Safe operation of cold storage facilities

Edition No. 1

June 2008

A handbook

for workplaces

Safe operation

of cold storage

facilities

* NEW Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012

On 1 December 2012, the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 (DG (S&H) Regulations 2012) replaced the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Interim Regulations 2011 (Interim Regulations) which expired on this date. The DG (S&H) Regulations 2012 have retained most of the legal

requirements contained in the Interim Regulations. There are only a small number of changes. This document has not yet been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the DG (S&H) Regulations 2012. More information on the key changes introduced by these new regulations can be found in the guidance titled

Information about: Key changes to dangerous goods storage and handling requirements available at worksafe.vic.gov.au/dgkeychanges and More information about: Incident reporting available at

1 Introduction 1 2 Legal obligations 2

3 Consultation 3

4 Training and supervision 4 5 Using these guidelines 6 6 Building design and structure 8 7 Workplace layout and facilities 11 8 Traffic management 16 9 Environmental conditions 19 10 Manual handling 24 11 Plant (machinery and equipment) 29 12 Emergency management 35 13 Acknowledgements 38

14 Appendices 39

Appendix 1 – Process chart for the design

of a safe cold storage workplace 39 Appendix 2 – Wind chill program (chart) 40 Appendix 3 – Operation of LPG forklift

trucks in poorly ventilated places 41 Appendix 4 – Long-term fruit storage in

controlled atmosphere rooms 44 Appendix 5 – Protective Clothing

for Cold Storage – A user’s guide 46 Appendix 6 – Checklist

– Anhydrous ammonia refrigerating systems 58

Contents

WorkSafe Victoria is a trading name of the Victorian WorkCover Authority. This publication is protected by copyright. WorkSafe encourages the free transfer, copying and printing of this publication if such activities support the purpose and intent for which this publication was developed.

Introduction

Why has this handbook been produced?

Cold storage facilities pose a range of occupational health and safety risks that are responsible for hundreds of injuries every year. Many employees are injured seriously enough to need four or more weeks off work. Tragically, people have also died as a consequence of incidents associated with working in a cold storage facility. This handbook provides health and safety information specifi c to cold storage facilities to help employers, Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and employees identify hazards and implement appropriate risk controls.

This handbook also provides advice for cold storage facility employers on how to ensure they comply with their duties and obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) by:

• understanding the health and safety impact created by the tasks undertaken in cold work environments,

• identifying the importance and benefi ts associated with consultation during the design, construction and operation of cold storage facilities,

• identifying work areas and work processes involving tasks that present a risk to health and safety and could be adversely affected by environmental and atmospheric conditions (e.g. cold environments, contaminated or oxygen defi cient atmospheres),

• providing practical risk control solutions to eliminate or reduce risks, and • providing practical tools to help identify hazards and develop appropriate

risk controls.

Legal obligations

2.

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 (S. 21) requires employers, so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risk to employees’ health. Part of this is providing employees with information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure they are able to perform their work in a safe manner and without risk to health. This duty extends to contractors and employees of the contractor. Employers and operators of cold storage facilities should be aware they have a responsibility (S. 23) to others apart from employees.

Managers of cold storage facilities – as well as employees – have prescribed individual responsibilities (S. 25) as offi cers of a company (S. 144) for ensuring the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace.

The OHS Act also requires the designers of buildings and structures to design the building or structure to be safe and without risks to the health of those using it as a workplace (S. 28).

While the OHS Act prescribes the general principles and duty of care provisions of Victorian health and safety legislation, there are a number of specifi c hazard-based regulations (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007) that require employers to identify and control risks, and consult with employees who are likely to be affected by any activity that relates to their health and safety.

More information: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

There are specifi c duties within the OHS Act (Part 4) and various sections of hazard-based regulations that require employers to consult with employees who are, or are likely to be, affected by a range of health and safety matters. This includes identifying or assessing hazards or risks, making decisions on how to control risks or when changes are proposed that may affect employee health and safety.

Consultation must include independent contractors and employees of the independent contractor/s, including labour hire employees – provided that the action or decision involved is one the principal employer has, or should have, control over.

In situations where health and safety representatives (HSRs) are elected by

employees to represent them, this consultation must involve the HSR (with or without the involvement of the employees directly). Effective consultation between employers, employees and HSRs working within cold storage facilities is necessary to ensure workplace hazards are identifi ed and where possible eliminated or controlled. There are many benefi ts that can be gained through meaningful consultation between employers and employees including:

• better outcomes resulting from employee input and a more comprehensive identifi cation of potential workplace hazards and risk control options

• ownership by employees in relation to any of the decisions that are made to eliminate or reduce risk

• a more effective and effi cient design and operation of plant and work processes • a better and more effective workplace layout that produces considerable

effi ciency gains

• a healthy and safe workplace culture with a strong emphasis on cooperation, and • improved productivity and a reduction in absenteeism.

It is important to recognise that effective consultation during the initial design and ongoing operation of cold storage facilities will assist employers and operators. It ensures plant and equipment, as well as the structure and layout, are effi cient and suitable for the safe operation of the facility.

More information: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 WorkSafe guidance and publications

Consultation

3.

Training

Employers and operators of cold storage facilities have prescribed responsibilities to provide employees with information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to perform work in a safe manner without risk to their health. These same duties extend to contractors and the employees of contractors.

Induction and ongoing hazard training for employees should be regularly reviewed to make sure the employer or operator of a cold storage facility – where necessary – modifi es training to ensure it remains relevant to current operations and provides appropriate information and instruction to employees on any additions or changes to hazard-based policies or procedures.

While the formal recording of such training is not compulsory, it is important any training be competency based. Formally recording the training is recommended as it provides the employer with an accurate record of the training provided as well as confi dence that it achieved the desired outcomes.

Induction training

The type of induction required for each site and/or task, provided to permanent, part time, or casual employees may vary from the level of induction provided to contractors and drivers.

Any training should include information identifying the relevant HSR for the designated work group (DWG), the procedure for reporting hazards and the issue resolution procedure used at the workplace.

The level of site induction training required may depend on factors such as:

• type of work and the level of expertise required by the person performing the work • hazards and risks associated with the work

• specifi c area/s where the work is to be undertaken and any hazards that may exist there

• workplace hazards and the integrity and level of risk control measures in place • level of supervisory control required and the contractual arrangements with the

person and/or company involved.

Training and

supervision

4.

Task-specifi c training

Any task or hazard-based training provided by the employer or cold storage facility operator to employees, contractors or others who may visit or undertake work at the site should:

• reinforce and/or complement the induction training already provided by employer or operator of the cold storage facility

• include information on any risks associated with the hazard

• include information and specifi c instruction or procedures for eliminating or mitigating any risk associated with the hazard

• encourage discussion and questions from participants to confi rm understanding and clarify any misunderstandings

• include some form of competency-based assessment to ensure the training achieves desired outcomes.

Supervision

As well as providing training, employers must appropriately supervise all those working in or visiting the workplace. The level of supervision often depends on the workplace hazards, level of exposure and integrity of risk control measures in place. In workplaces where safe work procedures and employee training and instruction have been used as the primary risk control measure, a greater level of supervision is required.

More information: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (S. 21) WorkSafe guidance and publications

Training and supervision

4.

How to use these guidelines

These guidelines have been divided into specifi c hazard or industry-based issues. While the following list may not cover all existing hazards or issues within cold storage facilities, the general principles may be applied to those areas not listed in this document. The green, amber and red traffi c light format will help you identify high-risk practices and assess your workplace in order to implement safer work practices. The rationale is simple: to reduce injury rates and compensation claims, high-risk situations must be addressed.

Companies undertaking work practices in the RED high-risk area should be aware that these activities may breach legislation and place the health and safety of their workers at risk.

Where high-risk practices are used and identifi ed in your workplace, you should immediately consider practices in the GREEN low-risk column.

If not practicable, you should put in place the comparable practices in the AMBER

medium-risk column. Generally, these only provide an interim solution as, in most instances, the GREEN solutions refl ect good practice.

If, however, you are able to demonstrate an appropriate risk assessment process has been undertaken and you are able to verify the ‘reasonably practicable’ test has been applied to the implemented controls, measures in the amber range may be practicable.

High Risk

(Medium-risk)

(Low-risk)

The practices in the red column should not be used in the workplaces; an employer who allows these practices to be used is likely to be in breach of OHS legislation.

The practices in the amber column are less effective in reducing risk compared to those in the green column and should generally be treated as interim solutions.

The practices in the green column are most effective at reducing risk and should be regarded as the target for all workplaces.

Using these

guidelines

These guidelines apply no matter what time of day or day of week.

Using these guidelines

5.

Unacceptable

risk column

Are any solutions from the green column reasonably practicable for the workplace?

(Undertake practicability test)

Implement solutions,

reduced risk column

NO

YES

Implement

a solution,

preferred

solution

column

There are a number of structural design factors that should be considered when planning, designing or modifying any cold storage facility. When planning the design specifi cations for a new cold storage facility or modifi cations to an existing facility, the owners and operators are presented with an opportunity to capitalise on past experience and ensure the design, layout and selection/installation of plant and equipment utilises new technology to eliminate or reduce risk while at the same time improve productivity.

The following building design factors should be considered during the design of any new cold storage facility or modifi cations to any existing facility.

More information: Design of a safe cold storage workplace chart (Appendix 1)

Suspended ceilings

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Insulated ceiling spaces or cavities used by employees or contractors for storage or maintenance that have: • not been designed and

constructed with safe means of access and egress

• no visible or prescribed maximum load capacity to ensure it will support the weight of persons and or material

• no perimeter or other appropriate fall protection.

Suspended ceilings and ceiling cavities that have:

• appropriate means of access to and egress from the ceiling cavity • suffi cient space and lighting

for maintenance or the conduct of other activities in the space

• appropriately designated walkways and/or work platforms

• suitable weight rating and are capable of supporting workers and materials

• capability of bearing additional load from a build up of ice and water if the ceiling becomes wet

• strategically positioned drainage points capable of removing any build up of water.

Building design

and structure

Suspended ceilings (continued)

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Well designed suspended ceiling providing a cavity space safe to access and work in.

• provisions for a hoist or other mechanical aid used for raising and lowering tools and equipment.

Structural supports

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Structural supports or columns throughout buildings that:

• are positioned in or adjacent to vehicle or forklift traffi c areas • are not clearly visible and

easily defi ned

• impede or restrict the movement of forklift and pedestrian traffi c • increase thermal conduction.

Structual supports or columns within traffi c areas that are:

• painted to increase visibility • appropriately covered to reduce

impact and increase visibility.

Building and structure designed or modifi ed to ensure:

• no internal structural columns hinder or obstruct forklift or order picking activities

• any internal structural supports or columns positioned within the building structure or racking • are insulated and heated to limit

thermal conduction.

Building design and structure

6.

Air fl ows

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Poor workplace design and layout with refrigeration plant and equipment that has:

• unnecessarily high air velocity that creates high wind chill

• fans directed onto employee work or traffi c areas

• noise levels at or above the 85dB(A) exposure standard.

Design layout and selection of plant to ensure:

• evaporators are positioned to reduce airfl ows and limit wind chill and snow formation

• there are safe and easy means of access to plant for maintenance staff • air curtains or rapid roller doors

provide warm work areas for employees while maintaining cold environment for product

• interlocked refrigeration fans that stop when people are in area.

Flooring systems

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Poor concrete fl ooring system design and construction resulting in:

• tripping hazards created by uneven, cracked or broken concrete

• excessive number, size, and position of expansion joints

• unsafe internal forklift traffi c areas and roadways created by uneven fl oor surface (due to number, size and position of expansion joints or frost heave).

Flat concrete fl ooring system that has: • racking system strategically

positioned over expansion joints • metal plates fi xed over

expansion joints.

A well designed, constructed and maintained concrete slab fl oor that: • is solidly constructed, level and

free of cracks or damage

• is post-tensioned to remove need for expansion joints

• minimises the number and impact of expansion joints at design stage • has suffi cient insulation with

a suitable vapour barrier or sub-fl oor heating to prevent frost heave • is sealed to prevent or minimise

concrete dust

• has joints protected with steel angles.

Building design and structure

6.

While the design, layout and specifi cation of cold storage facilities provides the best opportunity to design and/or engineer out the risks to employees associated with workplace hazards, redesigning or modifying existing facilities can also be a cost-effective way to reduce risk. The re-design of the workplace layout and the relocation of existing amenities and facilities allow cold storage facility owners and operators to better utilise the existing structure while reducing risk and improving product fl ow.

Redesigning or modifying an existing facility also enables employers to add or reposition racking systems, ensure employee amenities are strategically positioned close to work areas, and that access to these amenities does not require employees or truck drivers to travel through forklift or vehicle traffi c areas. These modifi cations also provide employers with an opportunity to explore the level of risk reduction and effi ciency benefi ts associated with the introduction of the most recent and up-to-date technology in racking systems and traffi c management.

More information: AS/NZS 1680.1.2006

Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and recommendations

Visibility

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Facility has an inadequate level of visibility due to:

• poorly designed and positioned general or task lighting in traffi c or work areas

• product storage that is in or across designated walkways or roadways • blind spots created by the temporary

or permanent storage of product pallets adjacent to roadways or traffi c areas

• pedestrian, forklift and vehicle traffi c intersections that create blind corners (e.g. ends of racking, doorways into and from trucks at loading dock).

Facility has risk controls measures to improve visibility that include:

• adequate general lighting with no consideration given to task lighting needs or shadows created by racking, etc.

• use of mirrors at blind corners • use of bollards and/or gates at

pedestrian and forklift intersections, or blind corners

• procedures requiring pedestrian, forklift and vehicle traffi c to stop and look both ways at intersections • procedures requiring vehicles to

sound horns when approaching intersections and when entering or exiting buildings.

Good visibility as a result of the design and the layout of the facility which ensures that:

• adequate lighting has been designed and appropriately positioned in all traffi c and work areas

• unobstructed and clear walkways and roadways where:

- vehicles and pedestrian traffi c have clear uninterrupted visibility along path of travel; and

- layout and design of traffi c and work areas eliminates pedestrian vehicle interaction (e.g. blind corners).

Refer: AS/NZS 1680.1.2006

Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and recommendations

Workplace layout

and facilities

Workplace layout and facilities

7.

Aisles

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Poor workplace design and layout of storage and work areas due to aisles that:

• are not wide enough to easily and safely manoeuvre forklift trucks or other equipment

• terminate at blind corners and intersect with roadways or forklift traffi c areas (e.g. ends of racking) • have product or material stored

across or within aisles

• are used by both pedestrian and vehicular traffi c at the same time • have inadequate lighting due to

position or type of lighting.

Use of risk controls and procedures for aisles that:

• allocate an aisle for order picking or forklift use

• have manually operated barriers or gates across aisles during order picking or use by forklifts

• prescribe a three metre separation distance between pedestrian and forklifts

• prescribe that pedestrians have right of way.

Well designed layout of storage areas with aisles that:

• have suffi cient and well designed lighting

• have designated and physically separate pedestrian and forklift traffi c areas (e.g. separate picking aisles)

• are wide enough to manoeuvre forklifts and pallet trucks into position during the placement or retrieval of product

• are wide enough to allow for

expected volume of pedestrian traffi c and any pedestrian carried loads • eliminate pedestrian and forklift

intersections (blind corners) at the ends of racking aisles.

Amenities

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Facilities and amenities for employees such as lunch rooms, showers and toilets that:

• are not easily accessible or are located far away from work areas • are poorly designed, unclean and/or

not in a hygienic condition

• do not have any or adequate First Aid facilities and/or trained First Aid staff • are poorly equipped and do not have

adequate facilities for:

- peak number of employees (e.g. labour hire/casuals) - truck drivers or visitors

• do not have appropriate warm up facilities that:

- are suitably heated

- are clean and well maintained - have suitable drying cabinets

for employee personal protective equipment (PPE).

Facilities and amenities that are: • well designed, adequately equipped

and clean

• designed and equipped to accommodate the maximum number of employees and visitors (e.g. truck drivers)

• easily accessible from all work areas • located to eliminate or minimise any interaction between pedestrian and vehicle traffi c

• well equipped with clean and comfortable warm up rooms • designed to allow for the storage

and drying of employee PPE.

Refer: Code of Practice for Workplaces

Appropriately designed and resourced First Aid facilities with suffi cient numbers of trained staff who are accessible to employees.

Refer: Code of Practice for First Aid in Workplaces

Workplace layout and facilities

7.

Battery storage and recharging areas

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Inappropriate and poorly designed battery recharging and storage areas that:

• are positioned on loading docks or high vehicular or forklift traffi c areas • are within enclosed confi ned

areas/rooms with little or no natural/mechanical ventilation to disburse or remove fumes • do not comply with the

Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations 2000 • do not have enough space

for manoeuvring and the safe operation of lifting equipment • do not have appropriate PPE readily

available for employees (e.g. face shields, gloves, aprons, boots) • do not have appropriate and

easily accessible emergency equipment (e.g. safety showers and eyewash facilities).

Appropriately designed battery storage and recharging areas that:

• are naturally or mechanically ventilated

• are designed and operated in accordance with the Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations 2000

Refer: AS 2359.6 Powered Industrial Trucks – Part 6 Safety Code

Appropriate space, ventilation and facilities to safely charge forklift batteries.

• provide suffi cient room for easy access and the safe use of lifting plant equipment to remove, store and replace batteries

• have batteries positioned on racks or secure charging locations providing protection from impact damage

• have charging systems designed and installed to suit the cold storage environment (e.g. moisture, water)

• have appropriate personal protective and emergency safety equipment (e.g. safety showers and eye wash facilities).

Refer: AS 4775.2007 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment

Racking systems

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Poorly designed racking systems that: • do not identify safe working load

(Rated Load Capacity)

• are not appropriately designed or manufactured

Inappropriate racking used to stock product which is not rated, damaged and/or in poor condition.

• are overloaded or exceed manufacture specifi cations

Product stacked haphazardly in aisles due to a lack of suitable racking space.

• exceed manufacturer’s maximum specifi ed height for portable racking • exceed manufacturer’s maximum

stack height for stillages

• are damaged or not maintained to manufacturer specifi cations • are not provided with adequate

collision protection to prevent damage by forklifts

• obstruct ceiling mounted sprinklers or other fi re protection equipment.

Appropriately selected, well designed racking systems that:

• have been specifi cally selected for the purpose for which they are intended (e.g. manual order picking) • have been designed and installed

to the appropriate standards and specifi cations

• are regularly inspected and maintained • clearly display maximum height and

rated capacity (kg) limits

• have appropriate levels of collision protection to prevent forklift damage and potential structural failure (e.g. bollards, barriers)

• have design features that allow the easy placement and secure storage of pallets and product

• was designed and installed so as not to obstruct or restrict the effect of ceiling mounted sprinklers or other fi re protection systems.

Refer: AS 4084 Supp 1-1993 : Steel storage racking – Commentary (Supplement to AS 4084-1993)

Workplace layout and facilities

7.

Staging area

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Inadequate and poorly designed staging areas that:

• have no physical separation of pedestrian and forklift traffi c areas • have no designated area for the

storage or holding of consignments • does not have protected or clearly

defi ned roadways or walkways • creates blind corners through the

positioning of pallets of product next to pedestrian forklift intersections • are crowded with not enough space

for the number of consignments and safe movement of pedestrian and forklift traffi c.

A staging area that relies on procedures, line markings and other forms of administrative control measures to separate pedestrian and forklift traffi c.

Staging areas which are well designed and have a layout that has:

• all doorways between staging areas, refrigerated trucks, cool rooms and freezers have been designed to prevent snowing or a build up of ice on walls and fl oor areas

• enough space to cater for large consignments and overfl ow or peak workloads

• clearly marked holding areas defi ned and strictly maintained • clearly defi ned and protected

pedestrian walkways and work areas (e.g. physical guard railing or barriers).

Clearly marked staging aisles.

Dock levellers and loading ramps

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Unsuitable and poorly designed dock areas with dock levellers

or loading ramps that:

• are not suitable or cannot be adjusted to enable mechanical aids to be used during loading and unloading

• are not of suffi cient size or structural capacity for the vehicles or the equipment being used

• cannot be retracted fully when not in use and so become a tripping hazard.

Well designed dock areas with dock levellers and loading ramps that: • are suitable for the purpose

for which they are intended and regularly inspected and appropriately maintained • are of suffi cient size, structural

capacity and are adjustable enabling the use of various mechanical aids used during the loading and unloading of trucks • provide safe same level access

to the rear of trucks

• fold away to form continuous surface with dock.

Workplace layout and facilities

7.

The constant movement of road transport vehicles, the operation of forklifts and other mobile plant – and the potential for interaction with pedestrians – presents signifi cant traffi c management issues in cold storage facilities.

Good traffi c management is important for the safe and effi cient movement of pedestrian and vehicles in and around cold storage facilities. Both the designers and operators of cold storage facilities have responsibilities to ensure the facility’s design, layout and operation eliminates, or reduces so far as is practicable, the risks

associated with traffi c management.

Working in the cold may mean that when vehicles with windscreens and pedestrians with glasses move from one temperature to another visibility is affected by condensation on the windscreen or glasses.

The cold environment and the movement of forklifts in and out of freezers may result in fl oors becoming wet and slippery. A traffi c management plan must ensure issues to do with visibility and wet, slippery fl oors, and the risks these environmental conditions present, are considered and addressed.

Traffi c management plans must be developed, implemented and regularly reviewed in consultation with employees. The consultative process can assist the cold storage facility owner and/or operator to identify, eliminate or signifi cantly reduce any risk created by interactions between pedestrians, forklifts or other forms of vehicular traffi c.

Broader consultation with employer and employee representative bodies can also assist in identifying new or advanced technologies that may eliminate or reduce risk while at the same time providing operators with substantial effi ciency and productivity gains.

The following examples of high risk activities and corresponding risk control solutions are not exhaustive however they may assist the operators of cold storage facilities to identify and appropriately control risks associated with any interaction between pedestrians and vehicle traffi c.

More information: Australia Standard AS 4024.1

WorkSafe publications: Forklift Safety Reducing the Risk

Safety by Design – Eliminating manual handling injuries in road transport

Traffi c

management

8.

Traffi c management:

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Facility does not have a traffi c management plan to control risks associated with:

• poorly designed pedestrian and vehicular work areas

• employees and visitors (e.g. truck drivers) having to cross vehicle traffi c areas or roadways to access amenities or facilities

• inadequate lighting and poor visibility • blind corners where pedestrian and

forklift or other vehicle traffi c intersect (e.g. ends of racking, loading docks, doorways opening directly onto roadways)

• vehicle and pedestrian traffi c using the same aisles, roadways and doorways

• forklifts or other mobile plant operating in pedestrian work areas • walkways and work areas with

no physical separation between pedestrians and forklift and vehicle traffi c

• a lack of suffi cient room or area to safely manoeuvre forklifts or road transport vehicles.

Facility relies on risk controls that: • consist solely of safe work

procedures and signage • require all those on site to wear

high visibility clothing

• require pedestrian and vehicle traffi c to slow down, stop and look • require all forklifts and vehicles

approaching intersections or entering or exiting buildings to sound their horns

• prescribe separation distances between pedestrian and forklift traffi c • require forklifts and vehicles to give

way to pedestrians

• has fl oor line marking to defi ne pedestrian work areas and walkways from forklift and other vehicular traffi c areas

• use bollards/gates across walkways to slow and obstruct pedestrian traffi c

• has mirrors to increase visibility at blind corners.

Good workplace design and layout with a traffi c management plan which ensures:

• the safe and effi cient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffi c • facilities and amenities are

strategically positioned to eliminate pedestrian and vehicular traffi c interaction

• traffi c and work areas have suffi cient lighting and there is good visibility (e.g. street lighting at intersections) • pedestrian work areas and walkways

are physically separated from forklift and other vehicular traffi c (e.g. elevated work areas and walkways)

Innovative racking design provides safe walkways for pedestrians.

• guard railing or physical barriers are positioned out from and across the front of pedestrian doorways leading to internal or external roadways • protected walkways that change

direction to increase visibility at doorways and pedestrian forklift intersections

• pedestrian walkways are suitable for the volume of pedestrian traffi c • there is suffi cient space and room

to safely manoeuvre forklifts • the different characteristics, size

and turning circles of various types of road transport vehicles.

Traffi c management

8.

Forklift loading and unloading

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Facility has no adequate risk control measures to protect people during the loading and unloading of trucks and: • allows unrestricted access to the dock area by pedestrians during loading and unloading

• has designated pedestrian walkways that cross the path of reversing forklifts at blind corners (e.g. rear of trucks on dock area)

• relies on signage as the only way to warn pedestrian, forklift operators and truck drivers to be aware of other traffi c

• relies on safe work procedures that require truck drivers, forklift operators, and pedestrians to stop and look when approaching or at intersections

• does not prevent any deliberate or inadvertent movement of the truck during loading or unloading (e.g. driver may enter cab and move truck during loading/unloading process).

Facility relies on the use of administrative risk controls that may include:

• the use of spring loaded gates or bollards on walkways to impede pedestrian traffi c and give them time to stop and look

• strategically positioned mirrors at blind corners

• fl ashing or static lights to warn pedestrians of forklifts activity at the rear of trucks

• designated protected areas for drivers to stand during loading and unloading

• signage used with other risk control measures

• safe work procedures designed to prevent the movement of trucks from the loading dock during loading and unloading (e.g. use of wheel chocks and the surrendering of keys).

Measure to control the risks to any pedestrian traffi c during the loading and unloading of trucks on roadways or dock areas should ensure that: • pedestrian access to the dock area

during any loading and unloading of the truck by forklifts is restricted • where pedestrian walkways are

across the rear of trucks, there are electronic sensors and interlocked gates that prevent pedestrian access during forklift the operation of forklifts

(Reference AS 4024)

• truck drivers are able to monitor and remotely supervise the loading of trucks through the use of remote visual and audio monitors

• electronically interlocked systems that physically restrain trailers and prevent their deliberate or

inadvertent movement from the loading dock until loading or unloading has been completed and dock doors are closed and locked • appropriately designed and

positioned signage is used in conjunction with other risk control measures.

Traffi c management

8.

While there are some environmental factors specifi c to the cold storage industry, there are other environmental hazards and risks that are well known across a range of industries and as such have prescribed standards and well documented guidance material.

Environmental hazards in the cold storage industry include: • working in cold conditions

• slips, trips and falls • noise

• hazardous atmospheres • lighting.

In workplaces where employee exposure to cold is identifi ed as a workplace hazard employers must ensure appropriate risk-control measures that protect employees and ensure body heat is retained have been put in place.

Employers in the cold storage industry need to recognise the impact of cold stress and the potential for hypothermia, and how thermal stress may increase fatigue and affect the ability of individual employees to work in a manner that is safe and without risk to themselves and other employees.

The effects a cold work environment can have on individual employees should also be recognised and employers should conduct regular health monitoring to ensure exposure to cold, or rapid changes in temperature, do not have an adverse impact on the health and safety of employees.

Poorly ventilated spaces such as cool stores, freezer rooms and controlled

atmosphere rooms may present hazardous atmospheres. A poorly ventilated space may become dangerous if there is an unsafe level of atmospheric contaminants or the oxygen level is unsafe.

Some examples of dangerous work in poorly ventilated places include:

• liquid petroleum gas (LPG), petrol or diesel forklift trucks in cool stores or freezer rooms – dangerous levels of carbon monoxide may build up where poorly tuned LPG, petrol or diesel forklift trucks operate and ventilation is insuffi cient

• activation of controlled atmosphere rooms used for long-term storage of fruit – the oxygen level in controlled atmosphere rooms may be as low as 2% and exposure will be life-threatening.

Environmental

conditions

Environmental conditions

9.

The following environmental hazards and the corresponding risk control measures are not exhaustive, however they may assist employers and the operators of cold storage facilities to identify and control risks:

More information: Operation of LPG forklift trucks in poorly ventilated places (Appendix 3) Long-term fruit storage in controlled atmosphere rooms (Appendix 4) Protective Clothing for Cold Storage – A Users’ Guide (Appendix 5)

Cold

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Exposure of employees to the effects of wind chill that may contribute to cold stress or hypothermia.

Refer: Wind chill chart (Appendix 2)

The following factors may contribute to cold stress or hypothermia: • a level of physical activity that

results in sweating and a

subsequent decrease in employee body temperature

• inadequate supply of appropriate dry protective clothing and footwear • employees with medical or other

conditions that may be affected by cold

• employees who are more susceptible to cold stress due to effects of drugs or alcohol

• employees who are not experienced or acclimatised to cold work

environments are appropriately trained and supervised

• thermal personal protective clothing and equipment that is inadequate and or poorly maintained.

Administrative risk control measures that prescribe:

• time limits for employees working in the cold

• rest periods for employees to spend in warm up rooms. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment that is:

• provided and appropriately maintained • generically issued and suitable for

the cold

• supplied to employees to work in the cold for a limited period of time (e.g. fi ve minutes in freezer).

Risk to employees from working in the cold and their exposure to thermal stress has been eliminated or controlled by:

• using fully automated plant and equipment able to mechanically transfer product to and from cold storage areas

• design and layout of the workplace and:

- the selection and positioning of refrigeration plant and equipment - the velocity and direction of cold

air from the refrigeration plant and equipment

- the use of forklifts and mobile plant fi tted with insulated and heated cabins

• elimination of physical activity that may cause sweating and a subsequent decrease in body temperature

• pre-employment medical

examinations and health monitoring systems are in place to ensure employees with medical or other conditions are not exposed to, and or affected, by the cold

• individually issued and fi tted personal protective clothing and equipment that is suitable for the cold work environment and replaced when wet or damaged.

Refer: Protective Clothing for Cold Storage – A Users’ Guide (Appendix 5)

Environmental conditions

9.

Slips, trips and falls

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Employees and visitors are exposed to slips, trips and falls as a result of: • poor housekeeping, (e.g. pallets,

boxes, plastic wrapping and other waste materials on fl oors in aisles, walkways or stairs)

• a build up of water or ice from poorly designed and insulated doorways (e.g. moist air entering freezer).

Administrative risk control measure that the workplace is reliant on to prevent slips, trips and falls includes: • signage warning people of water

and/or ice on fl oors • procedures that:

- promote good housekeeping - require water on fl oors to

be cleaned

- ensure water and ice on fl oors is covered with sugar or other suitable absorbent and non slip material.

Potential for slips, trips, and falls has been eliminated or appropriately controlled by:

• temperature and controlled atmospheres at all entry points • automatic use of air curtains or

rapid opening and closing insulated curtains or doors

• immediate removal and appropriate disposal of all waste material • immediate removal and appropriate

storage of empty pallets

• use of slip resistant fl oor surfaces • provision of appropriate footwear.

Noise

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Sources of noise in the work environment that may exceed the prescribed employee exposure standard of 85 decibels (A weighted) averaged over an eight-hour period, and/or the 140 decibels (C weighted) peak level that has:

• not determined whether or not employee exposure to noise exceeds the prescribed exposure standard • employee exposure determined to

exceed the exposure standard, sources of noise have not been eliminated or so far as reasonably practicable controlled at the source • not been considered during design

and construction of the facility • not been considered during

the selection and positioning of refrigeration fans, compressors or other plant or equipment.

Determined that employee exposure to noise may exceed the exposure standard after the application of the hierarchy of control the employer has ensured that:

• a written record of the risk-control measures has been developed and implemented in consultation with employees

• written risk control measures are readily accessible to the HSR and employees affected by the proposed control measure • appropriately positioned signs

prescribing the use of hearing protective devices

• employees and others at the workplace are provided with appropriate hearing protection devices.

Employer or occupier of the cold storage facility has ensured that: • employee exposure to noise

has been so far as is practicable controlled and therefore does not require the provision of hearing protective devices

• design, layout, and purchase of plant and equipment controls employee exposure to noise

• policies and procedures are in place to ensure modifi cations to the workplace and purchase of plant and equipment will not introduce sources of noise that may exceed exposure standard.

Refer: Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, Chapter 3.2.1 – Noise WorkSafe publication – Your Health and Safety Guide to Noise

Environmental conditions

9.

Noise (continued)

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

• audiometric testing for employees exposed to noise levels that exceed the exposure standard is conducted • employees are provided with

appropriate information, instruction and training on noise and the proper use of risk control measures.

Hazardous atmospheres

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Hazardous work environment created by a carbon monoxide exhaust emmission from the use of a petrol or diesel powered forklift truck or similar powered plant and equipment in poorly ventilated places such as freezers, chillers and cold store rooms.

Hazardous work environment created by excessive carbon monoxide emissions from the use of LPG powered forklift trucks or similar powered plant in poorly ventilated places such as freezers, chillers and cold store rooms.

There are no adequate risk-control measures in place to control the risk to employees from entering controlled atmosphere store rooms which may be contaminated and oxygen defi cient.

Risk control measures and safe work procedures for employees entering or working in poorly ventilated places that include:

• regular testing and monitoring of exhaust emissions from LPG powered forklifts or similar plant operating in poorly ventilated places • regular tuning of LPG powered

forklifts to ensure exhaust emissions do not exceed prescribed limits • formal recording of forklift

maintenance including the testing and monitoring of exhaust emissions • use of mechanical ventilation to

clear any carbon monoxide or other airborne contaminant from within the work environment.

Documented safe work procedures for those entering or working in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) store rooms include: • appointing an authorised person

responsible for formally monitoring, recording, and controlling all access to and from these rooms

• closely supervising all employees and all work within CA store rooms • ensuring appropriate signage is

displayed on doors and any entry point into a CA store room • the provision of adequate natural

or mechanical ventilation.

• Replacement of petrol, diesel and LPG forklift trucks with electric forklift trucks in all poorly ventilated places (e.g. freezers, chillers, and cold storage rooms).

Refer: Operation of LPG forklift trucks in poorly ventilated places (Appendix 3)

The use of remote or totally automated mechanical risk control measures that does not require anyone to enter a CA store room until the atmosphere is clear of any airborne contaminant and oxygen levels are at appropriate levels.

Refer: Long-term fruit storage in controlled atmosphere rooms (Appendix 4)

Environmental conditions

9.

Hazardous atmospheres (continued)

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

• monitoring oxygen levels before and during any entry into CA store rooms • having appropriate control

systems capable of securely isolating the system for charging the CA store room

• emergency procedures for the removal or rescue of people from the CA store room

• adequate training of employees who may be required to supervise or enter a CA store room.

Lighting

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

General and task lighting at the workplace for employees, forklift operators and truck drivers is inadequate and:

• general and task lighting does not meet the required lighting standards • does not provide required degree

of luminance

• is not inspected and tested to ensure an appropriate level of luminance is provided and maintained • poor workplace design and layout

creates shadows

• prevents or restricts easy access to lighting for maintenance purposes.

Internal and external general purpose and task lighting throughout the workplace has been designed and installed to ensure that:

• lighting provided is of an

appropriate standard and provides adequate luminance

• lighting is suitable for its intended purpose, and can be easily reached for maintenance or to be replaced

• where a specifi c or high degree luminance is required, task and general lighting is regularly inspected and tested to ensure the appropriate level of lighting is maintained.

Refer: AS 1680.1.2006 Interior and Workplace Lighting.

Manual handling

10.

In the cold storage industry, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) caused as a result of hazardous manual handling tasks result in signifi cant costs to the industry – in human and fi nancial terms.

Manual order picking, manual loading and unloading of road transport vehicles and containers result in a number of these injuries. It is recognised that cold work environments may increase the likelihood and the potential severity of any injury or musculoskeletal disorder.

To control the risk to employees from hazardous manual handling, employers must consult with employees and relevant HSRs. Consultation may involve exploring benefi ts of any new technology which may be used in warehousing or other similar industry. The selection and implementation of appropriate technology can effectively control risks associated with hazardous manual handling while at the

same time provide employers with effi ciency gains and reduced costs. The key to manual order picking is to ensure

employees are able to handle items between shoulder and knee height at all times. This is referred to as the Best Working Zone (BWZ), and together with ensuring that the item and is close to their body, is the optimum position when lifting. Items can be maintained within the BWZ either through workplace design or by using appropriate equipment.

There are a number of other factors that must be considered to reduce the number of injuries in cold storage environments. These factors include the frequency of handling, the weight and shape of the object being lifted, the position of the object, the distance or reach required to lift, push or pull an object, whether handles are provided, any diffi culty in handling the object (how slippery the object is), the use of gloves and any twisting of the body.

GREEN - LOW RISK

AMBER - MEDIUM RISK

There are other environmental factors unique to the cold storage industry that must also be considered to reduce the risk of MSD to employees. These environmental factors relate to manual handling tasks being undertaken in a cold work environment and the accumulation of water or ice on fl oor surfaces that may make fl oors slippery for employees working in that environment.

There are sections of the cold storage industry that have prescribed pick rates for employees. Unreasonable work practices may increase the risk of an MSD because they can encourage employees to skip meal and rest breaks to meet prescribed pick rates or achieve bonus payments.

Work practices that promote excessive work rates or extended shift lengths so employees can achieve bonuses should be avoided. Senior and line managers of these facilities have prescribed responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 either as offi cers of a company (S. 144) or as employees (S. 25) for ensuring the health and safety of fellow employees and others in the work place.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Part 3 – Manual Handling) require an employer to identify tasks undertaken or to be undertaken by an employee involving hazardous manual handling. The employer must also ensure the risk of an MSD associated with a hazardous manual handling task is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable. As a part of a review of a task following an MSD, it could well be expected that the contribution of the picking rate would be examined and possibly modifi ed.

More information:

WorkSafe publications: Code of Practice for Manual Handling A Guide to Manual Order Picking Manual Handling in the Red Meat Industry

Manual handling

10.

Order picking

High risk action

Source of risk

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

• bending the back forward or sideways more than 20 degrees

• twisting the back more than 20 degrees

• lifting and lowering items and exerting force while in an awkward posture • exerting force while lifting

lowering or twisting the back more than twice a minute

• with long duration (> 30 minutes continuously or > 2 hours over the whole shift)

• the application of high force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move or restrain heavy loads. These actions may occur in situations listed under ‘potential source of risk’ or in combination with other work activities.

Transferring product from pallets positioned on the fl oor within a racking system and on to pallets on the fl oor or lower shelves or trolleys. Picking or replenishing items from below knee height.

Lifting products from below the knees.

Repetitive picking or replenishing items from above shoulder height with high force or long duration.

Lifting products from above head height.

Prescribed pick rates or bonus system encouraging hazardous manual handling to be undertaken without prescribed rest or meal breaks.

Reducing risks may involve changes to one or more of the following risk factors: • adjustable shelf heights

to allow employees to pick from Best Working Zone (BWZ)

• height adjustable pallet lifters or stands to allow employees to stack items onto pallets in BWZ • pick rates that encourage

employees to take rest breaks and work safely • use of pick sticks

to pull items towards themselves to eliminate forward reaching • plastic slip sheets or

solid top pallets to reduce resistance and the force required when sliding items.

Fully automated and computerised order picking facilities that do not require any manual handling of items. Racking design, workplace layout and work practices ensure that:

• all order picking undertaken ensures employees are always working within the BWZ. Carton live storage racking with no prescribed pick rates.

Well-designed racking systems with slip sheets or solid based plastic pallets on roller conveyor shelving that is sloped forward to decrease resistance and assist access to boxes at the rear of the pallet.

Manual handling

10.

Order picking (continued)

High risk action

Source of risk

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Picking is to fi xed height conveyor, adjustable height trolley, height adjustable pallet mover, or roll cage.

Refer: WorkSafe publication, Guide to Manual Order Picking

Loading & unloading

High risk action

Source of risk

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Application of high force when lifting, carrying, and stacking items.

Repetitive application of force while in an awkward posture, e.g. more than twice a minute, or with long duration (> 30 minutes continuously or > 2 hours over the whole shift). These actions may occur in situations listed under ‘potential source of risk’ or in combination with other work activities.

Manually handling items into or out of truck pans or containers, refrigerated or not, including:

• handling items to the rear of the container or truck pan

• carrying items into or out of containers or truck pans • securing or releasing load binders • installing or removing false fl oors

• opening or closing doors. Product items may include carcasses, boxed cartons etc. Potential sources of

risk include:

• position of the product at pick up and at placement • work practices where

employees do not take prescribed meal or rest breaks • weight of the item.

Reducing risk may involve changes that may impact on the risk factors through the use of one or more of the following:

• a conveyor or other mechanical aid to transfer product into or out of truck pans or containers

• a pallet lifter to present product within the BWZ during manual loading or unloading from pallets • job rotation and or regular

rest breaks for employees involved in manual loading and unloading.

Eliminate or substantially reduce any risk to employees while loading and unloading refrigerated truck pans and/or containers employers should: • negotiate with suppliers

and customers to ensure that product is supplied on slip sheets or pallets so any loading or unloading can be undertaken mechanically (e.g. forklift or walkie stacker), or

• where manual loading and or unloading is required use height adjustable reach conveyor or similar mechanical aids to ensure employees are working within the BWZ.

Extendable conveyor system to assist manual loading/ unloading of containers

Manual handling

10.

Manual handling

10.

Handling empty pallets

High risk action

Source of risk

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

High force – exerting high force while in an awkward posture.

Removal of empty pallets

Manual removal of empty pallets from fl oor level within a racking system and onto a forklift or pallet jack for removal.

Manually lifting, carrying or dragging and then stacking of empty wooden pallets. Potential source of risk: • pallets at ground level • size of pallets

• weight of pallets can be up to 35 kg.

Reduction of risk may involve the use of mechanical aids or the use of one or more of the following;

• use hand pallet jack to move pallets

• use lighter weight softwood or plastic pallets, and/or

• team handling of pallets within the BWZ.

Racking system, workplace design and layout, and work practices for the removal or transfer of pallets ensure that;

• use of a racking system with roller conveyor shelving capable of discharging empty pallets for removal by forklift

Automatic pallet removal technology.

• removal, transfer, and stacking of pallets is done mechanically or by forklift or other form of mechanical aid • employees do not

While there are signifi cant issues surrounding traffi c management and the safe operation of machinery and equipment in the cold storage industry, there are similar concerns relating to the maintenance and operation of the numerous refrigeration systems used in these workplaces.

The storage and use of large quantities of anhydrous ammonia in refrigeration systems can pose a risk to employees, adjoining premises and surrounding community. The majority of risk and reported incidents where anhydrous ammonia has been involved are attributed to poor design and installation of refrigeration plant and/or a lack of inspection and maintenance and defi ciencies with the plant operational procedures.

Refrigeration plant and equipment

While the duties on the designers, owners and operators of cold storage facilities to ensure the selection, use and maintenance of workplace plant and equipment does not present a risk to employees, employers must (S. 23) also ensure that other people who are not employees are also not exposed to risks arising from the conduct of the undertaking of the employer.

This means employers must ensure that any activity or the operation of plant and equipment at the workplace does not present a risk to employees, contractors or others.

A number of incidents and inspections of cold storage facilities have raised concerns about the safe operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems in cold storage facilities. These concerns relate to the risks to employees, adjoining premises and the surrounding community from the large quantities of anhydrous ammonia stored and used at the workplace. This concern, combined with lack of security at these sites can present a signifi cant risk to the broader community.

Cold storage facilities must be proactive in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance programs and systems to effectively monitor and control the use of the plant and dangerous refrigerants.

Plant (machinery

and equipment)

11.

Plant (machinery and equipment)

11.

Risk control regarding refrigeration plant should take into account the following aspects: 1. Design and construction of plant – the design of the refrigeration plant should

meet published technical standards (e.g. Australian Standards) and the plant must be tested (e.g. hydrostatic pressure testing and x-ray examination) in line with the requirements of the relevant standard.

2. WorkSafe licensing – pressure vessels associated with the refrigeration plant may have to be Design Registered with WorkSafe if they are specifi ed in Schedule 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007. A design registration number must be provided to the customer by the supplier of the vessel. The individual vessels may then have to be an Item of Plant Registered with WorkSafe, again if included in Schedule 2.

3. Inspection and maintenance – refrigeration vessels covered by Schedule 2 are required to be periodically inspected (frequency of inspection as per manufacturer recommendation or Australian Standard AS 3788:2006 Table 4.1). Ongoing preventative maintenance must be conducted in conjunction with periodic inspection of the plant.

4. Ammonia release – safe discharge of anhydrous ammonia to ensure excess refrigerant is discharged to a safe location (e.g. not inside confi ned rooms but away from employee work areas and neighbouring properties).

More information:

AS/NZS 1677.2:1998 Refrigerating systems – Safety requirements for fi xed applications AS 3788:2006 – Pressure Equipment – In service Inspection

AS 3873:2001 – Pressure Equipment, Operation and Maintenance AS 4024.1:2006 – Safety of Machinery

AS 2022:2003 – Anhydrous Ammonia (Storage & Handling) Checklist – Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration Systems (Appendix 6) Dangerous Goods Act 1985

Plant (machinery and equipment)

11.

Forklifts and material handling equipment

Although forklifts and other forms of materials-handling equipment are extensively used in the cold storage industry, these items of plant type are overrepresented in the number of workplace incidents and fatalities. As a result, WorkSafe Victoria has developed and implemented a number of compliance based initiatives that include; • a requirement for seatbelts to be retrospectively fi tted to forklifts,

• the compulsory use of seat belts by forklift operators, and

• where there is interaction between pedestrian and forklift traffi c, the development and implementation of an effective traffi c management plan.

Features now readily available and that should be considered when leasing or purchasing forklift trucks include:

• ergonomic designs, including rotating cabins for travelling in reverse and fully adjustable tilting cabins for overhead work,

• electronic interlock or pedestrian-forklift zone sensing systems that effectively control forklift movement, operate boom gates on roadways or gate locking devices on pedestrian walkways,

• insulated and heated cabins to control employee exposure to wind chill, exposure, cold stress, and the level of fatigue from working in cold environments,

• air quality monitoring devices to continually monitor oxygen levels and air quality in freezers, cold stores or other confi ned areas of a cold storage facility,

• closed circuit television and mast mounted cameras for positioning and the retrieval of stock from the upper sections of racking, and

• computerised and electronic interlock devices to ensure seatbelts are worn by operators during forklift operation.

More information: AS 4024.1 – Safety of Machinery

WorkSafe publications: Forklift Safety Reducing the Risk

Safety by Design – Eliminating manual handling injuries in road transport

Forklifts and mobile plant

High risk examples

Medium risk solutions

Low risk solutions

Inappropriate and poorly maintained forklifts: • not fi tted with seat belts • not appropriately inspected

and tested • not maintained to

manufacturer specifi cations • not suitable for the work

being undertaken

• have attachments that are not matched to specifi c forklift • not compliant to the

relevant standard

• has a compliance plate that is not authentic

• operator has no forklift licence (to perform high risk work) and is not under training and instruction • operator has no experience

operating equipment.

Cold storage facility has been appropriately designed and uses well maintained battery or electric powered forklift trucks with:

• computerised automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems that do not require operators

• interlocking devices to ensure the compulsory use of seat belts • fi tted electronic interlock or

pedestrian or forklift zone sensing systems that:

- effectively control forklift truck movement

- operate roadway boom gates and gate locking devices on pedestrian walkways

• heated cabins designed for work in cold environments

• continually monitor air quality and oxygen levels

• mast mounted cameras and closed circuit television monitors in forklift cabins for positioning and the retrieval of stock from the upper sections of racking

• automatic height levelling systems pre-programmed to racking heights • operated by competent, experienced

and licensed persons.

Plant (machinery and equipment)

11.