Warehouse Equipment Checklist: What You Need to Know Show
Last Modified: September 22, 2022 Most warehouse managers have a warehouse equipment checklist. This list should serve as a guide that outlines must-have equipment to successfully run a warehouse operation. Even for seasoned warehouse managers though, some important equipment or details may be missing from their current list. The id Fulfillment And Distribution October 21, 2019 Share This Article Copy URL to ClipboardMost warehouse managers have a warehouse equipment checklist. This list should serve as a guide that outlines must-have equipment to successfully run a warehouse operation. Even for seasoned warehouse managers though, some important equipment or details may be missing from their current list. The ideal warehouse equipment checklist should include:
Essential Warehouse Safety EquipmentSafety first is often just an old saying used to remind us to be safe when doing potentially dangerous things. However, in 3PL warehouse operations, safety first is more than a cliche. Your warehouse equipment checklist should include the following types of safety equipment:
Some warehouse operators are opting for high-tech alternatives, such as motion detector sensors and sensor mirrors. Motion detector sensors can be placed in high traffic areas and alert employees of any movement in potential blind spots. Sensor mirrors combine the technology of a motion detector with a traditional mirror. They do this by showing employees the blind spots, as well as providing an audible or visual alert.
What are the OSHA Safety Requirements for Warehouse Equipment?OSHA has been tasked with setting and enforcing workplace safety standards since 1970. Many of the standards set by OSHA apply to all workplaces in the U.S. However, there are some specific standards OSHA has cited more often in warehouses than others. Warehouse operators should be aware of the following OSHA standards:
Following these and other guidelines for forklifts will lower the chances of injuries and accidents occurring. This will, in turn, reduce the possibility to receive citations and potentially large fines from OSHA.
For warehouses in which employees eyes or body may be directly exposed to corrosive materials, an emergency wash station is required. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) needs to be included for each separate hazardous material. The MSDS should include instructions for handling the material and spill cleanup procedure. Materials needed in case of a spill must also be readily available. In facilities where hazardous materials aren’t directly handled, storage is the main consideration. For general flammable liquids kept inside a building, the materials must be maintained in a flammable storage metal cabinet. A portable fire extinguisher needs to be within 10 to 25 feet of the storage container. Security measures also need to be in place for the container to prevent theft or tampering. There are additional rules and regulations in place for handling specific types of hazardous materials. These can be found online underneath subpart H of the OSHA standards.
Extension cords need to be covered and protected to prevent damage to employees and equipment. Temporary wiring has to abide by this rule as well. As soon as a task requiring temporary wiring is completed, the wiring needs to be removed. If an injury or accident is caused by uncovered electrical wiring, a violation or fine is almost guaranteed to follow.
First, the standard restates the necessity of maintaining appropriate clearances in aisles. It also adds that aisles and passageways cannot be obstructed in anyway that creates an unsafe condition. Second, secure storage is mentioned and that it needs to be stored in an appropriate manner to avoid sliding or collapse. Since the wording is a bit vague and limited in this case, it helps to know best practices. There should be at least 6 inches of clearance on the top and sides of each pallet load. Stacking should be limited and when used, place heavier loads on the bottom and lighter loads on top. Abiding by these standards assists warehouse managers with maintaining a safe working environment and meeting OSHA compliance. Ensuring that you’re meeting OSHA compliance can be tricky. Working with R+L Global Logistics to manage your warehousing and order fulfillment can take that burden off of you. Equipment to Improve Loading Dock SafetyMany documented warehouse injuries involve accidents that occur at or near a loading dock. Warehouse managers can ensure loading dock safety by following a few simple steps:
Dock levelers are a permanent alternative to plates and boards. Levelers are installed as an attachment to the dock itself and help bridge the gap between the dock and freight trucks. The Right Equipment for Warehouse SecurityAn integral part of an overall warehouse safety program is a comprehensive security system. The complexity and scope of a security system will vary based on a warehouses’ individual needs. All systems need to address potential security factors including access control, inside & outside theft, and data security. An effective solution to many security threats is an electronic access control system. An access control system uses key cards, fingerprints, or other individual technology to allow only certain people into the building. With this system, visitors’ access is significantly limited which increases overall security. Most systems can be customized to create secure areas within the building as well. A motion detection and alarm system will assist with managing outside security threats. Many potential intruders can be deterred by a bright light triggered by a motion detector. However, some trespassers are more brazen and will continue their attempted break-in. An effective warehouse alarm system should notify local law enforcement and warehouse managers immediately when a security breach has occurred. Lastly, surveillance cameras should be in place where potential theft and unauthorized entries can take place. Before deciding where to place surveillance cameras, work with your security provider to identify all potential weak spots. After cameras have been installed, managers should have access to live and past footage. Equipment to Increase Warehouse Productivity and EfficiencyOnce the safety and security of a warehouse is established, the focus should be shifted to productivity and efficiency. The productivity of a warehouse determines the overall success, while efficiency determines how well this is accomplished. The following equipment increases warehouse productivity and efficiency:
Selecting and using the right equipment will ensure that your warehouse is always running smoothly. Which Warehouse Storage Equipment Should I Use?Warehouse operators have a number of options to choose from when it comes to storing products in their warehouse. A number of factors are involved when selecting the right storage system for a warehouse. These factors include available space, how orders are picked, and the size of orders. Most warehouses have multiple storage systems to accommodate different products and picking methods. Pallet racks allow for more storage space, product consolidation, and a simpler loading and picking process. Shelving allows for storage and picking of smaller items and a wider variety of products. Once you’ve decided to use racks, shelves, or both there are still more choices to be made. There are many different types of racks and shelves. For shelving, The majority of warehouse operators use industrial shelving. The racking system depends on the order products must enter and leave the warehouse. A first-in, first-out (FIFO) model is for products that must leave the warehouse in the order they were received. Perishable items or items subject to expiration dates should follow the FIFO model. In a last-in, first-out (LIFO) storage model, products that arrive last leave the warehouse first. For non-perishable products, the LIFO model can generally be used which typically allows for more dense storage. Which storage model you’ll be following will guide you to the correct storage equipment system to use in your warehouse. Types of Warehouse Racking Systems
Choosing the right storage system for a warehouse can be challenging. It can be frustrating to select a storage system and realize that it’s not as efficient as you anticipated. Luckily, R+L Global Logistics operates a number of fulfillment warehouses. Using our services eliminates the headache of having to deal with making these time-consuming decisions. Importance of a Warehouse Management SystemManaging all of the processes involved in a warehouse operation can be extremely difficult. To simplify this task, most warehouses utilize a warehouse management system (WMS). This system organizes all aspects of warehouse fulfillment including inventory tracking, picking & packing, shipping, receiving, and more. A WMS can be integrated into an enterprise resource planning system (ERP), which links together additional business aspects. A warehouse management system is essential to efficient warehouse operations. Bringing together all of the necessary pieces of warehouse processes into one system creates organization and improves accuracy. Material Handling Equipment Needed in a WarehouseMoving products from one area to the next in a warehouse takes up a significant amount of time. Having an efficient process to transport and handle materials can greatly increase warehouse productivity. An important part of this process is making sure that the right equipment is available in your warehouse. Warehouses should have the following material handling equipment on-hand: Forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and platform trucks. All equipment should consider the size and maximum load capacities of the products that will be handled. When choosing which forklift(s) to use in your warehouse, pallet location and rack system should also be taken into account. Each racking system has a recommended forklift type that should be used. Counterbalance forklifts are the most common forklifts used in warehouse operations. However, even just for counterbalanced forklifts, there is a wide selection available based on specific warehouse needs. Choosing the Right Warehouse Packaging EquipmentIf you’re a warehouse manager looking to improve your packing process, equipment should be a top priority. Giving your employees the necessary tools for packing will increase efficiency and productivity. Warehouse operators should include these pieces of packaging equipment as part of their overall checklist:
This equipment is in addition to the basics like boxes, bubble wrap, shipping peanuts, labels, and more. Do I Need a Conveyor System in my Warehouse?Conveyor systems can have a significant impact on efficiency and productivity in warehouses operations. However, these systems often come with a high cost, from the initial purchase to installation to cost to operate and maintenance. Conveyor systems are needed in a warehouse if productivity and efficiency can be significantly improved. Employees may be spending too much time moving products in the warehouse. Warehouses not meeting productivity goals should consider adding a conveyor system or adjusting an existing one. If you’ve decided to implement a conveyor system in your warehouse, you’ll have a number of choices available. Power, gravity, and flexible are just three common types of conveyor systems used in warehouses. The system that you ultimately use will depend on a number of factors including cost, physical layout, and automation tools. Miscellaneous Warehouse EquipmentAll of the equipment that’s already been mentioned up to this point is vitally important to warehouse operations. However, there is some additional equipment that many warehouses use on a daily basis. Warehouse managers should consider including:
Equipment Maintenance PlanNo matter what kind of equipment you have in your warehouse, a maintenance plan needs to be present and documented. Most equipment manufacturers provide information for recommended maintenance when purchasing the equipment. Some manufacturers include and offer maintenance through their own company. All employees that operate any equipment with a maintenance plan should be familiar and know where the plan is. Forklifts specifically are required by OSHA to have a daily inspection which should be included in a maintenance plan. Although this doesn’t need to be documented, it should in case of an accident or OSHA investigation. R+L Global Logistics' Warehousing ExpertiseThe information and tips provided in this article will help you successfully launch and run a fulfillment warehouse, from following the warehouse equipment checklist to offering fulfillment solutions. However, setting up and operating your warehouse can take a significant amount of time and energy. This is why many businesses choose to work with R+L Global Logistics. Working with our team will free up your time to allow you to focus on more key aspects of your business, whether you are storing batteries or other merchandise or deciding between warehouse vs distribution center options. You can trust that our industry-leading resources and expertise will have your business operating at peak productivity and efficiency. Contact us to find out more about how we can help your business thrive and grow. What class of gate is typically used for limited access and industrial sites?Industrial/limited access vehicular gate operator-Class III - A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use in an industrial location or building such as a factory or loading dock area or other locations not intended to service the general public.
Which type of fire extinguisher is used on electrical equipment and wires and consists of gas dry powders or carbon dioxide?Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are used on fires involving burning liquids (Class B), and electrical fires, such as of large computer equipment, so are practical in offices. CO2 works by suffocating the fire and does not cause damage to the electrical items or cause the system to short circuit.
What is an enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields emanating from EMI and EMP?A Faraday cage or Faraday shield is an enclosure used to block electromagnetic fields. A Faraday shield may be formed by a continuous covering of conductive material, or in the case of a Faraday cage, by a mesh of such materials. Faraday cages are named after scientist Michael Faraday, who invented them in 1836.
What is the term for the process of permissively allowing certain traffic and implicitly denying the rest?This approach is called implicit deny, or default to deny. This is best implemented in firewalls. Implicit deny is allowed unless explicitly configured as a rule.
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