Warehouse traffic management varies from site to site but can also change over time when you amend your operations. Having a checklist of traffic safety priorities can support due diligence and keep you compliant.
The HSE makes clear that compliance to site safety standards relies on “a combination physical features” and measures such as “road layout and marking, signs and signals and other considerations such as systems, procedures and training.” That applies to both external traffic the internal movement of off-road vehicles and mobile machinery.
Of course, keeping pedestrians out of harm’s way and making sure your structures stay in one piece are top priorities, but so is keeping your business operating without interruption.
To help site managers, warehouse executives and business owners to keep up with warehouse traffic management demands, we’ve created this handy checklist.
Regular risk assessments
Evaluating likely vehicle and pedestrian risks is not always an automatic response when you amend warehouse layouts or systems. Also, issuing strict driver/operator instructions and staff warnings about danger spots doesn’t mean people won’t forget or start to take short cuts.
These are just some of the reasons regular risk assessments are vital. Including mapping the way your vehicles and pedestrians move across your site. You must pin down changes in critical points and measure locations where your vehicles and warehouse machinery move fastest, with their heaviest loads.
From this comes a sound basis for sourcing and placing traffic management equipment, markings and signage.
Find and mark designated ‘no go’ zones
To be confident in your warehouse traffic management, use your layout and logistics assessment to map safe routes and no-go areas.
It’s not just locations where you need to segregate pedestrians and moving machinery. It also spots where you need to shield sensitive or expensive equipment or high-risk features like electrical boxes. To prevent any form of incursion, put down unmissable markings and if possible insurmountable barriers.
A ready supply of floor marking tape, floor signal markers and safety graphic stickers is invaluable. You can place, amend and relocate these vital warnings in minutes. They can clearly indicate risks, and the places drivers, operators or pedestrians must avoid.
Optimise the use of versatile barriers
Manufacturers of warehouse traffic management products have designed multiple options for dividing out your site logically. Including concertina barriers that you can place, then locate quickly as risk factors change.
There will be crucial points where you need a more permanent way to show pedestrians where it’s safe to walk, such as fixed bumper barriers and metal guard rails that also shield them from passing traffic.
However, keeping a stock of well-made mobile barrier sections can help you respond quickly to emerging safety risks. Make sure they are robust products that don’t create snag or tripping hazards though!
Read the signs, and keep warehouse messaging updated
Your process of continuous evaluation must include being sure that signposting remains unambiguous and unmissable. Including safety information obvious for site users even when layout changes occur.
We stock a variety of graphic floor markers for floor level warehouse traffic management. Though they can be used on any dry, sealed surface.
These deliver crucial safety messages at a glance and are cost-effective enough to mix and match and update on a regular basis. Though they are durable – with a firm adhesive – to ensure that this safety signage system stands the test of time.
Mirror, mirror, manoeuvre
One of the most effective, time-served products to underpin warehouse traffic management is convex mirrors.
When carrying out risk assessments, focus on blind spots including critical points where full wracking or a transient feature such as a vehicle, could inhibit a clear view.
This is another safety product you should hold ready in your stock room, to install new warehouse safety mirrors or replace existing ones, giving site users a consistent 360degree view.
Keep drivers and operators on track
Keeping forklift truck drivers and other machinery operators moving seamlessly and safely across your warehouse also serves to boost productivity.
This too is a warehouse traffic management priority that can be subject to change. Having something as simple and effective as floor safety tape handy makes sense. You can quickly mark out the best routes for drivers and operators, to manage risks but also create time efficiency.
Free advice for warehouse Traffic Management
This checklist provides a general overview of some systems and products to keep your site compliant and operational. However, every warehouse has its own challenges – which can change!
We would be pleased to provide a free H&S consultation service for warehouses, to find ways you keep all your traffic safeguarding measures up-to-minute.