This week, Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares information about the importance of organizing storage closets for safety.

Organizing Storage Closets for Safety

Have you ever opened the door to a closet that cannot possibly hold one more thing or it will burst the door off its hinges?

Having everything on hand is important, but it can be overwhelming. There needs to be space for everything and a way to find it quickly. It is important to find the right kind of organizing system. We can improve safety and reduce injuries by properly organizing the storage rooms in the district. Consider the following important details when planning how to effectively arrange your classroom or workspace storage area.

Bin Storage

Utilizing storage bins and containers can transform the storage space from a cluttered mess into a streamlined storage area. Loose items such as hardware, office supplies, rolls of tapes and wire and small tools can be placed into bins. This is not just good organization, but a good safety practice as well. Small, uncontained items not kept in bins can easily fall in walking paths or cause clutter that may block things like safety equipment or exits. Therefore, always keep your smaller items in their proper containers.

Bins come in many different shapes and sizes to fit several different needs. Some bins are designed to be nested. Stacking bins vertically makes the most of the storage space. There are also shelf bins, which sit on the shelf open, allowing for easy access. These are a good choice for smaller items that are used frequently.

Shelving

Shelves seem like a simple thing, but the wrong type or size shelving may cause unnecessary issues. Shelves need to accommodate the items that are being stored. Check the school district warehouse for possible surplus shelves that may suit your storage needs.

Labeling

When thinking about storage, do not overlook labeling. The best storage system can fail if you do not know what is inside the container, or on the shelf. When organizing a storeroom, be sure to include all the pertinent information you need to find what you are looking for quickly. For example, product names and descriptions, and even pictures can save time and effort when trying to locate an item.

The best way to care for the things kept on hand is to store them in a safe, organized, easy-to-understand fashion. This can protect from damage, clutter and save time while selecting items. Most of all, it helps keep track what is available; consequently there is a better idea of what may be needed.