How to Create Warehouse Pathways with PVC Curtains

Warehouses can often be chaotic if left to themselves. In a large open space, it is difficult to define different areas, and even more so when you have a large number of staff moving crates and items around. One of the most important spaces to define is the pathways in your warehouse. These are areas where both pedestrians and vehicles can move around easily and safely. They must be kept clear at all times, and for this to happen, they should also be well defined. Here’s how to create pathways that all of your employees will be able to observe.

Define area edges

The first thing that you need to do is to actually decide a logical and efficient layout for your pathways. It won’t make sense to leave large gaps around one area because you have cut the storage space required so short that nothing will fit. It also won’t make sense to have a pathway that goes through an area of the warehouse, when in actual fact all you need is a pathway to it. You should draw up a floor plan of your warehouse space and then start to define the different areas that you already have. Once you have done this, you will be better placed to decide the best places for your pathways to run.

Trial your open spaces

Next, try to lay out the spaces where your pathway will be on the actual warehouse floor. Move everything out of the way and create the wide open pathways that you would expect to be using on a day to day basis. This is your chance to spot any problems before they arise. Can you see anywhere that would potentially cause a blockage if traffic were to meet from either end? Is there a corner that is too sharp for a forklift truck to make it round easily? Try both walking the pathway and driving any kind of vehicle that might come through. Consider this a troubleshooting period to get rid of any problems that might rear their heads, before they do.

Lay out tape

Once you know exactly where your pathways are going to fit, make sure that you outline them with floor tape. This should be a variety which is very durable, as you don’t want it to wear away quickly. You will also want to ensure that it is a bright colour and stands out for your employees to see. White is usually a good choice, though you could also go for a colour like yellow or red. Make sure that the colour does not clash with any of your existing safety tape colours, as this could cause confusion as to what the lines signify.

Create doorways

In places where the pathway transitions from one area to another, or there is a particular need for vehicles to slow down, you should hang PVC strip curtains. These create a barrier which drivers can still see through, but which they will need to slow down for. It’s easy to move out of the way and forklifts will move through them with no problem, but it does break up the space that much more. It also prevents the transfer of noise and heat, so if you have a loud factory or production area at one side of the warehouse, you can section it off with the PVC curtains to create a more distinct barrier.

Hold a briefing

Once you have laid out your new pathway, make sure that you hold a briefing with your current employees about the changes. Ensure that all are made aware that the pathway is not to be blocked, and what kind of speeds and safety measures they should be observing whilst on the path. This will help to ensure that everyone gets used to using the pathways quicker, and that no problems arise during the first few weeks. Once they have been in use for a while, you should have no problems with observation of the boundaries.

 

Creating a pathway is a necessary step for warehouse safety and management, and will make a huge difference to efficiency. Get it done sooner rather than later to feel the benefits!