Warehouses are often large and packed to the brim with machines and other equipment. With so much that needs maintaining, creating a warehouse maintenance plan—and implementing it—can seem incredibly daunting.
However, you need a plan for smooth operations. If you don’t maintain your machines and other equipment, they can break down or malfunction, leading to substantial downtime or even injuries. Learn what to include in your warehouse maintenance plan.
Pest Control
Warehouses are more prone to infestations than other buildings because there’s almost always an open door. Birds, rodents, and insects might look harmless, but these small creatures can cause a lot of destruction. They can destroy products and harm the structural integrity of your warehouse. They can get into machines and break them down. Additionally, they can carry diseases.
Ensure you come up with a pest control plan. Preventative maintenance for pests might include routine inspections and cleaning. Place pest repellent in vulnerable areas. You should also know when to call an exterminator or animal control.
Machine Maintenance
The next thing to include in your warehouse maintenance plan is machine maintenance. Your machines (stretch wrappers, palletizers, packers, automated guided vehicles) will need maintenance if you want them to stay in good shape. Maintenance varies from machine to machine, but in general, a machine maintenance plan will involve:
- Inspecting for wear and tear
- Cleaning
- Lubricating any grease points
Some machines have more specific maintenance procedures to follow. Stretch wrap machines, for example, need to be checked for film build-up. Check the owner’s manual for your machines for recommended maintenance procedures.
Storage and Handling
If your warehouse uses racking systems, make sure to regularly inspect them for bent or broken beams, frame legs, loads, or pallets. You should also ensure there aren’t any overhanging or misaligned pallets.
An unstable racking system or pallets can collapse and cause serious damage to products and people. OSHA regulations state that your rack columns should be anchored to the ground. Additionally, all racks should be marked with load ratings and other pertinent safety information. And make sure you never use damaged racks.
