Design and Inspections of Racking Warehouses

She chose the diploma thesis topic of design and inspections of racking warehouses because she is interested in the course of processes in racking warehouses, and also wanted to ** improve her knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health.** ** The following hypothesis, that damage to elements of racking structures endangers the safety of employees, also proved to be true during the research. ** Experts divide racking elements according to hazard into three categories: green, orange and red. The colours themselves indicate that only elements with a green marking are flawless and do not endanger the safety and health of employees who are in the racking warehouse. ** The green hazard level means** that it is not necessary to reduce the load-bearing capacity of the racking structure, as the beam components are considered safe.

Solution and Method

She chose the diploma thesis topic of design and inspections of racking warehouses because she is interested in the course of processes in racking warehouses, and also wanted to ** improve her knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health.** The purpose of every warehouse is the storage of goods. The structure of an individual warehouse depends primarily on the needs and requirements of the customer. ** Fast and smooth material flow** of goods is of exceptional importance for the proper design of a racking warehouse.

Likewise, proper and appropriate design of a racking warehouse reduces unnecessary costs for the company, which is a great plus. The author in the diploma thesis analysed in more detail the importance of thoughtful ** design of warehouse space.** The second very important topic in the diploma thesis is the safety of employees in the warehouse. Unfortunately, ** the majority of racking systems** in Slovenia have not been inspected by experts.

Employers are still not aware of how very important an inspection of racking according to the SIST EN 15635:2009 standard is. Employers or warehouse managers are afraid of the possible high costs that such an inspection could cause and thereby endanger the safety of employees. At the beginning of the diploma thesis, ** a hypothesis was put forward** that regular inspections of racking warehouses prevent accidents, and this hypothesis was confirmed. Periodic inspections of racking elements by qualified personnel identify not only damage but also the causes of damage, and consequently the employer thereby ensures greater safety for employees. ** There is a big difference between a visual inspection by the warehouse manager** and a professional inspection, as appropriate professional knowledge is required for a quality inspection.

A professional inspection of racking states the causes of damage and technical evaluation of racking damage, which an inspection by non-professional personnel unfortunately does not.

Results

The following hypothesis, that damage to elements of racking structures endangers the safety of employees, also proved to be true during the research. ** Experts divide racking elements** according to hazard into three categories: green, orange and red. The colours themselves indicate that only elements with a green marking are flawless and do not endanger the safety and health of employees who are in the racking warehouse. ** The green hazard level means** that it is not necessary to reduce the load-bearing capacity of the racking structure, as the beam components are considered safe.

Nevertheless, any damage must be marked. At the orange hazard level, we already have dangerous damage that requires action as quickly as possible. This includes damage to frames, which can consequently endanger the safety and health of employees in the warehouse. The red hazard level is very serious.

With this fault, the racking element must be removed immediately until it is repaired. To ensure the safety of employees in warehouses, it is very important that racking systems are maintained and undamaged, as an accident can quickly occur. Damaged racking can be fatally dangerous for employees in the warehouse. Even a small impact can gravely weaken the load-bearing capacity of the structure and a serious ** accident with a fatal outcome** can occur. ** The last hypothesis** is that with properly trained personnel we avoid accidents and their consequences.

In addition to regular inspections of racking systems according to the SIST EN 15635:2009 standard, training of employees in warehouses is also an effective measure for preventing accidents in the workplace. Unfortunately, ** the human factor** also plays a large role in workplace accidents, as people make mistakes. In warehouses, work takes place under time pressure, which can quickly lead to inattention and errors that can ** endanger the safety and health of employees.** Since almost all accidents are caused by human error, training of employees in the warehouse is important.

Special attention must be paid to workers who do not know the working environment well and are unqualified. Here, clear instructions are especially important for preventing possible accidents, and employees must also be familiarised with safety requirements in the warehouse. Hazards that lurk in racking warehouses unfortunately cannot be completely eliminated, as too many different factors are responsible for this.

However, with proper measures such as regular inspections, clear instructions to employees and properly trained personnel, we can significantly reduce hazards. The employer or warehouse manager must ensure flawless work equipment. ** Knowledge of the working environment and causes of accidents** is also important, so that we can respond appropriately to them and quickly find solutions.