Safety Compliance When Selecting Warehouse Space
Choosing the right warehouse is about location, size and cost but safety compliance should be a top priority from day one. Here at Warehouse Space we advise you to look beyond the surface features and assess the site for legal, operational and human factors that affect long term risk.
Start with planning documents and licences. Confirm that the building has the correct planning use and fire safety certificates. Check whether your neighbours or the local authorities impose restrictions that could affect your business’ operations. Ask for previous inspection reports and any records of enforcement notices.
Compliance Requirements for Warehouses
Understanding the statutory obligations reduces any surprises later on. The key areas to review include the building structure and layout, fire safety systems, electrical installations, racking and storage, handling equipment and employee facilities. Make sure that policies match the intended use for goods that are stored or handled.
A practical checklist will cover:
- Fire detection suppression and escape routes that are unobstructed and clearly marked
- Structural integrity of floors, mezzanines and racking systems
- Safe electrical distribution and emergency lighting
- Suitable hazardous goods separation and ventilation where it is needed
These checklist items can help you to evaluate a space quickly and identify any showstoppers before committing to a warehouse space.
Safety Standards for Warehouse Space
Industry standards and guidance such as the Health and Safety Executive recommendations provide a good baseline. Insurers and clients may need higher standards so verify insurance terms for tenants. When handling dangerous goods you may need specialised permits and storage arrangements that few general warehouses can meet.
Consider accessibility for emergency services and the quality of external areas such as loading yards and parking. Poor access increases risk during incidents and can invalidate some insurance policies. Ask your prospective landlord about maintenance schedules and who is responsible for checking on fire alarms, lifts and other critical systems.
Practical Steps
We source warehouse space for our clients so we focus on practical mitigation and verification. Before you finalise any agreement insist on:
- Site visits outside of normal hours to test lighting, traffic and security
- Copies of risk assessments and maintenance logs
- A clear service level agreement that outlines landlord responsibilities
Due diligence reduces operational risk, reduces operational risk and keeps your staff safe. If you need advice or help finding the perfect warehouse space, get in contact with our team.
