Materials handling and storage

Scope

OSHA’s materials handling and storage regulations generally apply to all employers in General Industry. Some requirements apply only if the employer utilizes certain equipment, such as overhead cranes, for material handling. Some only apply if the material being stored possess certain characteristics, e.g., is a flammable liquid.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.176— Handling materials general
• 29 CFR 1910.159 — Automatic sprinkler systems
• 29 CFR 1910.178 — Powered industrial trucks
• 29 CFR 1910.179 — Overhead and gantry cranes
• 29 CFR 1910.101 — Compressed gases
• 29 CFR 1910.106 — Flammable liquids
• 29 CFR 1910.110 — Storage of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas
• 29 USC 654 — Duties of employers and employees (including Pub. L. 91–596 “OSH Act of 1970” 5(a)(1), the “General Duty Clause”)

OSHA often uses the General Duty Clause to cite employers for not keeping storage racks safe, including lack of anchoring, poor maintenance/inspection, and lack of load ratings. OSHA also uses the General Duty Clause to cite employers for ergonomic violations involving manual material handling.

Key definitions

• ANSI/MH 16.1: An industry standard for industrial steel storage racks. It addresses anchoring of racks, load ratings, load configuration, inspection, and maintenance, among other things. OSHA references this industry standard as a means to ensure racks are safe in the workplace.
• NIOSH Lifting Equation: A somewhat complex tool that OSHA refers to when assessing manual lifts. The equation sets a fixed weight of 51 lbs. as the load constant (that is generally considered the maximum load nearly all healthy workers should be able to lift under optimal conditions.) However, the NIOSH equation also uses other factors such as height and angle of the lift, frequency of the lift, type of hand grip, and travel distance; these are all as important in assessing a lift as the weight of the object.

Summary of requirements

OSHA requires employers to:

• Ensure only trained operators move materials with powered industrial trucks. OSHA’s PIT standard covers most types of material handling equipment that is powered for horizontal movement. This includes sit-down rider forklifts, powered pallet jacks, order pickers, reach trucks, and narrow-aisle lift trucks to name a few.
• Train workers on safe manual material handling practices, such as safe lifting. Use mechanical assists where possible. The NIOSH Lifting Equation, as well as manual material handling tables from Liberty Mutual can be resources for determining safe loads.
• Store materials in a stable and secure manner. When storing materials in your facility, be sure the stacks are stable – stacked materials must not create a hazard. Stack bags and bundles in interlocking rows to remain secure. Bagged material should be stacked by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at appropriate layers. Stack drums, barrels, and kegs symmetrically. If stored on their sides, block the bottom tiers to keep them from rolling.
• Ensure storage racking is anchored to the floor, in good shape, and contains load capacity rating. For guidance, review the manufacturer’s instructions and ANSI MH16.1.
• Ensure stored material does not block safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and eyewashes.
• Do not store materials in exit routes.
• Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute to the harboring of rats or other pests.
• Store flammable/combustible materials only in proper containers, cabinets, and locations. Separate non-compatible chemicals.