Aisle Width - Order Picking Process
Hi all!
I am new to warehouse safety and wanted to reach out for help with aisle spacing/width and clearance requirements.
We will be using shelving units where aisles are about 3-4 feet apart. This brings up my first question - is there a minimum requirement for aisle spacing when it comes to shelving(not industrial racks)? The best guidance I can find in reference to this topic is §3272 (b) Aisles, Walkways, and Crawlways.
Second, we are using mobile carts that obstruct the aisles, leaving only a few inches of clearance on the sides when they are pushed through. In the case of an emergency requiring evacuation, the employee would have to push the cart to the end of the aisle to exit. Could this be considered an obstruction despite the mobility of the carts? At first glance, this doesn't seem safe, but others have not found an issue with this setup. I imagine that §3272 (e) would not apply here since these are carts and not vehicles.
Aside from this - as I am new to the field, I would appreciate any resources on learning more about warehouse safety. I have been watching NFPA webinars in my spare time but would love to hear what you all suggest. Thanks! :)
Comments (3)
I'm assuming you're in California based on the standards you referenced, correct?
On the warehouse aisleway dimensions, are any of these exit routes? Or are they just aisleways in the middle of the warehouse? That will be the difference maker as far as minimum aisle widths. §3229 (along with federal OSHA) states that exit routes must be a minimum of 28 inches in it's least dimension. NFPA, however, is going to base your dimensions for exits on your occupancy load, but it does state a minimum of 3 feet wide if it's not otherwise specified somewhere else in NFPA 101. If it's NOT an exit route, then federal OSHA recommendation (not requirement) is that you need it to be at least 3 feet wider than whatever equipment is going through that aisle (e.g., forklift, order picker, etc.), OR a minimum of 4 feet wide, whichever is greater. There is no OSHA standard that requires a minimum width of aisleways that are not exit routes - just recommendations. As far as I know, Cal/OSHA is quiet on this topic aside from §3272, like you mentioned.
As far as the carts, yes, that would be considered an obstruction. Although they are on wheels, it would require someone to push it a certain distance just for it be out of the way. I like to reference NFPA 101 on this one, which states that "Means of egress shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergencies". I think the 2nd part of that statement pertains to your carts.
Not sure about the aisle width requirement, but you could definitely make the argument that the carts are blocking the egress. Follow your gut!
And welcome to the field? Warehouse safety has always intrigued me. Sounds like a useful place to start your career in safety