GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AT WORK
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370-001-01-IGDO © 2013, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
Fix or report broken or damaged tools, equipment, etc.
Keep lighting sources clean and clear
Follow maintenance requirements
'Dangerous' accidents are related to material handling and housekeeping. Poorly stacked materials may
fall or slide down and objects blocking areas could cause bumps, bruising or tripping. When placing
materials in storage areas:
Store heavy items (those weighing more than 6.8kg or 15lb) on shelves at a height between the
shoulders and knees
Use a ladder or step stool to reach items on high shelves – avoid stretching
Store all objects securely on shelves and racks to keep them from falling over
Leave enough room between the top of the stored goods and the ceiling in areas protected by a
sprinkler system
Always knock and slowly open the door of any walk-in storage area that enters directly into a
high-traffic location
Store compressed gas cylinders (e.g., helium carbon dioxide) with the valve cap on, standing upright
and securely fastened to prevent tipping or falling
Store flammable liquids in properly sealed containers and place them in a designated area
What the law says
The Regulation for Industrial Establishments (R.R.O. *851/90) has a number of sections that apply to
housekeeping. They are:
s.11: Floor conditions;
s.21: Lighting;
s.22: Storage of flammable liquids;
s.47: Storage of cylinder-shaped objects;
s.48: Storage of barrels;
s.123: Fire extinguishers, aisles, exits, etc.
*Revised Regulation of Ontario
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulation (R.R.O. 860/90):
s.8-16: Identification and labeling of hazardous materials in the workplace.
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