Materials Handling and Storing Safety Procedures

Materials Handling and Storage

• Purpose of safety procedures is to guide storing and handling of materials.

General Safety Guidelines

• Floors must be kept clean and free of slippery materials/substances according to General Housekeeping procedures.
• Good housekeeping should be maintained at all times.
• Combustible waste materials should not accumulate in quantity or in a location that constitutes a hazard.

Fire Protection and Prevention

• Smoking is not allowed in storage areas.
• Cutting, welding, or use of open flames or spark-producing equipment is not permitted in storage areas unless a welding permit is issued.
• Storage areas and stairs must have adequate lighting.
• Fire lanes must be provided to separate large stocks and for access to effective firefighting operations, and must be at least 2.4 m (8 ft.) in the clear.
• Fire lanes must never be obstructed.
• Portable fire extinguishers must be provided in accordance with Fire Extinguisher for Ground Operations procedures.
• Combustible packing materials, such as carton boxes and paper, must not accumulate.
• Combustible packing materials, such as excelsior, shredded paper, styrofoam, must be stored in fire-resistant bins with self-closing lids.