PURPOSE: To prevent incidents through good housekeeping and safe storage. Although we are very good at keeping the workout floor and amenities clean and tidy, we often forget our storage areas need to be kept neat as well.
- Don’t store anything higher than 18 inches from the ceiling.
- This blocks the water from a fire sprinkler and can make fires more intense
- Don’t store anything in front of electrical panels.
- There must be 36 inch clearance in front of the panels and 30 inch clearance to the sides.
- Don’t store heavy items on top shelves.
- If items shift or someone is reaching for them the item could fall, causing an injury
- Do make sure doorways/exits are not blocked
- Do keep combustibles away from outlets
- Do report potential hazards to your supervisor
- Everyone is responsible for recognizing safety concerns
ACTION ITEMS:
✓ Check ALL storage areas for the Do’s & Don’ts
✓ Mark off 36 inches in front of all electrical panels
✓ Mark off 18 inches down from the ceiling
Meeting OSHA requirements is only one reason to have a clean and orderly workplace. There are many benefits to a good housekeeping program:
- Better organization makes things easier to find, and harder to lose.
- Taking inventory count is quicker and more efficient.
- It’s easier to notice items that are no longer useful.
- You have a lower risk for fire when you have less clutter.
- You have a lower risk of injuries from slips, trips, or falls when the workplace is orderly; and
- A clean atmosphere improves morale and lets you feel proud of your workplace.
