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.