Warehouse Works RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Warehouse Works RAMS

FLT and MHE interface

Operating warehouses have continuous forklift truck (FLT) and materials handling equipment (MHE) movements throughout working hours. The RAMS must describe the segregation between the construction work area and FLT operating areas: physical barriers (Armco or similar) rated for FLT impact, clearly marked pedestrian walkways, prohibition on construction workers entering FLT aisles without the warehouse supervisor's permission, and a banksman system at any point where construction traffic and FLT routes intersect. The RAMS must be agreed with the warehouse operations manager before works commence, and the segregation arrangement must be confirmed with the warehouse's traffic management plan.

Racking hazards

Warehouse racking adjacent to construction works is vulnerable to accidental impact damage from plant, materials, and vehicles. A single damaged upright can cause progressive racking collapse, endangering lives and stock. The RAMS must describe the measures to protect adjacent racking: physical impact protection barriers, a no-plant zone around live racking, daily inspection of adjacent racking by the warehouse's racking inspector or a competent person, and an immediate stop-work procedure if racking damage is observed. Any racking damaged during construction works must be immediately reported to the warehouse manager and taken out of service pending inspection by a SEMA-approved racking inspector.

Loading bay and vehicle management

Loading bays are high-risk areas with simultaneous HGV movements, FLT activity, pedestrians, and often poor lighting and restricted sightlines. Construction works near loading bays must address: formal traffic management for any plant or delivery vehicles entering the loading bay area, banksman requirements for reversing vehicles near construction works, confirmation that construction loading and deliveries do not conflict with warehouse peak delivery periods (agreed with operations management), and the procedure for suspending construction vehicle movements if loading bay congestion creates unacceptable risk.

Fire safety in stock environments

Warehouses containing combustible stock — cardboard, plastics, textiles, food packaging — present a severe fire risk if hot works or other ignition sources are introduced during construction. The RAMS must specify: a formal hot works permit signed by the warehouse fire safety manager (not just the construction site manager), a minimum 10-metre combustible-free zone for all hot works, a dedicated fire watcher for the duration of hot works and for one hour after completion, the location of the nearest dry powder or CO2 extinguishers rated for the stock type, and the warehouse's fire evacuation procedure for construction personnel. Sprinkler impairment during construction works must be approved by the warehouse's insurer and replaced with a waking watch.