5 tips for a safe and efficient outdoor storage area

An industrial outdoor area can be used for a variety of purposes. Regardless, it is important to design the outside storage layout in such a way that it ensures efficiency and safety. But what should you pay attention to and how can you easily achieve this? In this blog, we list five tips to help you design your outdoor storage area safely and efficiently.

Published 8 August 2023 Recently changed 7 March 2024

Tip 1. Well regulated traffic 

In an outdoor storage area, different traffic flows may encounter each other. Therefore, think about the different traffic flows, where they may encounter each other and what these different flows need to move safely and efficiently. Set simple but important rules for your staff and visitors and make sure they are communicated clearly.

 

For example, use lining, impact guards, traffic mirrors and other safety and protective devices to set up your outdoor storage area according to the established rules. 

 


 

Tip 2. Clear outside area design

Whatever your outdoor storage area is used for, you want to set it up in an orderly and logical manner. Therefore, make sure that you think early on about the points you want to consider when setting up your outdoor area. Is your outdoor warehousing area used a lot for storage? Then list all article groups and see which article groups should be close to each other and to doors, for example. In addition, ask yourself the following questions:

 

  • - Does my facility close at night or is it open 24/7?
  • - How often is the outside area moved around? 
  • - What is the main purpose of the outside area?
  • - What vehicles pass through the outside area?

 

Stacking racks: the storage solution for your outdoor area 

Do you use (part of) your outdoor area as storage? Then make sure you can store products, parts and materials in a safe and orderly manner. You can use stacking racks for this. These are easy to use in an outdoor area, can be arranged as you wish and are flexible thanks to the different types of stanchions, allowing you to adjust the height of the racks where necessary. 

 

Want to know more about how to use your space efficiently with stacking racks? Read our blog: Optimal use of space with stacking racks


 

Tip 3. Lighting and security

You want to adequately light your outdoor storage area. This ensures a safe working environment, not only in the evenings but also during the daytime during the dark months. In addition, good outdoor lighting gives burglars less opportunity to strike. It is also wise to think about the security measures you want to take for your outdoor area. Ask yourself the following question: Are there a lot of valuable materials or products in your outdoor area, or are a lot of vehicles parked here? 

 

Do careful research on the best ways to secure your outdoor property. Are fences and cameras sufficient? Or is it wise to lock up certain products or materials, even in an outdoor area? When in doubt, it is always wise to ask for expert advice. Do not hesitate to do so.

 


Tip 4. Laws and regulations

There are various laws and regulations with which companies must comply. These can vary by company, sector and location. Therefore, do careful research on the laws and regulations your business must comply with and follow them.

 

Useful addition: Also go over the points in your employees' collective bargaining agreement, if applicable. 

 


 

Tip 5. Get rid of clutter

A lot of trash can be generated on an outdoor site. From employees' lunch bags and cigarettes to the packing materials of delivered materials: waste has to go somewhere. Therefore, make sure there are plenty of opportunities for visitors and employees to dispose of their waste. Make use of several waste bins and mini-containers in your outdoor area and place them at busy points.

 

Also provide enough places where work-related waste can be collected. This is often a larger volume than visitor and employee waste. Therefore, put waste containers in places where a lot of work-related waste is generated. 

 


 

Improve safety and efficiency of your outdoor storage area?

Curious about Kruizinga's storage and transport equipment that can contribute to the safety and efficiency of your outdoor storage area? Contact us without obligation by calling +3188 533 15 55 on weekdays, sending a WhatsApp message at +316 128 156 55 or sending an email to sales@kruizinga.com.