Stacking and Storage of Materials

INSPECTION CHECK SHEET

STACKING AND STORAGE OF MATERIALS

Employers/supervisors are required to ensure that all steps are taken to ensure safe stacking and storage of materials. The General safety regulation does not allow one to sit back and think that he is safe because of compliance with this specific regulation.

Section 8 of the General Safety Regulation states that no person can do the stacking or supervise stacking of materials unless they are suitably experienced and have specific knowledge of stacking. It also stresses that the base of and the materials that are being stacked must be able to carry the weight /load and must be of similar size and shape.

When stacking/storing is done the following must be taken into consideration:

Stacking/Storage must:

Be built under supervision.
The base of stack must be level and capable of sustaining weight of materials.
Material stacked must be of similar size and shape.
Containers and pallets must be of good condition.
Racks used for storage must be structurally sound to support weight of materials.
Heavy material to be stored on the lower shelves.
Stacks, which are in danger of collapsing to be, dismantle immediately.
Materials to be removed from top to bottom.
Ensure that the stability of stacks are not endangered by persons moving past them.
Always pack in demarcated area
Stack away from aisles, emergency exits and light fittings.
Stacks to be bonded and interlocked for stability.
Stacks to be monitored to ensure that they are stable and to remain stable.
Storage space to be used to the best advantage by stacking evenly and neatly.
The permissible size is : the smallest size of the based of the materials to be stacked X 3 i.e. = Y x3= Z where Z is the allowed height.

INSPECTION CHECK LIST

Name of the Company:
Date of Inspection:
ITEM / Yes / No / Steps to be taken
1. Is the stacking storage area demarcated?
2. Are stacks on pallets neatly arranged?
3. Is the base level?
4. Is the base capable of sustaining /holding material weight?
5. Are all material/boxes on the stack the same size?
6. Are all pallets in use in good condition?
7. Are containers used in good condition?
8. Can the support structure of racks support the weight of materials packed?
9. Are materials removed from top of stack?
10. Do person required to climb onto stack/rack do so by means of ladder or other safe means?
11. Are stacks that are in danger of falling immediately dismantled?
12. Is it ensured that the stability of stacks are not endangered by employees moving past them?
13. Are stacks packed away from light fittings and emergency exits?.

Document Name : QushumChecklistStacking.docPage 1 of 2

Issue Number : 115/11/2018