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Ten Ways To Use Armco Barriers For Protection

Armco Direct 

Armco barriers are an excellent way of offering maximum protection to pedestrians, buildings, equipment and expensive machinery.

Whether it’s intended or not, when a moving vehicle collides with something, it has the potential to wreak havoc, causing costly damage and injury in the process.

Constructed from the toughest steel, Armco barriers are galvanised to BS 1461 standards and are exactly what’s needed to stand in the way of a moving vehicle, taking the brunt of the impact and protecting whatever lies behind it.

When you install an Armco barrier in a warehouse, car park, shop front, pedestrianised area or side of a private road, you know that no moving vehicle is getting past it, no matter how hard it tries.

Reasons Armco Barriers are used

Here are ten popular industrial ways to use Armco Barriers for protection:

  • In front of shops and retail outlets to prevent ram raiding and theft.
  • To protect pedestrianised areas from out of control vehicles or acts of terrorism.
  • Used in agriculture to segregate and contain livestock, where fencing may not be as effective.
  • To protect warehouse equipment, workers, pallet racking, wall structures and shelving from collision with a forklift.
  • Used in warehouse loading bays to prevent injury to workers when loading and unloading HGVs.
  • Used in car parks for crash barrier protection and to ensure vehicles only go where they’re supposed to.
  • For tree protection on building sites where trees are present and the local authority has stipulated that they must be protected from damage.
  • Armco Barriers can act as a visual deterrent to trespassers to indicate an area which is unsafe, or should not be entered.
  • They can be used on the side of roads to prevent out of control vehicles from straying off the road or onto the opposing carriageway.
  • And they can be used on bridges to prevent out of control vehicles from leaving the bridge and falling into the water below.

Armco crash barrier and other protection products, such as bollards and beams, will faultlessly ensure whatever needs to be protected, will indeed be protected, offering peace of mind to all involved that their equipment, machinery, stock or personnel will remain safe, regardless of the situation.

General Safety Issues

Safety in the Warehouse

There are fewer growth areas in the modern world stronger than warehousing. As the high street is pushed closer to oblivion by online shopping habits, online retail – which necessitates large warehouses and storage space is on the rise.

This is one part of a constantly evolving business landscape and highlights the burgeoning need to introduce safety measures and procedures in the warehouse to keep everyone safe. There are a great number of accidents that happen in warehouse environments, including trips and falls, collision from forklifts and other forklift related incidents.

All of this means a loss of key staff, a decrease in staff morale, potential lawsuits and increased insurance costs. There are so many ways that you can make the warehouse a safer space both in terms of reducing the likelihood of physical trauma, and also boosting the mental health of staff.

Manual handling and other training

As with most things, the prime driver for accidents in the warehouse environment is inadequate training. By ensuring that your staff and managers are properly trained in manual handling you will boost your warehouse safety and staff morale.

Your manual handling training will hopefully make you aware of:

  • The best techniques for manual handling
  • Risks and why accidents happen
  • How best to use warehouse machinery
  • Best practice in task management and employee awareness of the warehouse environment
  • Practical advice to adjust poor habits

In addition to manual handling, some of the workers and managers may need to be trained in working at height safely. There are a whole range of training programs accredited by industry standards IPAF and PASMA designed to educate people on safely working on MEWPs and cherry pickers, while increasing awareness of other risk factors.

Barriers and column protectors

There are many ways of introducing safety equipment into a warehouse, but one important method is to install column protectors, corner guards and a variety of specially designed steel safety barriers and pallet protectors. All of these can help prevent the loss of stock resulting from damage, minimize the chances of accidents and injuries caused by forklift collisions and other bulky machinery. As people feel like they are working in a safer environment they will also be more productive and less prone to lapses in concentration.

Fireproof and hygienic doors

Depending on the scope of the business and the ease of exit you will benefit from fire resistant doors. Some are capable of withstanding fire for 30 minutes, others 60 minutes and there are even doors capable of resisting fire for up to 240 minutes. These and other, non-fire rated doors on the market can also benefit from concealed intumescent strips that are particularly unfriendly to bacteria and as such can help stop it from spreading to employees.

Clear labelling and signposting

Having clearly defined lanes for forklifts in a warehouse is a safety must, as is clearly signposting exits and areas that are only to be used for certain activities. In addition, marking up racking systems for maximum safe stacking heights will help boost safe warehousing practice.

General Safety Issues

Safety Tips For Those Who Work Around Conveyor Belts

Written by Eada Hudes

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/logistics-stock-transport-shipping-852935/

It’s true that conveyor belts and rollers can make the production process easy and smooth but there are certain risks that come along with it too. Just like safety measures in the workplace, there are certain safety measures that you must take while working around conveyor rollers.

Here are some of the safety tips to keep in mind while working around conveyor belts.

  1. Awareness

This is a safety measure that needs to be taken at the managerial level. Inform and make your workers or employees aware of the fact that conveyor belts can be hazardous and dangerous. Tell them that it is important to be careful while working around them. Educate them about the hazards and risks involved.

  1. Signs and Markings

Put up enough signs, warnings and markings so that there is a constant reminder of workplace safety near the belt conveyor. Informing your workers of hazardous zones and dangers with the use of sign boards and markings will ensure that they are aware of the conveyor belt dangers at all times.

  1. No Games

Make sure that everyone is well aware and warned that conveyor belts are no games and it’s completely prohibited to sit, stand or walk on conveyor belts. At times, workers may play games or just have fun with conveyor belts which can actually be very dangerous and hazardous.

  1. Check all operator controls

Assign someone to check the conveyor belt operator controls first thing in the morning before starting work so that the smooth operation of the same is ensured. The emergency stop button must work at all times because that is the first and foremost saviour, in case something goes wrong.

  1. Regular Maintenance

You must ensure regular maintenance of the conveyor belt because irregular and improper care of the conveyor roller can cause multiple problems with the smooth functioning of the conveyor and  result in more accidents.

  1. Workers’ Clothing

Workers have to be careful about the kind of clothing they wear around the conveyor belt and rollers because it can also cause accidents and hazards in the workplace. Advise them to wear tight and fit clothing instead of baggy attires and not to wear jewellery at the time of work. Jewellery like watches, bracelets, rings, earrings can easily get stuck in the conveyor rollers and cause mishaps.

Advise workers who have long hair to keep their hair tied and tucked under a cap. There are always chances of long hair getting stuck in conveyor rollers, so make it compulsory for everyone to wear caps and tie their hair if they are of shoulder length.

  1. Training

All workers who have to work directly with conveyor belts must be trained and educated properly. They must receive regular training to brush up on their operation and safety skills to ensure they are operating the machinery correctly and safely at all times.

  1. Signal At The Start Of The Conveyor Belt

There should be an audible signal that is sounded at the start of the conveyor belt to ensure that everyone becomes aware and knows that now the conveyor rollers are starting. You can also assign a staff member to make an announcement in the local language that everyone understands.

Conclusion

Safety around conveyor belts and rollers is extremely important to ensure that no accidents take place. There are different types of conveyor belts and each type poses a different kind of threat, hence there are certain precautions which are essential in a workplace that has conveyor belts and rollers around it.

General Safety Issues

Cost Effective Tips to Increase Safety in a Warehouse

Unlike a downtown office in a business center, a warehouse is a dangerous place to work in. Accidents occur here more often than in other places and this is no wonder as there are so many dangers for the workforce. Heavy loads, ceiling-high shelves, sharp objects, and moving vehicles like forklifts are just some of the dangers a warehouse worker has to be on the lookout for.


A big part of the problem are business owners who are at first reluctant to invest in safety improvements because they regard them as too expensive. However, once a worker gets injured and a lawsuit soon follows, owners swiftly change their mind. In order not to be a bad boss, you should implement the following safety measures that are, contrary to popular belief, actually cost-effective. Saving lives and saving money go hand in hand in the warehouse business!

Frequent check-ups
It is free to look around and that is exactly what your management and workers should do regularly. Basically, you probably have a safety system in place but are you sure that it is enforced the way it should be? That is why you have to conduct regular inspections to check if the employees are wearing reflective vests or if the fire extinguisher is where it’s supposed to be and if all fire exits are passable. A heavy crate next to the emergency escape exit may spell disaster, so be sure that all the procedures are put into practice.



Safety barriers
If you have watched those CCTV camera online videos, you might have noticed that even the slightest contact of a forklift or other vehicle with the shelves could bring about a catastrophe. That is why the use of safety barriers is essential because you never know when a malfunction of the equipment could destroy the entire warehouse. Bollards and guardrails are the two most frequent types of barriers that are placed where someone can fall from height or to protect sections of the supporting structure against vehicles in motion. Steel floor guards are usually placed at corners of shelves to prevent the forklift from scraping against their edges.

Maneuvering the forklift
A warehouse worker’s best friend in terms of machinery is definitely the forklift. They come in all sizes but the small ones are most used because they are easily maneuverable. A seasoned forklift driver can do magic inside the warehouse, saving hours of time necessary to transport goods. However, a forklift can also be problematic if not operated properly. You must take great care of the maximum weight a forklift can transport in order not to overturn it. Modern forklifts come with a load weight indicator that will prevent overloading. An important safety feature are cages like the ones NFM Forklifts have, which are there to protect the driver from injury and falling objects.


Employee training
You cannot expect your workers to remain safe unless they are aware of all the safety procedures. In the labor market of today, there is a greater flow of workers, so not all of them get the chance to go through the basics of workplace safety. That is why your HR department should do their job and hold frequent safety briefing so each member of the staff will know how to protect themselves, their co-workers, and the firm’s property. Apart from the knowledge and expertise necessary for carrying out their everyday tasks, the workers should know how to act in case of a fire or a medical emergency. This can also be achieved by holding fire drills that are organized in coordination with the local fire department. Finally, the workers need to learn to communicate among each other, as sharing information is the best way for them to stay safe. If the staff on the floor now that an oversized cargo is bound to arrive, they will be ready to move out of its way when it passes them by.

All the right signs
Although they have gone through rigorous training and they have been briefed a dozen times about safety, workers still sometimes forget to take the necessary precautions. That is why it is good they have visual reminders all over the warehouse, reminding them in a graphic way about the safety procedures. In some places, signage prompts workers to use safety gear like headphones or eye goggles. There are even internal traffic signs warning about a blind corner up ahead. In other parts of the warehouse, the signs can alert about potential dangers, like an increased risk of a fire which forbids smoking or a hazardous material stored behind a particular door. Not only are signs useful reminders but you are also required by law to place them at specific sections of the warehouse.



As you have seen from the measures listed above, warehouse safety will not cost you an arm and a leg. In most cases, you will only have to prioritize safety, and not splash huge amounts of cash.

 About the author:

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
General Safety Issues

Tips to prevent common forklift accidents

 

They might look fun to operate, but forklifts are nothing to be toyed with. They are a serious workplace hazard. Forklift drivers are constantly at risk of injury when operating them. Accidents range from human injury to equipment destruction. Proper safety precautions are absolutely necessary to keep this from happening. Here are some examples of how to implement safety measures.

 

1. Be wary of pedestrians

 

Forklifts are dangerous pieces of equipment. Combined with the weight they lift, they can have a combined weight of thousands of pounds. Something this heavy is always dangerous, especially if it is constantly on the move. Pedestrian deaths aren’t uncommon when mishandling forklifts. Heavy loads can fall or the forklift can tip over and crush a person quite easily. Preventing this should be your number one goal.

 

The easiest way to do this is to physically separate the pedestrians from forklifts. A barrier should be installed between where people walk and where the forklift operates. Brightly coloured lines don’t do the trick, they just serve as reminders to watch out. You want to actually prevent accidents from happening. Low visibility is another cause for incidents, so high-visibility clothing is recommended for workers in the warehouse.

 


2. Reduce collisions

 

Forklifts don’t just pose a danger to pedestrians, they are just as dangerous to everything else in a warehouse. Anything from walls to other machinery is in danger if you don’t properly handle a forklift. Even other forklifts aren’t safe from collisions. The most common kind of collision is one where the driver accidentally reverses into equipment or walls. Since they are pretty heavy, anything you crash into will have a dent in it.

 

The best way to prevent this is spatial awareness. Drivers should check their surroundings and always do a three-sixty visual check of the area they are navigating in. While driving the forklift, they must keep their eyes on the road at all times. Eliminate distractions that could divert attention from the drivers. Slower navigation is always a bonus, the slower you go the lower the chance of a collision.

 

3. Proper training

 

Human error is one of the main factors when it comes to forklift accidents. Putting the blame on drivers alone won’t cut it, though. Forklift drivers are people too. You should focus on getting them the necessary training they need to avoid these types of accidents. Even experienced drivers need a reminder or two on occasion. Refresher training should be provided to even the most seasoned drivers.
Training offers some indirect benefits to your business as well. Due to being a safety measure, it will reduce insurance premiums. The lack of accidents as a result of the training will lead to less money spent on repairs. If you provided all the necessary tools and instruments for operators to improve themselves, your liability in the event of a disaster is decreased. Organizations like OSHA might even mandate some degree of refresher training for workers. Research your labour laws regarding this.

 


4. The right equipment matters

 

The cause of an accidents doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of a driver. Sometimes it’s the equipment that is at fault. Forklifts are machines like any other. They can fail just like any other piece of equipment. The difference is that when they fail, they can cause catastrophic injury or loss of life. Employers have to make it their duty to get the best kind of equipment in order to mitigate the number of accidents. It’s one area where it pays off not to be frugal.

 

If a forklift breaks down, you will obviously need to fix it. Regular maintenance is important for any piece of machinery. Companies like MLA Holdings can provide these services regularly. While one machine is getting fixed, you should find a rental replacement while you wait for the first to be fixed. If it’s unsalvageable, you should consider getting a new forklift or at least a quality used one.

 

5. Keep an eye on the loading dock

 

Driving around a warehouse isn’t the main point of a forklift. You load and unload heavy objects and packages. Sometimes the loading process will include a van or truck. While they are moving vehicles, they aren’t supposed to move during loading and unloading. This is where accidents come in. A variety of things can happen in this process. Early departure is one of them. If a driver starts creeping away while the forklift is still inside, bad things can happen.

 

You have to make sure the weight being carried isn’t too heavy. If something extremely heavy is unloaded into a truck, it could tip at the nose. This is why landing gear is important. Keeping the vehicle securely in place is a must. Otherwise, either the forklift or the vehicle can cause injury or loss of equipment. Aim for several layers of safety. Things like hooks, wheel chocks, and wheel locks are helpful aides. Additionally, consider a system of lights for the drivers. Red light usually means stop, while giving the green light lets them know it’s fine to proceed.

 

Conclusion
Working with forklifts isn’t the safest job in the world. There are tons of things to watch out for. You’re working with thousands of tons in heavy machinery and one wrong move can cost you a lot of money. Injuries aren’t all that uncommon, either. Safety precautions should be on your list of things to strive for.

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamsmith2034

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY MANAGEMENT: WAREHOUSE INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

2 Comments
 
Adversaries of comprehensive warehouse safety programs argue that they pose too great of a demand on current employees, create a potential need for dedicated personnel, and leach off of resources needed for more imminent, tangible tasks. Seeing is believing; therefore, reactivity typically takes precedence over proactivity since well-defined tasks pose a sense of urgency. Nonetheless, such proactivity could prevent both tragic consequences to affected parties in an accident and crippling financial liabilities to a company that has neglected to enact and sustain safety protocols.  Formulating a checklist and routinely assessing compliance to established standards is a relatively effortless way to ensure that safety is paramount to your warehouse. 
 
Personal Safety
 
Proper training, visual graphics, first aid supplies and communication are paramount in ensuring that people—personnel or customers—are sufficiently advised of potential hazards. As Voltaire said, “common sense is not so common”: stating the obvious is the best way to protect others, as well as yourself.
• Clean all spills immediately upon their occurrence and/or use proper hazard cones to ward individuals away from the area. One of the most common causes of accidents results from unattended spills.
• Designate pedestrian walkways as well as areas that people are prohibited to walk, unless authorized. 
• Use appropriate signage to instruct people of the following: directions throughout a warehouse, hazard symbols, forklift traffic, gantry cranes, and requirements for moving heavy items. This list is not all-inclusive since it varies by warehouse to warehouse, but it targets common issues.
• Use proper methods for retrieving items high in warehouse racking (e.g. forklift) and do not allow persons to climb the racking. 
• Maintain accessible safety equipment (safety glasses, eye wash stations, respirators, etc.) in required areas.
• Use proper “Exit” signs and require that all persons use man doors, instead of walking under open garage doors.
 
General Safety Issues

GROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY IN THE WAREHOUSE (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.

Safety in the workplace is at the top of any company’s list because risks that aren’t accounted for and dealt with accordingly have the potential to cause the loss of life, limb and livelihood. No matter what rules and guidelines you put in place, you still have to exercise caution when using power supplies and tools. To avoid unnecessary harm or danger, it’s important to make sure you are on top of safety compliance issues, communicate safety rules to your employees and ensure they are using every precaution possible to prevent hazardous situations from arising. Here are some tips for promoting safety.

  • Provide training and education: Good communication is one of the most important safety tools you can use in your workplace. Regular workshops sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should be a consistent part of your warehouse safety plan. As technology in the warehouse increases, new information must be passed on to the workers so old, outdated practices don’t inadvertently cause a safety issue.
  • Avoid electrical accidents: Machinery and tools that use electricity place everyone in the warehouse work environment at-risk for accidents. Power supplies for heavy duty industrial equipment are an important addition to your warehouse tools and supplies. When new supplies are introduced into the workplace, be sure to provide on-the-spot training so employees are aware of the new supplies and how they function. Daily electrical safety checks should be a part of every morning to ensure your employees are starting the day in a safe work environment.
  • Provide emergency kits: Your local fire department will work with you to ensure you’re in compliance with your emergency kits, which may include first aid supplies, a light source, batteries, a radio, water pouches and food rations. Follow the directives put forth by the fire department to ensure each emergency kit contains what it should and is placed where it’s easily accessible by you and your employees.
  • Post evacuation plans: Evacuation during an emergency is an essential component of your warehouse safety plan, and it’s something you and your employees should practice. Even though workers in a large warehouse may have assigned emergency exits and shutdown procedures to follow, make sure they know safety comes first and it’s okay to use a closer or safer exit when necessary. Likewise, discuss when equipment shutdown practices should be followed or abandoned in an emergency.
  • Be diligent with cleanups: This simple-but-effective tip will make the warehouse a safer place to be for anyone on the floor. Even small spills from water, oil or other slippery component can pose a hazard in the workplace. Avoid accidents that can become serious issues by being mindful of messes.

The time and training invested in promoting workplace safety is well worth the cost when compared to the time and money you’d have to expend to recover from a workplace accident. Keep communication lines open and convey every new safety tip to your employees. Make sure they’re following through with safety measurements, even if it involves a little extra work and time. Some companies try to save time and dollars by cutting corners on safety; not only is the practice unsafe, but it places little value on the company and those who keep it going. Follow these and other safety tips to make your warehouse a safer place to work.