What are OSHA requirements for safe material handling and storage in a warehouse? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR sources.

Details / How it works

§ 1910.176 — Handling materials—general imposes baseline duties on general-industry warehouses:

• Use of mechanical equipment (a): Where powered trucks, hoists, or conveyors are used, sufficient safe clearances must be allowed at aisles, loading docks, doorways, and turns. Aisles must stay clear, in good repair, and permanent aisles must be appropriately marked.
• Secure storage (b): Bags, containers, and bundles stored in tiers must be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so they are stable against sliding or collapse.
• Housekeeping (c): Storage areas must be kept free of accumulations posing tripping, fire, explosion, or pest-harborage hazards, with vegetation control as needed.
• Clearance limits (e): Signs must warn of clearance limits.
• Rolling rail cars (f): Derail and/or bumper blocks are required on spur railroad tracks.
• Guarding (g): Covers and/or guardrails must protect personnel from open pits, tanks, vats, and ditches.

Numbers & thresholds

Exceptions & edge cases

• Paragraph (d) is reserved and contains no requirement.
• Forklifts, pallet jacks, motorized hand trucks, and similar equipment are additionally regulated by § 1910.178 (powered industrial trucks), covering designations, training, operation, and maintenance.
• Warehouse exit routes fall under § 1910.36, which requires permanent routes, adequate capacity, and unlocked exit doors during emergencies.