Shelving
Shelving Load Limits
When using shelving to store items, ensure the following:
- No greater than 1 A4 box of paper or equivalent is stored on unweighted shelving.
- No greater than maximum capacity where shelves have a written load rating.
- Items should be stored according to shelf guide below:
Appropriate Heights for Item Storage
Height
Appropriate Item Storage
2.0m & above
Access with ladder or stepstool
- Archival items
- Items never to be accessed
- Display items
- Seldom used light items
1.5 – 2.0 m
Access with ladder or stepstool (if required)
- Seldom used light items
- Archival items
1.0 - 1.5 m
Use trolleys for transport (if required)
- Heavy items
- Often used items
0.5 - 1.0 m
Use trolleys for transport (if required)
- Heavy items
- Often used items
0.0 – 0.5 m
Use trolleys for transport (if required)
- Seldom used items
- Heavy items
Shelving systems
Users need to have clear access to shelving systems and the items stored on them. To achieve the required level of access, redesign or the provision of additional equipment will sometimes be required. For example, large shelving systems often have a top level of shelving that is above head height, or shelves may be too deep, requiring staff to bend and reach in. Redesign of the shelving and relocation of items between knuckle and shoulder height should be considered. If this is not practicable, some of the following controls should be considered:
- a safe means of climbing up to the required level; and
- an intermediate support point to enable lifting or lowering in stages as users step to higher levels.
Climbing shelves to access higher shelves is an unsafe practice and is a risk that requires control. Options for control of this risk may include providing small platforms on rollers (as often found in libraries), small sets of step ladders, platform ladders and rolling ladders. Steps should be stable and platforms and hand rails are required where the work includes access to high storage.
If you have to climb to above 2 metres you must comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic).