition.
  2. Conduct regular safety inspections: Conduct regular safety inspections to identify any potential hazards and take necessary measures to address them. Make sure that there are no combustible materials or flammable liquids that are stored improperly.
  3. Train employees on fire safety: Employees should be trained on fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures. They should know how to properly use fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
  4. Keep exit routes clear: Make sure that all exit routes are clear and unobstructed to ensure a safe and quick evacuation in case of an emergency.
  5. Properly store hazardous materials: Hazardous materials should be stored properly and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  6. Have a fire response plan: Develop a fire response plan that includes procedures for contacting emergency services, evacuating the building, and accounting for all personnel.
  7. Keep the building clean and well-maintained: Keep the warehouse clean and well-maintained to prevent the accumulation of debris, dust, and other combustible materials.

When fire system and equipment inspections are performed using software such as InspectNTrack, the inspection records are stored digitally. When it is time for a fire department or OSHA inspection, producing digital inspection records is much more efficient than walking the facility to verify initials on inspection tags. By implementing these measures, a warehouse can reduce the risk of fires and ensure the safety of its employees and property.

InspectNTrack Software that can be used to ensure warehouse safety

Want to learn more about the InspectNTrack Warehouse inspection app?

Electrical Safety

Another aspect to consider for warehouse safety is the use of electricity. Warehouses can maintain electrical safety by following these steps:

  1. Install and maintain electrical equipment properly: Electrical equipment should be installed and maintained by qualified professionals. Electrical panels should be labeled properly, and all wiring should be properly grounded and protected.
  2. Follow lockout/tagout procedures: Lockout/tagout procedures should be implemented to ensure that electrical equipment is properly shut down and isolated before maintenance or repairs are performed.
  3. Provide proper personal protective equipment: Employees who work with or near electrical equipment should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves and safety glasses.
  4. Train employees on electrical safety: Employees should be trained on electrical safety procedures, including how to identify hazards, how to use electrical equipment safely, and what to do in case of an electrical emergency.
  5. Implement electrical safety policies: Electrical safety policies should be developed and implemented, including procedures for reporting electrical hazards and incidents, and guidelines for the safe use of electrical equipment.
  6. Perform regular testing and maintenance: Electrical equipment should be tested and maintained regularly, including inspections of wiring, grounding, and other components. Testing should be done by a qualified electrician in accordance with OSHA standards.

InspectNTrack software is a great place to maintain an inventory of electrical equipment within a warehouse, and document associated inspection, testing, and maintenance activities. The Smart Safety Pro lockout/tagout add-on platform provides a digital app to create image-rich lockout/tagout procedures for each piece of equipment within the warehouse.

Personal Protective Equipment

The inspection requirements for PPE (personal protective equipment) can vary depending on the type of equipment. However, in general, here are some guidelines for inspecting PPE:

  1. Visual inspection: Conduct a visual inspection of the PPE before each use. Check for signs of wear and tear, damage, or deterioration. Look for any cracks, tears, holes, or other damage that could affect the effectiveness of the equipment.
  2. Functional inspection: Test the functional aspects of the PPE to ensure that it is working properly. For example, check that the straps on a safety harness are properly fastened and adjusted, or that the lenses on safety glasses are not scratched or damaged.
  3. Cleaning and maintenance: Clean and maintain the PPE according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may include washing, disinfecting, and storing the equipment in a clean and dry location.
  4. Record keeping: Keep accurate records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance procedures. This can help track the condition of the equipment and identify any recurring issues.

It’s important to note that the specific inspection requirements for PPE can vary depending on the type of equipment, so it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and OSHA guidelines for specific guidelines. Additionally, some types of PPE may require more frequent inspections and testing depending on the level of risk associated with the equipment and the work environment. InspectNTrack software maintains the appropriate inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for each type of PPE. It also maintains digital records of these tasks.

Summary

Keeping warehouses safe is a big job. It requires a lot of organization and communication. Thankfully, software such as InspectNTrack makes the job much easier. With the use of technology, warehouse safety is much more achievable. InspectNTrack’s customizable equipment types makes it able to manage everything in the warehouse, from pallet racking to forklifts to machinery and more.

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