Workplace Safety and Material Handling in Storage Facilities

Workplace Safety and Health

Royal Decree 486/1997, April 14: Safety and Health Provisions in the Workplace

Article 4 - Construction Conditions

The design and construction features of the workplace must provide security against risks of falls, blows, landslides, or materials falling on workers. The design and construction features are required to provide emergency exits or fire escapes.

Article 8 - Illumination

Lighting must be sufficient so that workers can see and carry out their work safely.

The construction of the store should be safe, with secure electrical installations and no vibrations that could damage the material. The design must provide safety against falls, crashes, collapses, or falling materials. Risk areas with potential falling objects shall be marked. The dimensions of the premises must allow regular stock rotation and ordered storage of products.

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Cleaning and pest control must be performed regularly.
• Sanitary water must be potable.
• Walls should be smooth and made of washable material for easy cleaning.
• Ventilation, lighting, and humidity control systems must be in good working order.
• Drinking water must be available.
• Floors should be smooth, waterproof, easy to clean, and safe in the reception area.

Warehouse Areas

In warehouse areas, the reception area will be clearly marked. Floors, walls, ceilings, and partitions must protect products during loading and unloading. The storage area must be separate. Goods cannot touch the ground. There must be a designated area for expired, returned, or damaged medical devices. Facilities must ensure the preservation of products, including refrigeration (2° to 8°C) for thermolabile products and regulators for humidity or temperature.

Material Characteristics and Storage

Suitable containers must be used, such as opaque containers for light-sensitive products and refrigerated containers for thermolabile products. Dangerous materials, such as drugs, flammable materials, and toxic substances, must be stored in cabinets with safety locks. The key will be held by a responsible person. Flammable and explosive substances must be handled with caution. Radioactive products must be stored in special containers and handled in a protected area. Personnel should wear protective clothing that is changed upon leaving the area, and they should wear a radiation dosimeter to monitor radiation exposure. Products should be kept in the right place, taking into account the storage rules specified in leaflets, manuals, and labels.

Sterile Material Storage

Where sterile material is stored, the following rules must be followed:

• Prevent the movement of people in the area.
• The storage area must remain closed, and the material handled as little as possible.
• Daily cleaning must be performed.
• Sterile material must be transported in special trucks.
• Staff must wear special uniforms.
• Sterility must be ensured during transport and storage.
• The head of the department should review the material upon arrival and ensure proper storage, removing defective or expired items.

Product Placement Methods

Products should be placed according to their size, strength, origin, configuration, and the distribution of space:

• In solid blocks or piles: There is no space between the blocks; they are placed one above the other without crushing the ones below.
• On pallets: Pallets are placed in open spaces.
• Fixed shelves: Suitable for all types of cargo.
• In crates or buckets.
• Loose bulk: For certain products.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science that deals with the adaptation of work to the anatomical and physiological conditions of the individual.

Labile Material

Labile material is material that breaks down easily.