5.4. Storage Hazards

Materials while in storage areas must not create hazards and put workers at risk. To prevent creating hazards when storing materials, employers must do the following:

– keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions or that may contribute to the harboring of rats and other pests;
– place stored materials inside buildings that are under construction and at least 6 feet from hoist ways or inside floor openings and at least 10 feet away from exterior walls;
– separate non-compatible materials;
– equip employees who work on stored grain in silos, hoppers or tanks, with lifelines and safety belts;
– ensure that workers place bound materials on racks and secure them by stacking, blocking or interlocking to prevent from sliding, falling or collapsing; and
– provide storage areas with at least 2 exits.

Stacking materials can be dangerous if workers do not follow safety guidelines. Falling materials and collapsing loads can crush or pin workers, causing injuries or death. To help prevent injuries when stacking materials, the following safeguards can be helpful:

– stack lumber no more than 16 feet high if it is handled manually and no more than 20 feet if using a forklift;
– remove all nails from used lumber before stacking;
– stack and level lumber on solidly supported bracing;
– ensure that stacks are stable and self-supporting;
– do not store pipes and bars in racks that face main aisles to avoid creating a hazard to passersby when removing supplies;
– stack bags and bundles in interlocking rows to keep them secure; and
– stack bagged materials by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every ten layers (to remove bags from the stack, start from the top row first).