Safely Storing Equipment & Materials
Properly storing equipment and materials can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, and other accidents in the workplace. OSHA has put rules and regulations in place in order to help prevent injuries from occurring at work. Here are a few:
- All materials stored in tiers shall be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling or collapse.
- Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear to provide for the free and safe movement of material handling equipment or employees.
- Material stored inside buildings under construction shall not be placed within 6 feet of any hoist-way or inside floor openings, nor within 10 feet of an exterior wall which does not extend above the top of the material stored.
- Lumber piles shall not exceed 20 feet in height provided that lumber to be handled manually shall not be stacked more than 16 feet high.
- Brick stacks shall not be more than 7 feet in height.
- Used lumber shall have all nails withdrawn before stacking.
For a more detailed list of OSHA regulations, please visit https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.250.”