Using equipment to access stock - WorkSafe Victoria
A Health and Safety Solution
Using equipment to access stock
What is the problem? Using inappropriate equipment, particularly ladders and stools, to place or retrieve items from shelves or racks at height in retail, storage and manufacturing industries (including offices and libraries).
What are the risks? Using inappropriate equipment to access stock at height can result in workers falling from height. This can cause fractures, broken bones, paralysis or death.
What is a solution to the problem? Use the appropriate equipment for the task (eg do not use a step stool if a platform ladder will make it safer to place or retrieve items at height). Ensure you do not overreach and your feet remain flat and firm on the platform or step. If your balance is compromised, you may fall. To prevent or reduce the risk of falls from height, follow these guidelines to ensure each piece of equipment is appropriate. Only use equipment marked 'industrial' as per the standard, not 'domestic'. Single step stools Single step stools may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger that the width of the step (eg books, shoes, small parts, medicines, stationery) • items are not more than 20cm above shoulder height • items are easily lifted by one hand. The single step stool design should: • be no higher than 20cm • allow workers to step on and off at any point • have a platform large enough for both feet • be slip-resistant • have a rated working load limit • have a step depth of 18cm and height of 15cm minimum • have retractable spring castors, if possible, or be easy to move.
Mobile step stools Mobile step stools may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger than the width of the step (eg large books, small trays or cartons, paper reams) • items do not need to be placed or retrieved more than 40cm above shoulder height • items are easily lifted by one hand. The mobile step stool design should: • have a single platform with an intermediate recessed step • be no higher than 40cm • have a step height midway from the base to the top • have a step depth of 18cm and height of 15cm minimum • have retractable spring castors, if possible, or be easy to move. Step ladders Step ladders may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger than the width of the step (eg hand tools, shoes, small parts, medicines, stationery) • items can be stowed in a tool pouch or other device to allow both hands to be used to climb or descend • items are only placed or retrieved using one hand. The step ladder design should: • have a frame, tapered or flare-stepped ladder • be no higher than 2.4m • be designed in accordance with AS/NZ 1892 – Portable ladders • have slip-resistant feet • have evenly spaced and horizontal treads (not less than 7.5cm) • only be used on flat, even surfaces.
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HSS0157/01/02.12
1
A Health and Safety Solution Using equipment to access stock
The problem
The solution
A ladder without rails or room for both feet on each step is unsafe.
Use a platform ladder with a lifter when lifting larger objects.
Platform ladders Platform ladders may be suitable when: • items can be lifted to the platform from ground level or placed at an intermediate shelf • the platform ladder is fitted with a load lifter • items are easily handled using two hands (eg cartons, hung clothing, fabric rolls, large parts, bread trays). The platform ladder design should: • be a stair or ladder leading to a large platform with a safety rail • be provided with a load lifter for heights more than 1.8m • have a platform large enough to work from • have slip-resistant feet and spring-loaded wheels • have rails at 90cm or higher • have large wheels and sturdy hand holds for moving have evenly spaced, horizontal treads.
Further information WorkSafe Advisory Service Toll-free 1800 136 089 Email [email protected] worksafe.vic.gov.au
Australian Standards AS/NZ 1891.3: Part 1 2007 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices AS/NZ 1892 – Portable ladders NOTE: The information in this publication is protected by copyright. WorkSafe Victoria encourages the free transfer, copying and printing of the information in this guidance material if such activities support the purpose for which this guidance is intended.
Other equipment Use an elevating work platform or an order picking forklift when: • frequently handling stock • accessing stock easily lifted by one hand above 1.5m from the platform • handling large, bulky or awkward items above 1.8m from the ground.
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Using equipment to access stock
What is the problem? Using inappropriate equipment, particularly ladders and stools, to place or retrieve items from shelves or racks at height in retail, storage and manufacturing industries (including offices and libraries).
What are the risks? Using inappropriate equipment to access stock at height can result in workers falling from height. This can cause fractures, broken bones, paralysis or death.
What is a solution to the problem? Use the appropriate equipment for the task (eg do not use a step stool if a platform ladder will make it safer to place or retrieve items at height). Ensure you do not overreach and your feet remain flat and firm on the platform or step. If your balance is compromised, you may fall. To prevent or reduce the risk of falls from height, follow these guidelines to ensure each piece of equipment is appropriate. Only use equipment marked 'industrial' as per the standard, not 'domestic'. Single step stools Single step stools may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger that the width of the step (eg books, shoes, small parts, medicines, stationery) • items are not more than 20cm above shoulder height • items are easily lifted by one hand. The single step stool design should: • be no higher than 20cm • allow workers to step on and off at any point • have a platform large enough for both feet • be slip-resistant • have a rated working load limit • have a step depth of 18cm and height of 15cm minimum • have retractable spring castors, if possible, or be easy to move.
Mobile step stools Mobile step stools may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger than the width of the step (eg large books, small trays or cartons, paper reams) • items do not need to be placed or retrieved more than 40cm above shoulder height • items are easily lifted by one hand. The mobile step stool design should: • have a single platform with an intermediate recessed step • be no higher than 40cm • have a step height midway from the base to the top • have a step depth of 18cm and height of 15cm minimum • have retractable spring castors, if possible, or be easy to move. Step ladders Step ladders may be suitable when: • items placed or retrieved are no larger than the width of the step (eg hand tools, shoes, small parts, medicines, stationery) • items can be stowed in a tool pouch or other device to allow both hands to be used to climb or descend • items are only placed or retrieved using one hand. The step ladder design should: • have a frame, tapered or flare-stepped ladder • be no higher than 2.4m • be designed in accordance with AS/NZ 1892 – Portable ladders • have slip-resistant feet • have evenly spaced and horizontal treads (not less than 7.5cm) • only be used on flat, even surfaces.
(Continued over page)
HSS0157/01/02.12
1
A Health and Safety Solution Using equipment to access stock
The problem
The solution
A ladder without rails or room for both feet on each step is unsafe.
Use a platform ladder with a lifter when lifting larger objects.
Platform ladders Platform ladders may be suitable when: • items can be lifted to the platform from ground level or placed at an intermediate shelf • the platform ladder is fitted with a load lifter • items are easily handled using two hands (eg cartons, hung clothing, fabric rolls, large parts, bread trays). The platform ladder design should: • be a stair or ladder leading to a large platform with a safety rail • be provided with a load lifter for heights more than 1.8m • have a platform large enough to work from • have slip-resistant feet and spring-loaded wheels • have rails at 90cm or higher • have large wheels and sturdy hand holds for moving have evenly spaced, horizontal treads.
Further information WorkSafe Advisory Service Toll-free 1800 136 089 Email [email protected] worksafe.vic.gov.au
Australian Standards AS/NZ 1891.3: Part 1 2007 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices AS/NZ 1892 – Portable ladders NOTE: The information in this publication is protected by copyright. WorkSafe Victoria encourages the free transfer, copying and printing of the information in this guidance material if such activities support the purpose for which this guidance is intended.
Other equipment Use an elevating work platform or an order picking forklift when: • frequently handling stock • accessing stock easily lifted by one hand above 1.5m from the platform • handling large, bulky or awkward items above 1.8m from the ground.
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