In industry, we typically have a warehouse where we receive products and goods, and from which we ship production items.
Warehouse workers can face many kinds of hazards, but with proper design considerations, planning, and training these hazards can be controlled and warehouse work remain safe.
Warehouses often contain a variety of electrical equipment and systems, and employers are tasked with ensuring the workplace is free from recognized electrical hazards.
Implementing and maintaining OSHA standards for general industry, including warehousing and distribution, is a big job and employers need your help getting this job done. So here are some of the regulation details you should recognize as addressing electrical hazards in your workplace. Help identify these hazards and then help to resolve them.
- You should install and use listed or labeled equipment in accordance with the instructions included in the listing or labeling;
- Always use factory-assembled electrical cord sets and extension cords that are equipped with a ground wire. If the ground is missing or broken, report it and get it replaced;
- Always ground all power supply systems and electrical circuits and equipment, and ensure grounding paths are permanent, continuous, and effective. Your maintenance worker can check for continuity and grounding issues;
- Always ensure sufficient clearance in front of electrical panels and around all electrical equipment. Do not use these areas for storage. Remember to provide strong rail guards or bumper poles to prevent damage to this very dangerous and delicate equipment. Keep good housekeeping around these areas;
- Always guard live parts of electrical equipment;
- Always visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. When you find something wrong, remove it from service, (i.e., equipment with frayed cords, missing ground prongs, cracked tool casings, etc.).
- Always close unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings to keep them guarded and clean from dust and residue.
- Always provide covers for all pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings.
Flexible Cords and Cables:
Flexible cords and cables are so easy to use in many locations. First, we may use them temporarily but in time we realize they have become a permanent situation and that is not acceptable to OSHA.
Where there is need for electrical wiring, let’s just do it right the first time. Use proper fixed and protected electrical wiring.
Do not use flexible cords and cables:
- As a substitute for fixed wiring;
- Where attached to building surfaces; or
- Through or concealed behind holes in walls, ceilings, or floors, or through doorways or windows.
When we must use flexible cords and cables, ensure they are connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided to prevent pull on joints or terminal screws.
WAREHOUSE SAFETY IS NOT SO FLEXIBLE!
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