FEATURE WAREHOUSE SAFETY
WORKING TOWARD ZERO HARM T
The Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) held a safety conference in November organised to update everyone involved on developments affecting this sector
he SEMA Safety Conference is an annual event designed to update all
players in the storage industry supply chain on the latest health and safety developments affecting the sector. Speakers included industry experts,
health and safety officials and key authorities on safety matters who provided presentations on legislation, regulations and best practice affecting end users, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and inspectors. The conference was supported by an exhibition of related safety products and services. HSE statistics cite falls from height in
the food and drink industries as the third highest cause of fatal injury (comprising 20% of fatal accidents) and result in around 80 major injuries each year.
FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT Bob Murdoch of Spanset explained that because falls from height still play a major part across the storage industry risk assessments need to follow the statutory hierarchy set out in WAHR, taking into account the category of work, correct PPE and anchor point selection. “Wherever possible, avoid working at
height; work restraint and fall arrest equipment alone is not the solution,” stressed Murdoch. “It must be used correctly and risk assessment carried out regularly and consistently.” A question from the floor addressed the
‘gray’ area of siting and number of anchor points on racking that should be used for fall arrest equipment. The answer was simple and direct: it is your responsibility to know the strength of
available for different areas of activity. “Eye injury is the most frequent work- related injury and can be life-changing,” said Willcock who went on to outline protective kit available for head, eye and face. These include face shields, helmets, head bands, brow guards bump caps, goggles and spectacles with lenses for different applications and prescription eyewear. “Eye protection has come a long way in recent years - to a high standard that we hope will further encourage its adoption,” concluded Willcock.
your racking system and the best places to attach fall arrest lanyards; if you don’t know, ask the manufacturer/supplier.
CORRECT USE OF LIGHTING Safe working environments require the effective and correct use of lighting. Martin Needham, MD of Lutterworth EcoLighting echoed Murdoch’s words in emphasising the importance of regular checks and maintenance. He drew attention to the fact that the latest sustainable lighting solutions use less energy without compromising on levels of visibility essential for safe working with significant savings possible. Eye protection is a key component of
the PPE kit for operators throughout the supply chain of storage equipment. Arco product manager Adam Willcock addressed the standards applicable with reference to the practical options
Protective kit available for head, eye and face include face shields, helmets, head bands, brow guards bump caps, goggles and spectacles
FEE FOR INTERVENTION Further sessions included presentations from HSE inspector of health and safety Michael Bone who provided an update of Fee for Intervention scheme where those who break the law are liable for the recovery of the HSE’s costs related to the incident. Bone outlined how and when it is incurred, how it works and the results of the findings as requested by the Triennial Review. In addition, technical director,
Machinery Safety & Compliance Services Brent Hudson presented an overview on the safe use of storage systems in relation to PUWER and CE marking with respect to machines including responsibilities and certification.
The latest sustainable lighting solutions use less energy without compromising on levels of visibility essential for safe working
MINIMISING DAMAGE TO PALLET RACKING The greater majority of damage to storage equipment is caused by machinery, in particular fork lift trucks. Is this due to the type of truck or the way in which they are used? Laura Nelson and Nick Welch of the RTITB provided practical tips on selecting the right truck for the application and what can be expected of operators in minimising damage to adjustable pallet racking. “SEMA is an organisation committed to
promoting and extending the safe design, installation and use of storage equipment manufactured and supplied by our members,” comments president Jaap Vos. “We work in partnership with regulatory bodies including the HSE and CSCS and our influence and contribution forms part of the legislation in defining new British Standards.”
SEMA T: 0121 601 6350
www.sema.org.uk Enter 310
S16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 | MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS / MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS
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