Some Safety Issues to Look Out for
- Emergency exits and aisles can be obstructed, often just by items being ‘temporarily stored’. These exits and aisles need to be kept clear.
- Fire sprinklers can be obstructed by anything being placed too close to the ceiling. Stacked items, especially on storage racks, are notorious for this. Keep an eye out for this problem.
- Any emergency alarms should be easy to see and use. Don’t let them get hidden behind open doors or stored items.
- Extension leads are easy to trip over. They are especially a problem if run over forklifts or other machines. Metal objects dropped on the cord can break the insulation and prove very dangerous. When using extension cords either suspend them from the ceiling or use a conduit.
- Forklifts are used in many factories. Drivers should be licenced and safety barricades should be set up where appropriate. Vehicle conspicuity prevents accidents.
- Rushing to finish a job is always a mistake. Unless there is an emergency with lives at stake it is better to be thorough.
- Any items on shelves or racks must be secure. Nothing can be allowed to fall.
- Make sure all equipment is used by individuals familiar with its operation.
- Chemicals used in many industries are expensive, so people are reluctant to waste them or throw out any leftovers. But some chemicals are dangerous past their use-by date. And storing different chemicals together is a risk.
- Good quality footwear make all the difference. Steel caped boot that don’t slip are almost always the safest option.
- Have the air checked it there is any factor of your business operation that might pollute the air.
- Use reflective warning tape to warn of any possible dangers. Reflective safety tape such a Dot-c2 is appropriate for all weather conditions. Ece-104 is another reflective tap options. Reflective sheeting can be used for marking larger items.
- Keep safety equipment near its place of use. E.g.: keep safety glasses near machines.
