HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

DOCUMENT INFORMATION
To ensure that housekeeping activities and inspections are performed at
regular intervals throughout QN.
Description
To eliminate or control hazards associated with stacking, storage of materials
and equipment
Document Owner

Safety Superintendent

DOCUMENT HISTORY and APPROVAL

Rev
2.1

Date
23 Mar 2011

Revision Description

Originator

Self assessment reviewed

Dominique
Wiseman

Reviewed
Rachel
Leitch

Approved
Alan
Azzopardi

CONTENTS
1.

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 2

1.1
1.2

Context ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 2

2.

ACCOUNTABILITIES .................................................................................... 2

3.

DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................. 2

4.

PROCESS ...................................................................................................... 3

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6

General ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Stacking Practices .................................................................................................................... 3
Storage Practices ...................................................................................................................... 4
Housekeeping Expectations ..................................................................................................... 5
Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Checklist ....................................................................... 5
Safety Considerations for Housekeeping ................................................................................. 6

5.

MONITORING ................................................................................................ 6

6.

TRAINING ...................................................................................................... 6

7.

RECORDS ...................................................................................................... 7

8.

APPENDICES ................................................................................................ 7

9.

RELATED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................... 7

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 1 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Context
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that housekeeping activities and inspections
are performed at regular intervals throughout QN and corrective actions that result from
these inspections are managed and;
To ensure that all materials and equipment are stored securely, in an organised and
safe manner

1.2

Scope
This document applies to all employees, contractors and visitors working at
Queensland Nickel and Queensland Nickel controlled locations including, but not
limited to:

2.

Bore fields
Raw materials facilities at the Townsville Port and
Bulk fuel facilities at the Townsville Shell Terminal
Operation
Maintenance
Constructions
Administration and
Contractor activities.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

All Employees
o Ensure stacks and/or stores of material or equipment are built and dismantled
in a safe manner
Ensure stacks and/or stores of material and equipment are clearly identified and
protected and do not present other hazards.
All Supervisors
o Ensure housekeeping inspections are carried out on a regular basis with
employees and contractors
Ensure a Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment is conducted
and completed monthly in area of responsibility.
All Superintendents
o Ensure corrective actions from audit self assessments are completed
o Ensure self assessments are completed by Supervisors at least monthly in their
area of responsibility.

3.

DEFINITIONS
TERM

DEFINITION

Stacking and Storage

Materials and equipment are stored securely, in an

organised and safe manner

Housekeeping

Maintain safe, clean and healthy working areas in the

workplace.

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 2 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

TERM

DEFINITION

Guide for performing a Housekeeping, Stacking and

Storage audit against this procedure.

Self Assessment

4.

PROCESS

4.1

General
Inappropriately stored materials, accumulated rubbish, leaks and spillage can
contribute to incidents occurring. High standards of housekeeping are essential to
assist in the prevention of injuries, process losses and equipment damage.
The maintenance of high standards of housekeeping is the responsibility of all
personnel; Queensland Nickel employees, contractors and visitors.
All personnel are required to keep their work area clean and tidy, remove unwanted
materials and stack materials and equipment in an orderly manner
No stacked materials or storage of materials shall obstruct safety equipment including:
Fire fighting equipment
Emergency accesses
Lighting
Ventilation
Safety showers and eyewash stations
A minimum clearance of one metre must be provided between the top of a stack and
any fire sprinkler. Stored items and storage racks will not be closer than one metre to
any fence and material and must not protrude into aisles or walkways.
Personnel may only use approved stacking and storage locations and techniques.
Material stored in open areas should be stored in a tidy manner, in appropriate
containers and in accordance with any relevant legislation.
All stack and storage locations, including lay-down areas, must be demarcated.
Where a stack or storage facility adjoins access ways used by vehicles, precautions
such as barriers, signs and instructions must be clearly visible to drivers.
Each item stored shall have a designated storage place i.e. a place for everything and
everything in its place.

4.2

Stacking Practices
Material should be neatly stacked on stable, level bases that are capable of carrying
the weight of the stack as shown on racking. If items are a regular shape and their
nature and size ensures the stability of the stack, they may be stacked with the sides of
the stack vertical, provided that the total stack height does not exceed three times the
narrowest base dimension.
Circular items such as pipes and drums shall be stored in suitably designed restrictive
racks, or firmly chocked. Chocking with odd bits of material is prohibited. Chocks
should have a rope or other suitable handle to allow removal at a safe distance from
any potential collapse.
Damaged pallets must be removed from service immediately and discarded or
repaired.

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 3 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

4.3

Storage Practices
Storage racks will be provided for storing tools and hoses and must be marked with
maximum loading values.
Stored items should be clearly identified with labels or signs designed to suit the
storage environment. Items must not protrude beyond the sides of the rack or shelf.
Racks should not be overloaded. Any indication of overloading or stress in racks and
shelves e.g. sagging, cracks or buckling must be reported, the items immediately
removed and the shelf or rack repaired or discarded.
Heavy items that are manually handled must be stored at a low height to minimise
damage associated with a potential fall. Access should be provided that allows for
removal of items by use of mechanical aids.
Any material stored at height in the warehouse must be strapped to the pallet and any
small items on pallet must have a pallet collar. Stepladders or similar approved means
should be used for safe access to storage areas that are above the users shoulder
height. Refer to YHSS057 Manual Handling Standard.
Storage facilities will be provided for files, personal protective equipment, cleaning
materials, etc. Storage of items on the top of cabinets or other furniture and fittings not
specifically designed for storage is not permitted.
Chemicals, including gas cylinders or materials that could react with or contaminate
one another, shall be stored separately in accordance with YHSS042 Hazardous
Materials Standard.

Well-designed storage means space for

more items and improved stability.

Header and stretcher style stacking adds to

stack stability.

Poor stacking and storage lead to extra

lifting, with bending, stretching and twisting.

Poor storage leads to hazardous practices.

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 4 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

4.4

Housekeeping Expectations
Every individual is responsible for maintaining the site in a clean and orderly manner
this includes, but is not limited to:

4.5

Equipment is stored in the correct location

Tools should be returned to their storage area after use, including shovels and
brooms
Hoses are rolled up and stored where possible elevated from the ground. Hoses
should never be left lying across walkways, without appropriate controls being
implemented, e.g. barricades erected
Rubbish is disposed of in an appropriate waste disposal area / bin, including
appropriate disposal of PPE e.g. gloves and ear plugs
Process spills including both liquid and dust releases should be contained and
cleaned up within a reasonable timeframe
Bunds should be clear of rubbish and in the event of a spill, cleaned and decontaminated
Walkways should be clear of equipment, tools and rubbish
Offices and desks should be kept orderly and excess paperwork disposed off
correctly
Lay-down areas should be set out in an orderly manner, use of racking where
appropriate and ensure clear access around equipment is provided

Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment

A Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment is included as a guide for
performing housekeeping but may be adapted to suit area specific requirements.

Clearly signposted storage area.

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 5 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

Tools and equipment there is a place for each item and unobstructed storage conditions.

4.6

Safety Considerations for Housekeeping

In addition to the site mandatory PPE requirements ensure:

Gloves are worn and are the appropriate type for the activity and, if chemicals are
present, check the material safety data sheets prior to starting activities.
Consideration should also be given to the use of respiratory protection equipment.
Correct lifting techniques are employed.
It is important to realise certain areas of the plant when hosed down may become
slippery, these include concrete flooring and stairs. Ensure the tread on your protective
footwear is adequate, to minimise the potential of slipping.

5.

MONITORING
To ensure compliance to the requirements of this procedure the Appendix 1 YHSS058a
Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment shall be used.

6.

TRAINING
Housekeeping is covered in the site induction and all personnel are to familiarise
themselves with this procedure.
Refer to Appendix 1 YHSS058a Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment
as a guide before performing any stacking and storage on site.

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 6 of 7

HOUSKEEPING, STACKING AND

STORAGE STANDARD

YHSS058

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

7.

RECORDS
Records

Electronic
Storage Location

Hard Copy
Location

Retention Period
(yrs)

Confidential
Records

N/A

8.

APPENDICES
Appendix

9.

Details

YHSS058a Housekeeping, Stacking and Storage Self Assessment

RELATED DOCUMENTS
Origin

Details

YHSS061 Notices, Signs and Work Area Demarcated Standard

Queensland
Nickel

YHSS057 Manual Handling Standard

YHSS042 Hazardous Materials Standard

Queensland
Government

N/A

Australian
Standards

N/A

Published Date: 23 March 2011

Rev: 2.1

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 7 of 7