Posted on: April 30th, 2020 by admin No Comments

How to Optimise Your Warehouse

Customer expectations continue to grow. An increase in online shopping makes people want access to a huge range of products quickly and easily. With many retailers offering next day delivery and free returns to match these high expectations, the need for warehouses to be optimised has never been greater. Here we discuss how to optimise a warehouse.

Are your products placed on racks correctly?

This may seem simple but it is surprising how many warehouses may not be placing their items correctly on the racking. The opening heights in your racks should get smaller or bigger depending on the load it is holding. As a rule of thumb, openings should be more than 6-inches taller than the load itself, allowing easy removal using a forklift.

Adjusting the rack height accordingly allows warehouse owners to completely customise the layout to specifically suit their products.

Consider the popularity of each SKU in your warehouse. An effective strategy can be to place slower-moving products in shorter rack locations. This can work well as the SKUs will not be picked as regularly, meaning that they do not need as much space.

Have you chosen the right racking system?

There are many racking systems to choose from and it’s important that you match the racking system to your individual business needs. You need to consider both the weight and size of your inventory and ensure the racking systems are optimised for this. The higher the number of beams in the racking system, the more weight it can carry. However, it also means there is less space between each one. It is, therefore, a balancing act to figure out the ideal racking system for your goods.

Are you optimising your space?

Warehouses have plenty of space. However, usually, this space is height and many warehouses do not make the most of this. A large proportion of your spare space will be higher up. Therefore, mezzanine flooring should be considered for those seeking more space to smooth their operations. They are great places to have additional storage or even office space, saving the floor level space for inventory only.

Are your aisles correct?

It can be tempting to narrow your aisles in order to fit more in, however, you need to consider this carefully. By doing so, you are limiting the space between the aisles. This can have a negative impact on efficiency if people struggle to manoeuvre through the aisles. Although you need to fit all your stock in the warehouse, you also need to ensure that the process is smooth and the warehouse remains a safe environment for all employees.

If you are struggling to make the most out of the space you have, then consider the points discussed above. Asking yourself these points may reduce the need to relocate or expand your warehouse by ensuring you are using all your current space to its greatest potential. Optimising your warehouse takes some planning, however, when done correctly you will end up with much more efficient operations which in turn can help you increase your revenue and output.

Posted on: March 30th, 2020 by admin No Comments

Fitting Out a New Warehouse- Warehouse Storage Options

When planning a new warehouse, storage solutions will be high on the list of priorities. However, there are many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming and a daunting task. The type of storage solution is dependent on a variety of factors including the type of stock, the turnaround speed of stock, and accessibility among others. To decide what will work best for your new warehouse, here is our guide to what storage options are available.

Pallet Racking

We begin with pallet racking as it is the go-to choice for many warehouses due to its fantastic ability to store large quantities of stock and the range of sizes and styles it is available in. Depending on your warehouses’ specific requirements, there will be a type of pallet racking that will suit your needs. For those needing to maximise their available floor space as much as possible, there are narrow aisle or double deep racking. Racking solutions are made specifically for pallet goods, so if you are not planning on having your stock stored in pallets, then you will have to opt for an alternative storage method. Discover more about our pallet racking options here.

Shelving

For those items that are not being stored as pallets, shelving will offer the most versatile option for you. Warehouse shelving systems are available in a range of sizes and configurations, allowing them to perfectly fit your needs. They are also easily adjustable once they have been installed as well which is vital for when you re-organise your warehouse or get new stock lines. Shelving provides storage that is practical and space-effective. They can also be used effectively alongside other storage solutions such as pallet racking.

Static shelving, as the name suggestions, involves storage that is designed to stay in one place. This type of shelving is commonly used to store inventory that has a quick turnaround and therefore needs restocking regularly. Mobile shelving, are designed to move around and are built for the purpose of holder more items when less space is available and are mounted onto guidance rails built into the floor. This system is great for those warehouses that are short of space and need to make the most of it.

Mezzanine Flooring

Installing a mezzanine floor is a popular way of expanding the storage capacity of a warehouse without relocation. They are highly versatile and effectively create an additional level to your warehouse. Although installing a mezzanine floor involves significant investment, it is an effective way of creating more space. However, a major benefit of mezzanine floors is the options to potentially add lift systems and conveyor belts to aid the warehouse processes even further.

As you can see from the list above, the storage options available are extremely versatile and can be made specifically to meet your requirements. All of the above are great options to choose, however it is imperative that before you decide which ones to go for you not only consider your current storage requirements, you also consider any future growth and try and plan for this in advance to aid the speed in which you can grow and have the storage capacity already set up to aid this process.

Storage solutions are key to ensure smooth logistics within the warehouse, so it is vital that the best options are chosen for your needs. Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Posted on: February 28th, 2020 by admin No Comments

Pallet Racking Safety- Warehouse Safety Tips

Pallet racking is a great addition to any warehouse as they are a great storage solution and can improve efficiency and productivity. However, warehouse managers should be aware of measures regarding pallet racking safety. Issues can occur if the racking is damaged. These include collisions, incidents involving forklifts or overloaded pallets.

Here we discuss 7 ways you can improve the pallet racking safety in your warehouse

Always Use Suitable Forklifts

Forklifts should be suitable for the warehouse. Although the decision may be price-driven, a consideration should to the pallet contents should be given. Factors include the height and type of racking as well as aisle width. All of these factors will impact which forklift is suitable.

Handle With Care

Ensure all members of staff treat the pallet racking with care and use equipment in the correct manner. Place pallets evenly and squarely on the rack beams and remove damaged pallets from service.

Staff Training

Before anyone starts working with pallet racking in the warehouse, always ensure they have undertaken sufficient and detailed health and safety training which covers all aspects of how to correctly work with pallet racking.

Don’t Overload Pallets

Staff need to be aware of what the load capacity of the racking is and never exceed this. Overload pallet racking is asking for trouble and there is a reason why there are limits in place. Not only can it be dangerous for the employee, but it could also end up damaging equipment and products.

Keep Aisles Clear

Check for any obstructions in aisles as these can easily cause forklift collisions and other accidents.

Install Rack Protection

Invest in-rack protection to prevent damage from forklift collisions. Forklifts are heavy and can easily cause structural damage. To avoid any costs of damage or potential injuries, rack protection is a good option to help absorb the shock and impact of a potential collision.

Health and Safety Checks

Ensure safety information signs regarding the racking are visible and up to date. Implement clear processes for staff to follow in the event of an accident. Even though accidents cannot always be foreseen, an efficient accident process can help prevent any re-occurrences.

Carry out regular pallet racking inspections. Although damage may not be visible, the reassurance from a professional will provide peace of mind and will also keep your racking in the best condition for longer.

Ensuring your pallet racking remains in a safe condition is an ongoing task. Not only can damaged racking be harmful to employees, but it can also result in damaged inventories and associated costs. Implementing thorough safety measures can reduce this risk and therefore should be a priority for all warehouses that use pallet racking.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Posted on: January 30th, 2020 by admin No Comments

Warehouse Relocation- 11 Tips For A Smooth Move

Warehouse relocation projects are complex to undertake and can be extremely time-consuming so there are many things you need to consider to ensure the move goes as smooth as possible. Here is a quick checklist to go through to ensure you have all the essential tasks completed in plenty of time.

1. Plan the Move

Having a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete before and after the move will help you ensure nothing is missed and everything remains on schedule. No task is too small to include on the list as it avoids something being missed. Delegate jobs to a group of trusted employees as it’s impossible to orchestrate a large warehouse relocation single-handed.

Be realistic with timeframes when you are organising a move. It will inevitably take longer than you originally anticipated, so ensure you plan for this.

2. Contact a Moving Company and Schedule the Move

Ensure everyone knows the move date. From suppliers to employees and contractors, keep them all abreast of the plans. Obtain a few quotes from different moving companies in order to secure the best quote from a reliable company.

3. Evaluate Your Space

Moving warehouse is a perfect time to analyse and review the new space you have available. Knowing your space in advance means you can optimise the layout. This is a great time to rearrange your supplies and organized your stock. Don’t be tempted to stick completely to how stock was organised before. Yes, this is what people are used to, but if there is a more logical option available that will make your process more efficient, saving time or space, then you should try it.

4. Consider Additional Storage

If you are moving to a warehouse that is high, do you have room for a mezzanine floor? This is a great opportunity to have one installed without interrupting production. Also consider getting additional racking if you have more available space than your previous warehouse.

5. Organise Your Inventory

Account for everything and organise it before you move it. Doing so will save you time later. It also means you can move the stock you do not need as urgently first, leaving you with vital equipment up until the last minute, reducing the amount of necessary downtime.

6. Tidy Up

It can be a challenge to keep a warehouse spotless all the time, however, ensure you tidy as you go to avoid have clutter around the warehouse and leaving items in places that could be a trip hazard. As you pack up to move, throw aware anything you do not use or anything that has aged and no longer needed. There is no point moving it to the new warehouse if you will not use it as it will take up valuable space.

7. Look For Damaged Items

As you pack away, ensure you check the quality of your equipment. Also check your pallet racking is in good condition and not damaged before you relocate it. Check again once you are at the new location in case something is broken during transit. If you do not have regular maintenance, you are at risk of a serious accident and repair work can lead to delays in productivity, so it is best to spot any damage early.

When pallet racks or shelving are moved or unloaded, there is a risk of spillages or damage to the stock. Always ensure this is being done carefully. Also ensure that when the pallets are being restocked, all items are safely secured, especially at the higher levels.

8. Ensure Safety Measures Are In Place

When you get the new warehouse, ensure you have implemented safety measures immediately. Check that all the floor markings are clearly visible and all safety signs are clear and correct. Having this all set up in advance will make the transition smoother.

9. Communicate Clearly With Employees

Ensure all employees are aware of the new layout of the warehouse, what their specific tasks are during the relocation and who they are reporting to. Knowing this in advance will hopefully avoid any chaos and confusion during the move.

10. Be Wary of Theft

Unfortunately, a warehouse move is an opportunistic time for something to be stolen due to the busy environment. Stay on top of this risk by assigning trusted employees different zones to manage during the move and keeping an accurate log of the inventory when it moved from the old location and again when it arrives at the new location.

12. Notify People of Your New Address

Whether they are your customers, suppliers, utility companies, banks or insurance company, make a list of everyone you need to update on your address in advance. Having the list at hand makes it easy to keep track of who you have notified and who else needs to know.

Although a warehouse relocation is always going to be a mammoth task to undertake, splitting the task up and organising as much in advance can make the process go smoothly. Although a warehouse relocation is a big change that can impact the company’s productivity whilst the move takes place, it is a great opportunity to install additional shelving, make the most of your space and improve the efficiency of your processes, which will ultimately increase your productivity and lead to more sales.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Posted on: December 20th, 2019 by admin No Comments

8 Ways to Make Your Warehouse More Eco Friendly

Warehouses can create a lot of waste and use a huge amount of energy. By introducing some initiatives, warehouses can significantly reduce their emissions, create a positive brand image and potentially save costs at the same time. Here we discuss 8 ways a warehouse can easily make changes that will positively impact the environment.

1. Change your lighting

Ensure your lighting is switched to an eco-friendly option such as LEDs. Not only does LED lighting last longer, they produce a lower heat output and can be impactful in your warehouse. Adopting new lighting systems is one of the easiest changes a company can make and see the benefits quickly. The initial upfront cost of the lighting switch is higher than a standard switch, but LED bulbs tend to last longer than standard lighting and reduce the amount of electricity that is used. You will have to pay slightly more for the initial upfront cost of the lighting switch; however, they will last significantly longer and will help cut down on your electricity bill at the same time.

2. Make energy-efficient choices when buying new equipment

Consider environmental factors when purchasing new equipment. For example, many warehouses are now opting for forklifts that are powered by hydrogen as opposed to electricity. Charging a gas canister only takes 5 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes for electric versions. They help reduce waste products, lower your operating costs and improve productivity as the amount of downtime is decreased. Another positive is that hydrogen-fueled forklifts do not produce harmful emissions, helping to reduce the warehouses’ overall greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Use plastic pallets

Plastic pallets are extremely durable, can be used for a range of goods and when they are worn out, they can be recycled. They are also extremely light compared to other materials, meaning that they are more cost-effective when being transported.

4. Start a recycling program

Setting up a recycling program may seem like a daunting task however warehouses do have a lot of waste that is easily recycled such as cardboard, so this is a great way to start. By putting some procedures in place that are easy to teach your staff, you will soon be able to cut down on your waste.

5. Invest in better insulation

Investigate your current insulation. Insufficient insulation can result in a huge amount of heat loss. Although reinsulating your warehouse may appear to be a large and expensive project, the long-term benefits and future savings can easily offset this.

6. Build up instead of relocating

If you are running low on storage or working space, consider building up instead of relocating. It takes a lot of organization, materials and labour to move a warehouse so make the most of your current space before deciding to move. Having pallet racking extended vertically is a great way to increase your available space. Alternatively, you can consider a mezzanine floor to create another level to your warehouse.

7. Cut back on packaging

Wherever possible, cut back on the packaging you are sending your goods out in. Not only will less waste be produced by doing this, the overall cost per package will reduce. Also use biodegradable packaging as well.

8. Optimise your warehouse layout

Plan the layout of your warehouse carefully. By placing fast-moving stock in a convenient location, you can improve the efficiency of your staff.

There are many benefits to warehouses going green. It can reduce your bills, increase sustainability, reduce your carbon footprint and be a great way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. The best thing is, even making small changes now can help make your warehouse more environmentally friendly so try and implement as many things as you can.
Although some of the steps above will take some organisation, planning and initial investment, overtime when the process smooths out, the benefits of being a greener warehouse will be able to be seen clearly.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.

Posted on: November 12th, 2019 by admin No Comments

How to prepare your warehouse for the Christmas rush

Many warehouses experience a busy period over Christmas which is great for the business but can make keeping your warehouse organised during this period a difficult task. Here we discuss some of the things you can implement to make sure your warehouse is ready for the busier time and can run as efficiently as possible.

Signs
Signs are a cheap and effective method to ensure a safe and efficient warehouse environment. They are useful for both employees and any visitors to the warehouse. They can help locate stock, show designated routes and traffic flow as well as warn people about any potential hazards and the location of emergency exits and supplies. When planning your signs, ensure they are all clear, concise and up to date. Remove any conflicting or old signs to avoid confusion.

Shelving and Racks
Sufficient shelving and racking are more important than ever during busy times in your warehouse. They keep stock and inventories organised and also avoid cluttered floor creating trip hazards. It also makes everything easier to find which can improve productivity and efficiency.

Check to see if you have enough space for all your stock. If not, are you able to have more shelving or racking installed? Next, organise your stock to ensure bestsellers and fast-moving stock are easier to access. If you have seasonal stock, ensure out of season products are put further away to leave room for up-to-date stock.

Are you making the most of your storage space? Sometimes organisations can be reluctant to change the order of stock because employees are used to it being there. You should not worry about this and instead ensure your shelving is being used to its highest potential. If you think your shelving is organised effectively but you still do not have enough space, consider temporary shelving solutions which can be removed once the busy period is over.

Inspect your equipment
Maintenance schedules should always be in place for equipment but be prudent before the busy period. Check everything from printers and other IT equipment to forklifts, pallet trucks, sack trolleys and the shelving and racking itself. Identifying issues with equipment can save precious time and money and could even prevent serious injury occurring.

Wear protective clothing
Always ensure PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hardhats, boots and hi-visibility vests are worn in warehouses if there are potential hazards. If you have high shelving and racking, ensure protective headwear is always worn as objects falling from a height is one of the most common causes of workplaces injuries.

Prepare for the unexpected
Not all situations are predictable, but you can still have procedures in place to accommodate the unexpected. For example, you cannot predict or control the weather, however you could have guidelines and preventive measures put in place to ensure the least amount of disruption is kept to a minimum. Ensuring transport is regularly maintained and that you have enough staff to cover any sicknesses or unexpected absences are two ways you can prepare for such scenarios.

Check breaks are being taken
Although everyone knows people need breaks, it’s not always easy to stop and have one when you are extremely busy. However, regular breaks must be enforced. Not only does it adversely affect the worker as they can become tired and less effective, it also has a knock-on effect on others and the productivity and efficiency of the overall warehouse.

Once the busy period hits, you won’t have time to spare to implement these into your warehouse so ensure you have prepared these in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient process throughout Christmas time.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality mezzanine flooring for your business and are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

 

Posted on: October 4th, 2019 by admin No Comments

8 things to consider before investing in mezzanine flooring

A mezzanine floor is a partial floor that is added to premises that have high ceilings and provides extra space which can be used for office space, retail space or storage. Although a mezzanine floor can look amazing and provides vital space, there are some things you should consider before you make your purchase as it is a big financial decision that needs sufficient planning.

1. Check building regulations
Although the majority of mezzanine floors do not alter the exterior building and therefore do not require planning permission, this is not always the case. Check you do not require planning permission before moving ahead with the project. The rules vary significantly depending on your area and what type of building you have, for example, if your building is attached to someone else’s building or if it’s a listed building. If you do not ask first whether you need permission and it ends up having to be removed, it will be costly for your business in both time and money. If you are in doubt, check with your local authority.

2. Available height
The main measurement you must make is whether your ceiling is high enough to accommodate a mezzanine floor.

3. Size
Take into account the size of the floor you want to install, the size of the room and the size of the items you want to place on the mezzanine flooring. If you do not consider all of these measurements now, you will not be creating a mezzanine floor that matches your exact needs and makes the most of the additional space you could be creating.

4. Purpose
Before you start your mezzanine project, make sure you know exactly what its purpose is going to be. If its office space or storage, it will have an impact on its design and also how much weight the flooring has to support. These are all key considerations at the design stage.

5. Design
There are many interesting things you can do when designing a mezzanine floor so ensure you make the most of the space available. For example, if you are using the floor as office space, you could incorporate storage or bookcases into the balustrade that prevents people from falling over the edge.

6. Fire Safety
If adding a mezzanine level makes your business a three story premises, you will need to consider additional fire doors which again need to be factored in at design stage.

7. Temperature
As heat rises, the mezzanine flooring is at risk of becoming very hot. This will potentially have an impact on what you are storing if it is temperature sensitive. Also, if you are using it as office or retail space, you will need to consider what additional measures you will have to invest in in order to ensure people do not get too warm. This includes fans or an air conditioning unit.

8. Accessibility
If you are using the mezzanine floor as storage, you need to ensure people can access the items with ease and without compromising their safety. You need to ensure a secure handrail is provided and people are not carrying big or heavy items down the stairs.

This checklist should not deter you from getting mezzanine flooring as it can provide amazing additional space. However, by considering the list above, you will ensure that you have considered exactly what you want to gain from the flooring, meaning you are getting the most value from your investment.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high quality mezzanine flooring for your business and can discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

 

Posted on: September 4th, 2019 by admin No Comments

8 things to consider when buying pallet racking

Buying pallet racking for your businesses’ warehouse can be a great investment, however you need to ensure you are choosing the correct type for your business needs. Here we discuss 8 things you should consider before buying pallet racking as it is a long-term investment.

1. Accessibility
You need to think about what you will be storing in your pallet racking and how often your staff will need to access it. Ensure your pallet racking has enough space for you to place slow-moving stock at the back and have faster-moving stock at the front in a more convenient and accessible position. Before ordering the racking, you need to plan where all your stock will go, and plan based on how often you need to access it. It will depend on the type of stock you have as well as the type of operational system you have running in your warehouse.

2. Space and warehouse layout
You also need to consider what space you have within your warehouse to work with. Again, you need to plan in advance where all the stock will be going, whilst ensuring there is enough space for your staff to move around, especially as you may need equipment such as cranes and forklift trucks to help get higher pallets. Racking systems are available in a range of heights so make sure you make the most out of the height you have available in your warehouse. Increasing your storage vertically can make your warehouse more cost-effective, reduces your need to relocate and find larger premises and uses what would otherwise be wasted space.

3. Durability
You need to ensure the pallet racking you are buying matches your needs. How long after the racking is installed would you ideally like it to last? Pallet racking varies and you need to match the type to your needs. If you require the most durable pallet racking available, then you need to decide this before purchasing and look at the specifications carefully. There are cheaper options out there such as second-hand pallet racking, but if durability is a main concern for you, then these options may not be suitable for you.

4. Size of pallets
A major consideration is the size of the pallets you need to store. Figure this out first and choose suitable pallet racking to match.

5. Adjustability
Although you may have all your warehouse and pallet racking plans sorted, the requirements may change in the future. If you think this is likely, ask about whether the pallet racking you are interested in can be adjusted in the future (such as shelf height). Knowing this information in advance will give you peace of mind that if there are changes to your stock in the future, your pallet racking can adapt to meet these needs, avoiding more racking needing to be purchased.

6. Safety
Always ensure that safety is a high priority when choosing pallet racking. You need to ensure that you have bought a high standard product that you know will be fit for purpose. Ensure you always have your pallet racking inspected regularly as you have no guarantee that an accident will not happen as a result. Also ensure that all staff are fully trained before accessing stock from pallet racking.

7. Purpose
There is not a one size fits all option when it comes to pallet racking. The types vary dramatically depending on their purpose and so you need to think about this before choosing. Whether it is a wide aisle, very narrow aisle or double deep, consider what you need to store on them and also what room you have available in your warehouse before you decide on what style is best for you.

8. Budget
Inevitability your choice will be constrained by your budget for a new racking system. Cost will always be a significant factor for many businesses, but you need to ensure that you have weighed up all the options equally and not base your decision solely on price. If you do this, you could end up with a lower quality product that does not suit your business’ needs exactly and could end up costing you more in the long run. Always discuss your options fully first and ensure you choose the option that best suits your businesses’ operations.

Pallet racking is an important investment for your company. Before you buy, ensure you have thought about the factors discussed above in detail to ensure you have chosen the correct options for your company to continue working at its most efficient. Choosing the wrong type of pallet racking can not only waste your money and time, it can also lead to less productivity, damaged goods or even workplace accidents.

Here at Logical Storage, we offer a range of racking solutions for warehouses. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

 

Posted on: August 19th, 2019 by admin No Comments

Ways to keep your warehouse staff safe

Staff safety is always important no matter what the workplace, but when it comes to warehouse staff additional measures need to be made due to the increased risks that can be found here. Your staff are your most valuable asset, so you need to ensure they always feel safe whilst at work so that they can do the best job possible as well as make sure they understand the health and safety rules themselves to protect others. As well as health and safety being something required by law, if all measures are carried out correctly you will end up with a happier and more productive workforce. Here we discuss what some of the common risks are in warehouse situations and what measures you can put in place, if you haven’t already done so, to ensure staff remain safe at all times.

Thousands of incidents happen each year, with the severity of them varying dramatically. Some of the incidents include slips, trips, falls, being hit by moving vehicles or hurt by falling objects. All of these could potentially be avoided if all health and safety measures are strictly adhered to. Here are some of the ways you can prevent these from happening.

Provide regular breaks
Accidents are more likely to happen if your staff are feeling tired. Although this is not entirely under your control, by proving them with regular breaks it means that you are doing your part. Also, provide your workers with a dedicated staff room space for them to spend their breaks and lunchtimes. Having this specific area will allow them to wind down, relax and re-energise before they have to start work again. Having a separate space for staff to eat their lunch also ensures that no food or liquids enter the main part of the warehouse where it could cause spillages.

Never work alone
When planning the shifts and rotas, ensure that people in the warehouse always work in groups and never alone. If you only have one person in the warehouse and they slip or fall, they may not be found quickly enough for a serious injury to be avoided.

Be careful of moving vehicles
It is common to have slow moving vehicles throughout your warehouse, especially if you have pallet racking, however you need to be especially careful if you have moving vehicles, no matter how slow they are travelling. Always ensure they stick to the speed limit and that the speed limit is clear to everyone.

Ensure that all routes are clearly marked out on the floor so pedestrians know to avoid these areas, and make sure the routes are clear of any obstacles. Markings on the floor need to be maintained as they can fade over time, which can be dangerous. Use the markings to show a traffic flow system to avoid any collisions.

Regularly train your staff
It doesn’t matter if a member of staff has been there a week or 10 years, you need to provide regular training to refresh information. Although your staff may be experts who have done the job for years, there are still elements of the training that they may have forgotten, or they may have developed bad habits over time which you need to stop. You cannot rely on the more experienced members of staff to provide the only training new employees receive, as these bad habits may be unintentionally passed on.

Stay tidy
Always ensure the warehouse is tidy. Not only does this avoid people tripping over items that shouldn’t be there, but it also will make the warehouse run more efficiently. Make sure all members of staff are responsible for tidying up after themselves.

Use signage effectively
Always ensure there are signs located around the warehouse to show important information. As the warehouse evolves and grows, ensure the signs are always kept relevant. If some are now out of date, other more important signs could be ignored as staff are confused. Clear signs will also help visitors and people driving vehicles.

Provide proper working at height training
Sometimes its unavoidable and people will have to work from a height. Make sure staff are correctly trained for this and keep up to date with all the relevant regulations.

Always wear protective equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be provided and worn at all times. Hard hats help reduce damage if anything falls from a height, high vis jackets ensure members of staff are easily seen. Other forms of PPE include safety shoes, eye protection and hearing protection. Ensure each individual has the correct equipment assigned to them as it will vary depending on the role they are undertaking.

Be prepared for a fire
Fires in warehouses can cause significant damage and quickly, destroying both your stock and equipment, and potentially putting your employees’ lives in danger. Fires are sometimes unavoidable so you need to be prepared for the worse. Ensure you have a plan in place for such an event occurring. Have fire exits and extinguishers clearly accessible and visible. Make sure there are no obstacles placed between the employees and the fire exits. Ensure there are a sufficient amount of fire wardens and hold fire drills on a regular basis.

Do safety checks regularly
Ensure there are regular checks on all of the equipment but also on your shelving and racking. Check for damage and repair when necessary. If the shelving or racking is becoming old, it can have fatal consequences. Make sure your shelving and racking is always repaired when damaged and replaced completely when its old.

These are just some of the ways in which you can protect your warehouse staff and ensure a safe working environment. Here at Logical Storage we can offer high quality racking inspections for your business and discuss your racking requirements. Click here for more details http://www.logicalstorage.co.uk/services/rack-inspection/ or call us on 0845 689 1300.

Posted on: July 29th, 2019 by admin No Comments

Finding Extra Space in Small Warehouses

It is inevitable that as your business grows, you will find it a struggle to find sufficient space in a warehouse. Moving to larger premises with more space may seem like the next logical step, however this can be both an inconvenience and a huge expense. An alternative is to find extra space in your existing warehouse by considering innovative storage solutions which you may not have considered before. It can be surprising how a few small changes can make a large impact on the storage available, which will help your business continue to run smoothly and grow.

If you use your space efficiently and effectively, it can ensure your business can increase its productivity. Here are a few of our tips and solutions that you may want to try and consider.

Warehouse design
First of all, you should look at your existing warehouse plans. Looking at them closely, it may become obvious that you are not using all of your space effectively. Most warehouses evolve over time and can lead to adding bits here and there without looking at the entire design. Use a professional to help if you need it, as they can see potential space that you may be missing.

Increase floor space
You need to make sure you are getting the most out of your floor space, however existing floor space is not the only option. Consider the height of your warehouse and think about whether or not you are using all of this height to your advantage. If you are not, could you consider buying racking which can increase your storage significantly? If racking is not suitable but you desperately need floor space, could you look at having a mezzanine put in which will instantly provide you with valuable space.

Check where your inventory is placed
Always check to make sure the products in your warehouse are in the most logical place. Are the items which you need access to regularly easy to get to? Are any of your items seasonal? If so, do you ensure these non-seasonal items are out of the way and swapped over with the items you actually need? The main thing to remember is that a warehouse will usually change over time. What used to be a product you needed all the time may now not be. If this is the case, ensure you have changed the layouts around to reflect this. It will make the most of the space you have and also make your employees’ work easier, thus increasing productivity. Also, consider how much inventory you actually have to store in your warehouse. Are there any products you could buy in smaller batches?

Regularly tidy
This is an obvious one, but ensuring the warehouse is tidy will automatically make the most out of the space you have. Use signs and labels wherever possible to ensure all members of staff know exactly where everything is located.

Ask your staff
As good as it is to hire professionals when looking at a redesign, make sure you ask your staff as well. These are people who work there every day and know the warehouse the best. They will have valuable information about what they think works and doesn’t work which you will find helpful. They may also have some amazing ideas you hadn’t even considered before.

For more advice on storage solutions for your warehouse, we are here to help. At Logical Storage we have plenty of experience with helping businesses to move up rather than out. We offer a no obligation consultation where we can assess your individual needs and offer cost effective and practical solutions. Click here to find out more or alternatively call us on 0845 689 1300.