Industry guide
Timber and hardware warehouses
Practical safety and security considerations for timber and hardware warehouses.
Typical risk profile
Timber and hardware warehouses usually have a mix of traffic movement, storage density, dispatch pressure, contractors, visitors and after-hours exposure. The right controls should follow the actual layout and operating pattern.
Safety priorities
- Separate people from plant and delivery movements.
- Keep loading and dispatch areas controlled during peak times.
- Review racking, storage height, manual handling and spill risks.
- Induct contractors, labour hire and visitors before entering operational areas.
- Keep exits, fire equipment and emergency access routes clear.
Security priorities
Security planning should consider stock value, receiving hours, dispatch routines, public access, internal cages and camera retention. Where cameras or recorders are needed, review professional security hardware, then design around the site rather than the product first.