TOOLBOX TALK TOPIC: HOUSEKEEPING – STACKING AND STORAGE

HOUSEKEEPING: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

Stacking of materials must always be:

Stable

On firm level or surface

Not leaning or collapsing

Irregular shapes bonded

Not exceeding 3 x base

Storage of materials

In adequate storage

Functional – e.g. racks/bins for tools

Identified and demarcated e.g. Flammable, Gas, Cement, etc.

Neat, safe, stable and square

Clear of superfluous material.

Sub-contractors must be obliged by agreement to comply with Housekeeping

requirements. Tools and equipment must be kept in a store controlled by a
competent store man and securely locked after hours.

See to it that all litter is placed in suitable containers/holders and disposed of

properly. Remember bad housekeeping leads to accidents. It is important that rules
in terms of stacking and storage is adhered to at all times and also keeping access
paths clear and free of obstructions; keeping materials away from open edges.

If the workplace is neat and tidy the quality of work is perceived to be of higher
quality, well organized and a positive reputation of workmanship is achieved.

TEST – ANSWER TRUE OF FALSE

1. Stacking of materials may be 4x base. True or False

2. Sub-contractors don’t have to adhere to housekeeping rules. True or False

3. Storage of material must be neat, safe, stable and square. True or False