The guide to logistics warehouse regulations

Par
 
Justine Demarque
 
le
 
16/8/2022

Do you operate a warehouse as part of your business? A key point in the supply chain, it is also a risk zone for your employees, as well as for your equipment and goods. To ensure the safety of these logistics warehouses, legislation now regulates these activities. In all, these security rules cover five different parameters. What does this logistics warehouse regulation consist of? Discover them in this guide.

Logistics warehouse regulations: the rules for using the forklift

This is the first pillar of logistics warehouse regulations. Under its rather practical appearance, in reality, the cart represents A risk factor. Intended to carry heavy loads, it can expose personnel to danger during a too sudden turn or if the device is overturned, for example. Of course, under these conditions, the prevention is in order. Reason why the use of this device implies compliance with certain standards.

Control and certification

In accordance with The decree of 1 March 2004, all forklifts are required to a semi-annual check. The possession of a Certificate of proficiency in safe driving (CACES) is now mandatory to pilot them. More precisely, it is a scrip which proves the abilities of the personnel to handle this machine safely. As a reminder, it is the responsibility of the company manager to ensure compliance with all of these regulations. Otherwise, it is punishable by criminal sanctions, large fines, or even imprisonment in the event of an accident or occupational disease of the staff. In summary, truck drivers must benefit from prior theoretical and practical training. It is simply the guarantee that allows employees to do their job safely.

The obligation of protective equipment

It's a fact: working in a risky area such as a logistics warehouse necessarily involves the security device port miscellaneous. Each accessory plays an important role in employee safety. Let's quote:

  • The gloves
  • The helmets
  • The glasses
  • Ear plugs
  • safety boots and shoes

All of these PPE, an acronym for Personal protective equipment, must imperatively meet the requirements of The 2016 European Charter. In the event that they no longer comply with the new standards imposed, the operator is obliged to replace them. For information, the legislation classifies PPE into three categories according to the severity of the risk.

  • Category 1: for minor risks.
  • Category 2: for significant risks.
  • Category 3: for serious risks with irreversible or fatal effects.

The rules for the storage of chemical products

Logistics warehouse regulations are strict on this subject: all stored materials must have a safety data sheet (FDS). It is also mandatory, especially in the case where chemical substances are kept inside this place of deposit. Their presence exposes the premises and staff to significant danger. It is for this major reason that the law requires the record keeping for the storage of chemical products. For its part, it must be in compliance with the European REACH and CLP standards. In addition to this crucial point, also make sure to:

  • Label products in order to identify chemical and biological risks through pictograms.
  • Limit stocks in order to keep the risks incurred to a minimum.
  • Control inventories frequently to avoid extending the shelf life of the products.
  • Check the equipment storage regularly in order to limit the risk of accidents.
  • Train staff to safety and risk prevention instructions.
  • Indicate product storage locations by traffic signs.

The prevention of professional risks

This applies to logistics warehouses as well as to all companies. The Labor code states that it is the duty of managers to establish an action plan in favor of protection of employees. This includes putting in place measures favourable to the assessment and prevention of potential risks. In this way, each company manager offers employees the means adapted to their safety.

The legislative framework for classified installations for the protection of the environment

All installations that may harm safety, health and the environment are subject to strict regulations. This is what we call “ICPE” or Installations classified for the protection of the environment. Here's what you need to know about it.

The layout of the storage cells

According to the latest updates, the storage rooms can now exceed 23m in height. As for the maximum area, if earlier it was limited to 6,000 m², nowadays it can reach up to 12,000 m². With regard to the configuration of the cells, the operator must ensure that the upper parts benefit from evacuation devices.

Emergency exits

They are necessarily located less than 50 m from each point in the warehouse in order to facilitate the evacuation of personnel. If an incident occurs, all workers must be able to leave the premises as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

Ventilation

Concentrations in the air must follow the exposure limit defined by Articles R. 4222-10 and R. 4412-149. Otherwise, they become dangerous for the health of operators.

Lighting and electricity

It is obvious that good lighting prevents various risks of accidents. That is why there are some specific regulations concerning this point for warehouses. Among the most important, the fact of preserve the lighting of shocks and overheating. Among other things, it is recommended to maintain lighting between 50 and 200 lux, in accordance with theThe standard in force.

Logistics warehouse regulations: a safety framework

Ensuring the safety of your warehouse is essential for the smooth running of your business as well as at the legal level. Whether it is in terms of chemical products, protective equipment or even the use of tools such as a forklift, every rule counts. In addition to a daily check of the correct application of safety regulations, optimizing and properly managing your logistics warehouse is essential. Discover our 11 infallible actions to achieve it.