Category: Millennium Storage and Interiors (page 7 of 17)

How To Keep Your Warehouse Clean

March 25, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Top tips on how to keep your warehouse clean and safe

  1. Keep an updated cleaning schedule.
  2. Clear your bins regularly. Bins should never get to the point of overflowing.
  3. Have cleaning supplies available for your staff at all times.
  4. Give employees areas to keep clean.
  5. Clean as you go, ensure everyone tidies up after themselves. It is highly recommended that your staff clean litter such as metal shavings as they work maintaining the standard set by your firm and keeping the area hazard free.
  6. Recycle the rubbish that you can.
  7. Provide staff with the correct safety equipment.
  8. Barriers – there are a range of barriers you can get for your warehouse to ensure complete safety of your staff members and keep restricted access to vehicles such as forklifts. This not only keeps your warehouse cleaner, but also ensures organisation.
  9. Label shelving and floors to ensure your staff know where everything is located.

Self Isolating? Home Office Ideas

March 10, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Latest official government guidelines say those who can should be working from home, for the foreseeable while the outbreak of coronavirus settles down.

We have turned our thoughts to making our home office space work more efficiently, because we might there for a while.

Creating a dedicated office space in your home is often tricky unless you have a spare room in which to get organised and away from the children. But regardless of whether your space is large or small, organisation is key and that’s where the best home office storage ideas come in handy. So take a look at Millennium SI’s top tips to get you started.

Repurpose where possible

We’re probably not exactly in a state of mind to pop to Ryman or WHSmith to find desk organisers right now, but we still have storage needs? How about fining an alternative use for all the extra tin cans we’ve amassed as a result of the recent news.

Simply wash out your tin cans after use and use them as cost-effect savvy storage solution. Ensure there no sharp edges of course. Ideal if you have never needed to work form home and suddenly find yourself with a makeshift office.

Repurpose a chest of drawers for a printer

Just because you have to have this bulky office gadget handy to get the job done, doesn’t mean it as to impose on your decor. By removing the bottom drawer from a chest of drawers you have the perfect stylish space to house a printer. For an extra decorative touch you can change the legs on the chest, to offer a less ‘officey’ look.

Use garden-centre buys inside

A trellis makes a brilliant noticeboard, even though its intended purpose was to support plants. Plant pots can be used to contain plants that will stimulate creativity. Or they can be handy containers for pens, art materials – even your phone.

Go pro with matching furniture

Coordinating pieces like this desk and bookcase say ‘executive’, as well as offering plentiful storage. The trick here is not to put your desk against the wall. Instead, place it in the middle of the room and voila – you’ve made space for a bookcase. For a pop of colour (and fun) choose a large-scale rug with a quirky print.

For more information and what you can do with your office space, contact us today!

New guide issued helps businesses with cold storage warehouse safety

February 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

The Cold Chain Federation have launched a useful health and safety guide for businesses operating cold storage warehouses.

Operating and working in a cold storage warehouse doesn’t come without its risks and challenges.

Businesses with cold storage warehouses must take care to comply with all relevant health and safety regulations to protect their employees from harm and keep their cold storage warehouse at a consistent and efficient temperature.

Just some of the risks of working in a cold storage warehouse include:

  • Ice build-up
  • Freezing surfaces
  • Condensation
  • Prolonged exposure to low temperatures

The Cold Chain Federation is an organisation representing the UK’s temperature-controlled supply chain. The federation represents and provides a voice for the industry in matters relating to cold chain compliance and helps to connect and provide help and support to businesses within the industry.

On January 31 they published a comprehensive guide called Keeping People Safe in a Cold Store, which can be downloaded from their website.

The guide provides information about the health and safety risks, compliance requirements, and best practice measures that businesses operating cold storage warehouses should be aware of.

Shane Brennan, the Cold Chain Federation’s Chief Executive says that the guide is “the first health and safety guide of its kind specifically aimed at cold stores”. He adds that the guide aims to “save businesses time and help them with health and safety compliance in an efficient and structured way.”

Cold storage racking and shelving inspections

Ensure that your cold storage warehouse racking is safe and in good condition with regular safety inspections.

Our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors carry out independent racking and shelving safety inspections.

During a safety inspection, our qualified personnel will inspect your racking for damage and perform a risk assessment. To book a safety inspection, give our team a call on 01942 603 344.

 

How to design a disability-friendly office

February 17, 2020 / / 0 Comments

An all-inclusive, disability-friendly office design creates a safer, more comfortable and welcoming work environment for all, including disabled employees and visitors to your business.

By law, all businesses should provide an all-inclusive workspace that facilitates a safe and comfortable work environment for all employees, including disabled individuals.

As well as looking after employees by helping them to feel more valued and comfortable, a disability-friendly office design attracts a more diverse workforce and a wider pool of candidates, helping your business to attract more top talent.

Whilst some disabled employees may require specialist equipment, most disabled employees’ requirements can be met by simply taking accessibility into consideration when designing your office.

Here are some key features of inclusive, disability-friendly office design.

  • Accessible sockets
  • Adjustable desks
  • Cable management
  • Low lever door handles
  • Low flat panel light switches
  • Wide doorways and hallways
  • Task lighting
  • Quiet workspaces
  • Computer monitor arms
  • Large-print equipment controls
  • Use of ramps instead of stairs where suitable
  • Climate control

Whilst these design features are all disability-friendly, many of them will make your office a safer and more comfortable workspace for everyone.

Space should be a key consideration when designing a disability-friendly workspace, ensuring that there is always enough room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre.

All trip hazards and obstructions should be removed and tidied away, especially trailing wires and cables. Cable management systems are effective for keeping cables neat and safe.

Inclusive office design by Millennium Storage

Here at Millennium Storage and Interiors we provide office refurbishments and new builds to businesses of all different shapes and sizes. We design practical and inspiring office spaces that find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Our designs are practical for all employees, with accessibility and inclusivity always a key consideration in our design process.

For help or advice with designing a disability-friendly office, or to book a free consultation with our team, give us a call on 01942 603 344.

Designing an environmentally friendly office interior

January 25, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Look after our planet by incorporating these eco-friendly design features into your office interior.

As the effects of climate change become more obvious, businesses of all shapes and sizes are becoming more conscientious about the impact that they have on the environment.

If you’re looking for ways to make your office more sustainable and energy-efficient, why not give it an eco-friendly refurbishment. Here are four basic elements of an environmentally-friendly office design.

Energy-efficient lighting

Keeping the lights on in your office can use a lot of energy, which is not only detrimental to our planet, but to your business’ budget too. Reduce your office’s energy bill by designing an interior that lets in as much natural light as possible to minimise the need for artificial light. Using energy efficient LED lighting can also reduce the amount of energy you use to light your office by 50% or more!

Sustainable furniture

Make environmentally friendly decisions when it comes to office furniture by only buying high quality, long-lasting furniture made from sustainable materials and preferably sourced locally too. Where possible, try to upcycle, repurpose or reuse existing furniture rather than buying new.

Sustainable flooring

Your office’s flooring should not only be made from a sustainable material, it should be energy efficient too to lower your office’s heating bills and keep employees feeling warm and comfortable. Reclaimed wood flooring and eco-friendly carpet made from recyclable materials are both popular options. More unusual eco-friendly flooring materials include cork, bamboo and concrete.

Recycling bins

Encourage employees to get involved and start thinking about the effects that their actions at work have on the environment. Install central recycling and waste management zones that require employees to separate out recyclables and promote less wasteful ways of working.

For more help designing an environmentally friendly office interior, speak to our team of experts here at Millennium Storage and Interiors about our office refurbishment services by giving our team a call on 01942 603 344.

 

Best types of warehouse racking for the food and drink industry

December 20, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Pallet racking provides an extremely versatile solution for storing large quantities of food or drink in your warehouse.

Pallet racking is available in many different shapes and sizes, and with a little help from the experts it is possible to tailor a system to your business’ exact requirements.

The type of racking most suited to your business will depend on several factors including the type of food and drink you’re storing and your turnover.

Some of the different types of pallet racking suited to the food and drink industry include:

Adjustable pallet racking

Adjustable pallet racking can be used in refrigerated environments and even freezer chambers if required, making it an ideal solution for storing all different types of food and drink.

The excellent flexibility and customisation of adjustable pallet racking makes it one of the most popular warehouse racking storage solutions available.

As well as being easy to assemble and highly adaptable, adjustable pallet racking is not usually subject to any layout restrictions, helping to maximise the space available in your warehouse.

Drive in/through racking

This type of racking helps to create space in your warehouse for more high density storage of products.

The racking maximises space by using just one forklift access aisle where either the last load in is the first one out or the first load in is also the first load out.

Pallet shuttle racking

Pallet shuttle racking is an excellent solution for improving the efficiency and productivity levels of food and drink warehouses with very high turnovers.

Instead of using forklifts, pallet shuttle racking systems use a remotely controlled shuttle to quickly stock and retrieve pallets.

This type of racking can help to cut warehouse costs, increase productivity, and maximise space available for more high density storage.

For more help choosing a racking system for your warehouse that will enhance efficiency and increase productivity, give our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors a call on 01942 603 344.

What are the benefits of pallet shuttle racking?

December 11, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Could a pallet shuttle racking system help your warehouse to save money and become more efficient?

The type of racking system installed in your warehouse has a significant impact on its overall performance. Your racking will affect both the volume of stock that you are able to store and how efficiently your warehouse operates.

Busy warehouses that experience a high turnover and are stocking and retrieving pallets very frequently may find that pallet shuttle racking can greatly increase their efficiency and productivity levels.

What is pallet shuttle racking?

Pallet shuttle racking systems use remotely controlled semi-automated shuttles to stock and retrieve pallets instead of forklift trucks.

The system can be operated as either FIFO or LIFO and will generally place the picked load in the first available free space.

Pallet shuttle racking is also suitable for use in extreme temperatures including freezer chambers of up to -30 degrees Celsius.

Benefits of pallet shuttle racking

  • Reduces the risk of accidents – Replacing forklifts with remotely controlled shuttles reduces the risk of collisions and accidents occurring in the warehouse.
  • Reduces operation costs – Using automated pallet shuttles can dramatically reduce operation costs by eliminating the need for multiple forklift trucks and operators.
  • Reduces repairs and maintenance costs – Improved handling and a reduced risk of accidents means less expensive damage to racking, pallets and goods.
  • Maximises storage space – Pallet shuttle racking helps to maximise the space available to you. The system requires less space than those that use forklift trucks, allowing for higher density storage.
  • Increases efficiency – Pallets can be stocked and retrieved quicker and more efficiently, saving your business both time and money.

To find out more about our pallet shuttle racking and whether it is suitable for your warehouse, give our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors a call on 01942 603 344.

5 signs it’s time for an office refurbishment

November 15, 2019 / / 0 Comments

A tired or outdated office could be having more of an impact on your business’ success than you realise.

Your office’s appearance can have a big effect on employee mood and wellbeing, directly impacting productivity, retention rates and even your business’ profit margin.

Look out for these 5 signs that your business could benefit from and office refurbishment.

The interior is tired, dark or drab

Does your office’s interior communicate the right message to employees and visitors? Faded curtains, stained carpets, and outdated decor can give the impression of a business that isn’t doing very well or doesn’t have high standards. Revitalising your office to create a space you are proud of and enjoy spending time in can also help to inspire and motivate employees and win the trust of clients.

Your business has re-branded

If your business has rebranded or your company culture has evolved, then refurbishing your office can help to reflect these changes and ensure continuity in your branding.

It’s feeling cramped or cluttered

A cluttered, cramped or untidy workspace can be distracting and demotivating for employees. If you’ve run out of room, or your office is beginning to feel claustrophobic, a refurbishment can help you to gain more space.

Employee morale is very low

Employees working in uninspiring or neglected spaces can feel undervalued and demotivated by their work environment. If morale is low, then productivity often suffers too, ultimately having a negative effect on your business’ reputation and bottom line.

Health and safety are being compromised

As well as creating an unpleasant work environment, an old and tired office can also pose a significant health and safety risk. Trailing wires, faulty electrical items, overloaded plug sockets, broken chairs and tables, and blocked fire exits are just some of the common health and safety issues that can easily be rectified with an office refurb.

Need some advice and help with refurbishing your office? Get in touch with our team here at Millennium Storage and Interiors to discuss your requirements and find out more about our office refurb services.

How to choose the right racking for your warehouse

November 6, 2019 / / 0 Comments

The right racking system can have a significant impact on how efficiently your warehouse operates.

Your warehouse’s storage system is at the heart of its operation. Choosing a storage system that is ideal for your space, the items you are storing, and your picking process, will help your operation to run more efficiently and your team to be more productive.

Factors to consider when choosing warehouse racking

When deciding which type of racking is most suitable for your warehouse you should ask yourself the following questions:

  • What type of items do I need to store?
  • How much space do I have? (vertical as well as ground space)
  • What is the maximum load weight the racking will be required to support?
  • Is forklift access required?
  • What are my warehouse layout and product flow requirements?

Popular types of warehouse racking

There are plenty of different racking and shelving options available to choose from, some of the commonest types include:

  • Drive in/through racking – Maximises storage space in your warehouse by reducing the size of the forklift aisles. Choose from drive in racking with one point of access to each aisle, or drive through racking which has both an entrance and an exit, meaning the first load in is the first one out.
  • Cantilever racking – Ideal for storing large and bulky items of varying shapes and sizes, particularly very long loads like beams and tubes. Cantilever racking is very strong and can be adapted to your requirements.
  • Adjustable pallet racking – Pallet racking can be used to store a wide range of products of varying sizes and weights and are the ideal solution for picking. Pallets are lifted onto the racking by forklifts.

At Millennium Storage and Interiors, we stock a wide range of racking and shelving solutions for warehouses. If you require help choosing an option suitable for your requirements, get in touch with our team by calling 0942 603 344.

Common warehouse hazards and how to avoid them

October 15, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Safety tips for overcoming common warehouse hazards.

The average warehouse can be littered with potential hazards, including heavy loads, dangerous equipment and machinery.

Use the tips in this blog to help you to identify and minimise hazards to create a safer work environment.

Falls, slips and trips

Failure to keep a warehouse organised, tidy and clean can lead to dangerous slips, trips and falls.

  • Proper storage and organisation of products, machinery and equipment should always be adhered to.
  • Debris should be cleared up immediately and never left on the ground.
  • Any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
  • Aisles and passageways should always be kept unobstructed.

Falling objects

Objects falling from racking or machinery can cause significant damage and injury.

  • Items should be stacked carefully and evenly with maximum loads always being adhered to.
  • Heavier loads should be stacked lower down, with lighter loads stacked on higher shelves.
  • Racking and shelves should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition.

Strain injuries

Warehouse employees are at risk of suffering injury if they are frequently lifting and carrying heavy or bulky items or performing repetitive actions.

  • Employees should all receive adequate training in how to correctly lift and carry heavy items to avoid injury.
  • Employees should be provided with machinery and equipment to relieve the strain of repetitive or strenuous tasks.

Forklift injuries

Employees tasked with operating or working with forklifts are at risk of being pinned by a forklift or hit by falling items if they do not adhere to proper health and safety procedures.

  • Warning signs should be clearly displayed to warn people of potential danger zones.
  • Only employees that have completed the relevant training should access and operate forklifts.
  • Forklift equipment should be regularly inspected for signs of damage.

Hazardous materials

If your warehouse uses or stores hazardous chemicals, strict health and safety procedures should be adhered to to reduce employee exposure and prevent accidents occurring.

  • Only employees who have complete appropriate chemical handling training should work with hazardous materials.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be worn when handling hazardous substances.

Arrange a warehouse safety inspection from our team of qualified personnel by giving us a call on 01942 603 344.

Older posts Newer posts

© 2024 Millennium Storage and Interiors Blog | Millennium Storage and Interiors

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑