Warehouse Safety
****************

The Warehouse Safety SOP establishes the required practices, behaviors, and protective measures that
ensure a safe working environment for all Maryland Productions and Event Revolution personnel.
Warehouse operations involve heavy equipment, electrical systems, moving vehicles, elevated loads,
and fast-paced workflows—making safety a top priority at all times.

This SOP applies to **all** staff, freelancers, drivers, technicians, and visitors who enter the
warehouse or participate in loading, staging, or equipment handling.


Purpose
=======

- Prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment damage.
- Ensure compliance with company, OSHA, and venue standards.
- Promote safe behavior and proper use of tools and equipment.
- Standardize safe lifting, electrical handling, and rigging procedures.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free warehouse environment.


Responsibilities
================

All Staff
   - Follow all warehouse safety rules.
   - Report unsafe conditions immediately.
   - Wear required PPE.

Warehouse Manager
   - Enforce safety policies and maintain training records.
   - Correct unsafe conditions or behaviors.
   - Ensure fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency systems are operational.

Drivers
   - Operate vehicles safely in and around the warehouse.
   - Follow dock safety procedures.

Repair Technicians
   - Follow lockout/tagout procedures for electrical work.
   - Maintain safe handling of tools and chemicals.

Visitors
   - Must remain escorted and follow posted safety rules.


Required PPE
============

- Closed-toe, hard-soled shoes (steel-toe recommended)
- Gloves when handling cases, cables, or truss
- Eye protection when cutting, drilling, or blowing out equipment
- Hearing protection around loud testing environments
- Hi-vis vest when working in truck lanes or parking areas

Additional PPE may be required depending on tasks.


General Warehouse Rules
=======================

- No running or horseplay.
- Stay alert and aware of surroundings—listen for moving carts or forklifts.
- Do not block exits, fire extinguishers, or emergency equipment.
- Keep walkways clear of cases, cables, or debris.
- Food and drink must remain in designated break areas.
- Report any injury or incident immediately—even minor ones.
- Only trained personnel may operate liftgates, pallet jacks, or forklifts.


Safe Lifting & Manual Handling
==============================

- Bend at the knees, not the waist.
- Keep loads close to the body.
- Team-lift heavy or awkward items.
- Use carts or pallet jacks whenever possible.
- Inspect cases for loose lids or broken latches before lifting.
- Never lift above shoulder height without assistance.


Case & Cart Safety
==================

- Always latch road case lids before moving.
- Push carts—do not pull them whenever possible.
- When pulling is required, keep arms close and maintain footing.
- Never overload carts or stack cases higher than safe.
- Ensure casters and wheels are functioning before use.
- Use proper ramps or dock plates when transitioning heights.


Electrical Safety
=================

- Inspect all cables before use for cuts, exposed copper, or damaged connectors.
- Do not use damaged power or data cables—tag and route to repair immediately.
- Only trained staff may handle feeder, camlock, or power distro.
- Keep liquids away from electrical testing areas.
- Never daisy-chain power strips or overload circuits.
- Disconnect power before repairing or cleaning equipment.


Rigging & Overhead Safety
=========================

- Never stand under a lifted load (motors, truss, etc.).
- Inspect spansets, shackles, and rigging hardware before use.
- Use only rated hardware—no unrated carabiners or hardware-store chains.
- Tag damaged hardware “Do Not Use.”
- Only trained rigging personnel may operate chain motors.


Vehicle & Dock Safety
=====================

- Drivers must engage parking brakes before loading/unloading.
- No one may stand between a truck and the dock wall.
- Keep hands clear of liftgate hinge points.
- Be aware of pinch points when opening or closing truck doors.
- Use dock plates correctly and secure them before driving carts across.

**Truck Movement Rule:**  
If a truck is in motion anywhere near the dock, **stop all loading activity immediately**.


Hazardous Materials
===================

- Fog fluids, cleaners, and chemicals must remain in designated storage.
- Wear gloves when handling chemicals or oils.
- Follow SDS guidelines (Safety Data Sheets).
- Dispose of used wipes or rags in appropriate containers.


Fire Safety
===========

- Know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
- Do not block fire lanes or extinguishers.
- Report empty or discharged extinguishers immediately.
- In case of fire:
  - Alert others  
  - Evacuate  
  - Call emergency services  
  - Use extinguisher only if trained and safe to do so  


Emergency Procedures
====================

**Injury or Accident:**
1. Stop the task immediately.  
2. Notify a manager or supervisor.  
3. Use first aid kit if appropriate.  
4. Call emergency services for serious injuries.  
5. Fill out an incident report before end of shift.

**Evacuation:**
1. Follow exit signs to the assembly point.  
2. Do not re-enter until cleared by management or authorities.  


Quality Control
===============

- Safety checks must be performed daily.
- Damaged equipment must be tagged and removed from service immediately.
- Cables must be coiled properly and stored in appropriate trunks.
- Traffic lanes must remain clear at all times.
- Staff must be re-trained periodically on critical safety procedures.


Troubleshooting & Exceptions
============================

**Crowded or cluttered warehouse**  
- Pause operations and restore order before continuing.

**Equipment repeatedly causing injury or difficulty**  
- Route to repair or retire; notify manager.

**Staff not following safety procedures**  
- Provide immediate correction and escalate if repeated.

**New equipment or high-voltage systems**  
- Require additional training before use.