Document Store Floors

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Floor material	Unsuitable or damaged floor coverings.	Carpeted floors are generally unsuitable for areas where ladders and trolleys are in regular use. Rubber flooring is easier to maintain and keep clean. It also allows easy movement of trolleys.
Obstruction	Cartons and boxes stacked on floors between shelving bays.	Ensure there is enough 'off-the-floor' storage space for the volume of items to be stored. Do not permit floors to be used for permanent storage. Cartons and boxes should be emptied ASAP following receipt and removed for disposal.
Housekeeping	Loose packing materials discarded whilst unpacking incoming goods (string, adhesive packaging tape, steel banding, styrene foam etc).	Provide a bin for disposal of non-reusable waste adjacent to the area where goods are unpacked. Provide convenient storage bins or racks for the types of packaging materials used in the store. Ensure that floors are regularly cleaned, are kept free of litter and spillages are cleaned up. Encourage good housekeeping habits through regular inspections by OHS staff.

Further Information

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 35 - Guide to preventing slips, trips and falls

OHS Book 34 - Guide to preventing slips, trips and falls (manager's guide)

OHS Book 10 - Identifying Hazards, Managing Risks

Further Information Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

SHARE IT!
We want to make the 'Virtual Office' serve your needs even better by making it interactive!
We welcome your participation by drawing on your experience to add to the contents of this page.

Virtual Office is managed by the Comcare Compliance Assistance Section.

Page last updated:September 2, 2008