Document Store Handling Equipment

Issue

Hazard

Possible solutions

Check it

Ladders and stepladders

• Ladders set too steeply against high shelving may topple whilst employee is climbing up.  
• Inefficient work methods - repeatedly climbing ladder with small loads. 
• Ladder with damaged or worn rungs or feet.

• Replace with a mobile stepladder.
• Use a ladder with lateral wheels at base which is fixed to a rail running along top of shelving, and which prevents it from toppling outwards.
• Provide a mobile stepladder with a platform and shelf which enables employee to work safely and efficiently at all heights.  
• Periodically check condition of ladders and have any damage repaired or the ladder replaced.

Trolleys

• Trolley is heavy to push and difficult to steer when fully laden.
• Trolley may roll away when left unattended.
• Trolley cannot be used in passageways between shelving bays, through doorways in building, lifts.

• Select trolley with wheel type and size for the job and types of floor surfaces where it will be used.
• Ensure that at least one trolley wheel is fitted with a braking mechanism to prevent movement.
• Ensure that shelving bays are set wide enough apart to allow passage of standard trolley sizes.
• Check width of narrowest passageway, door, lift, where trolley must be used before purchasing.

Document trays
transfer boxes

• Boxes used for transferring documents buckle when lifted fully laden.
• Full boxes are too heavy for employees to lift.
• Boxes have no hand holes and are difficult to lift and hold.
• Temporary (archive) boxes have collapsible bottoms which can give way if not secured.

• Ensure that boxes used are sufficiently strong that they will not buckle when fully laden.
• Ensure boxes used are of a size and shape that can be comfortably lifted when full.
• Use rigid plastic document trays or boxes which have handles at each end for easy lifting.
• Check that temporary transfer file boxes are in sound condition and that bottoms can lock securely in place.

Work benches

• Inappropriate height of bench surface for the nature of the work being done.
• Loose packing materials spilt on floor after unpacking goods received.
• Sharp tools (knives, scissors) are left lying on bench after use.

• Provide a height adjustable table to allow each employee to select most comfortable work height.
• Provide a lower side table to allow easy access to larger cartons when packing or unpacking these.
• Provide a bin for disposal of non-reusable waste where this can be deposited during unpacking.
• Provide a rack to safely store hand tools within easy reach for use when working at the bench