Warehousing White Paper Interactive Checklist December 2021
Warehousing White Paper Interactive Checklist December 2021
WHITE PAPER
CHECKLIST
This warehouse checklist should be used by warehouses storing and handling Dangerous Goods in preparation
for, or after, sea transport. It can also be used in warehouse audits and inspections. It is intended that this
checklist will make facilities safer and assist duty holders to be better prepared to react effectively if an incident
occurs. Please answer all of the questions and keep a copy of this document in a safe place for future reference.
1.1 Certifications
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
The term warehouse in this document may apply to operators or facilities including warehouses, waterfront facilities at ports or terminals, distribution
centers, fulfillment houses, etc. where goods may be stored before their export, in the due course of transit, or before distribution for sale.
2
Examples of relevant industry or government standards may include US Customs and Border Protection Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
(CTPAT) security program, International Organization for Standardization 9001 Quality Management Standard, Transported Assets Protection Association
(TAPA) Facility Security Requirements Standard (for high value theft targeted goods), etc. as applicable.
2.1 Screening1
2.3 Identification
2
2.4 Termination or Re-hiring Process
2.5 Training
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
Screening should be conducted in accordance with applicable legal limitations, and the availability of city, state, provincial, and country criminal record
databases and other relevant information.
2
Degree of screening should be based on the nature and sensitivity of the employee’s position or contractor’s function.
3
Physical assets may include items such as access badges, keys, computers, etc.
3.2.1 Are warehouse utilities including systems and associated wiring and
piping protected from physical damage?
3
3.5 Facility Maintenance
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
Depending on applicable jurisdiction, the warehouse will need to conform to specific building code requirements. These may be in the form of national
building codes and / or model building codes adopted by local authorities. Building codes generally include specific standards for building structure,
occupancy, fire prevention, earthquake, windstorm, flood and tsunami resistance, energy provisions and consumption, etc.
4.2.4 Are rack systems protected from allisions with forklifts or other
vehicles2?
4.3.1 Are stored goods adequately secured against falling, tipping over,
etc.?
4
4.5 Idle Pallet Storage
4.5.1 Does idle pallet storage location, configuration and maximum height
conform with applicable code requirements including sprinkler
protection?
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
Building code requirements as they relate to storage may include types of storage allowed (rack, solid-pile, bulk, bin box, etc.), height of storage allowed,
applicable floor loadings, minimum distance maintained from ceiling / roof structure, storage configuration (including idle pallets), proper elevation of floor
stored goods to avoid water damage, etc.
2
This may be achieved through use of end caps, bollards, posts, etc.
3
Good housekeeping practices may include a high level of cleanliness and maintenance of the warehouse, prevention of visible pest contamination, clear aisles
between racks, minimum clutter, etc.
5.1.1 Does the warehouse store Dangerous Goods that are regulated under
one or more of the nine UN Dangerous Goods classes1 including
Dangerous Goods transported under special provisions?
5.1.2 Are Dangerous Goods packages and / or cargo transport units (CTU)2,
and their required documentation reviewed prior to accepting for
storage?
5
5.2 Storage Restrictions and Permitting Requirements
5.3 Personnel
5.4.2 Does the warehouse have designated storage areas for Dangerous
Goods to ensure proper segregation from incompatible materials?
5.6.1 Are all Dangerous Goods packages and / or CTUs properly marked,
labeled and / or placarded in accordance with the appropriate
national and international Dangerous Goods transport regulations?
6
5.7 Packaging
5.7.2 Does the warehouse have an inspection program for the integrity of
all packages holding Dangerous Goods?
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
United Nations Model Regulations commonly known as the “Orange Book” and as amplified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
2
Dangerous goods packages may include non-bulk or bulk packaging such as drums, barrels, boxes, bags, pressure receptacles, or intermediate bulk container.
CTU’s may include road transport tank or freight vehicle, a railway transport tank or freight wagon, a multimodal freight container or portable tank, multiple
element gas containers (MEGC).
3
Based on international or national regulation, local ordinance, relevant fire protection standards and / or lease agreement as applicable
4
Training should include internal procedures and processes applicable to Dangerous Goods handling specific to the employee’s job functions.
5
A Dangerous Goods inventory statement should be developed for each building or compartment where Dangerous Goods are stored. This statement should
include the hazard class, common or trade name, chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, composition (pure or mixture / solid, liquid or gas),
maximum aggregate quantity stored, and required storage conditions for each dangerous good listed.
6
Relevant inventories, plans and procedures should be updated on an on-going basis. An “on-going” basis could be defined as what is required to keep the
subject material relevant and up to date at all times. It may also be based on specific requirements imposed by the authority having jurisdiction. For example,
where adopted, the NFPA 400 Hazardous Materials Code requires an amended Dangerous Goods Inventory Statement (or HMIS) to “be provided within 30 days
of the storage of any hazardous materials that changes or adds a hazard class or that is sufficient in quantity which exceeds 5 percent for any hazard class”.
7
A Dangerous Goods management plan should include relevant general information concerning operations at the warehouse, a general site plan, a building
floor plan which shows designated Dangerous Goods storage areas within the warehouse, segregation, and compatibility controls, monitoring program,
inspection and record keeping, employee training, and emergency response procedures.
8
Safety data sheets are a component of the Global Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. They should be produced when
chemical substances and mixtures meet the harmonized criteria for physical, health or environmental hazards under the GHS.
9
Appropriate guidebooks may include the “Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods
/ hazardous materials Transportation Incident (ERG)”, “Dangerous Goods – Initial Emergency response Guide”, “Emergency Response Intervention Cards (ERIC)”,
etc.
6.1.1 Are fire protection risk assessments1 carried out for the warehouse
and updated on an on-going basis?
7
6.1.3 Is there an established employee fire brigade at the warehouse?
6.1.5 Are there written hot work procedures in place for the warehouse?
6.2.5 Are alarms and related equipment inspected on a regular basis and
maintained by a qualified third party?
6.3.1 Are designated fire compartments properly separated with fire rated
walls?
6.3.2 Are openings between fire compartments fitted with fire rated
doors?
6.3.3 Are automatic fire rated doors inspected on a regular basis and
maintained by a qualified third party?
6.4.5 If fire pump installed, is the pump tested and run on a periodic basis?
6.4.6 If fire pump installed, is the flow rate and pressure checked on a
periodic basis?
6.4.7 Are water supply control valves locked open or provided with valve
tamper indicators?
8
6.4.8 Are hydraulic design parameters of the system adequate for the
goods in storage3?
6.4.12 Are all areas of the warehouse (where goods are stored) adequately
protected by the sprinkler system?
6.5.2 Are number, type and location of fire extinguishers adequate for the
warehouse (based on type of goods and configuration of storage)?
6.5.4 If the warehouse is fitted with standpipes and / or hose stations, are
they adequately maintained?
6.6.2 If required, has a risk management plan for retention and control of
firewater been implemented?
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
Risk Assessments referred to here would include those carried out by the warehouse to ensure fire protection is adequate for the goods in storage. Other risk
assessments may be carried out by the local fire department or for insurance purposes.
2
A fire protection impairment program is used to supervise the safe shutdown of fire protection systems, control potential fire hazards during impairments and
restore the fire protection system to service as soon as possible.
9
(CONT.):
3
This can be determined by reviewing Hydraulic design information found on the hydraulic data plate for each system installed. These plates are attached in
various locations on the system and include information such as location of the design area(s), discharge densities over the design area(s), required flow and
residual pressure demand at the base of the riser, occupancy and commodity classifications, maximum permitted storage height and configuration, sprinkler
demand, etc.
4
Firewater risk assessments should evaluate the risk of firewater run-off to the environment based on the significance of a fire event and the quantities of
firewater, and subsequent run-off that may be generated, leading to a potential environmental hazard.
5
Significant site changes may include relevant changes in inventory, drainage or containment systems, fire compartments or risk assessment areas.
7.1.4 Are external dock areas including doors covered via CCTV3 cameras
that can view all operations and movement at all times?
7.1.6 Are exterior walls and roof designed and maintained to resist
penetration?
10
7.2.6 Is workforce entry point(s) access controlled 24 hours per day / 7
days per week?
7.2.10 Are all internal dock areas including doors covered by CCTV?
7.2.11 Are views of freight being loaded / unloaded clear at all times?
7.3.4 Are seals that meet or exceed the most current ISO 17712 standard
for high security seals9 utilized for all applicable shipments?
7.3.10 Are truck driver ID, cargo pick-up documentation or other specified
pre-alert details10 validated prior to loading?
7.4.2 Are alarm events monitored 24 hours per day / 7 days per week / 365
days per year via an internal or 3rd party external monitoring post?
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7.4.4 Are all security system alarms responded to in real-time 24 hours per
day / 7 days per week / 365 days per year?
7.4.7 Are access privileges promptly updated when individuals depart the
organization, change roles, or no longer require access?
7.4.8 Does the alarm system transmit an alert on power failure or loss?
7.5.1 Does the warehouse maintain an emergency contact list for security
incidents?
7.5.8 Does the warehouse maintain records of all collections and proof of
deliveries17?
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7.5.9 Is there a documented procedure, log and / or key plan to track how
keys are managed and controlled?
7.6.1 Has there been a screening conducted for (new) employees by HR?
7.6.7 Do all devices, including personal devices used for work purposes,
adhere to warehouse cybersecurity policies and procedures
including regular updates and means of secure access to warehouse
IT systems?
7.6.11 Does the warehouse account for IT equipment or media that contains
sensitive information through regular inventories?
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
The level of security should be based on on-going risk assessments considering the goods in storage and location of the warehouse. Level of risk will depend
on parameters such as over-all value, consumer demand, ease of sale on black market, degree of danger represented by the goods (such as highly toxic
commodities) and / or significant impacts created by the loss of the goods. Location of the warehouse also plays a role as those facilities located in higher
crime areas or areas of civil unrest may elevate the risk of theft, tampering or loss. The recommendations included in this checklist should be considered as a
minimum for warehouse storage.
2
Controls to prevent unauthorized access may include: a physical barrier enclosing the yard area; gates that are manned or electronically controlled; visible
perimeter signs indicating no unauthorized access or parking; visible signs on external doors or walls instructing drivers, visitors, etc. to proceed to appropriate
entry location; or periodic sweeps or patrols by CCTV, guards, or responsible member of workforce.
3
CCTV systems with color or day / night capability are recommended.
4
It is recommended that designated parking areas be at least 25m walking distance from dock areas.
5
Persons controlling visitor access points should be trained on entry / exit procedures including required information, badge issuance, escort requirements,
etc. as applicable.
6
It is recommended that visitor logs be maintained for at least 30 days.
7
This practice is not recommended.
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(CONT.):
8
A seven-point physical inspection includes inspection of the CTU undercarriage, right and left sides, front wall, ceiling / roof, inside / outside doors and floor
and any locking mechanism as applicable.
9
Qualifying cable and bolt seals are acceptable.
Pre-alert details are provided prior to pick-up and validated at time of pick-up. Details may include driver name, carrier name, truck license tag number, time
10
It is recommended that security vulnerability risk assessments be conducted at least annually (or more frequently as risk factors dictate or in the event of a
15
security breach). These assessments should include the testing of IT infrastructure security.
16
Access to shipping documents and commercially sensitive information should be controlled on a “need to know” basis with all access monitored and
recorded.
17
It is recommended that applicable records be maintained for a period of not less than two years to ensure their availability for investigations as required.
Access may be protected through the use of strong passwords, passphrases or other forms of authentication that are changed on a regular basis or as soon
18
8.1.2 Does the plan consider fully the hazard and nature and extent of the
possible emergency1?
8.1.3 Does the plan consider the consequences and the possible effect on
people and the environment?
8.1.4 Does the plan include provisions for escape and / or rescue of
affected warehouse personnel2?
8.1.5 Does the plan consider all the activities, urbanization etc. that are
adjacent to the facility?
8.1.6 Does the plan complement the plan that the Port or Local Authority
have developed and is there effective liaison with the Authorities in
place and ongoing?
8.1.7 Does the Plan consider escalation of the incident due to deteriorating
conditions (including weather) and/or through cumulative effects?
8.1.8 Has the Plan been tested, and practice drills carried out with the
third-party services and response teams (especially the Incident
Controller3)?
8.1.9 Has the Plan been adapted and kept under review to respond to
changing circumstances, new facilities, new cargoes and equipment,
changes to the surrounding infrastructure and activities?
14
8.2 Emergency Response Personnel
8.2.1 Are there selected and trained essential personnel who will have
a role to play in emergency response, especially the Incident
Controller?
8.2.2 Have all the relevant authorities and third-party services been
informed about the roles in the warehouse organization including
contact numbers?
8.3.1 Has a Dangerous Goods Inventory Statement been developed for the
warehouse?
8.4.3 Are the means for first aid easily accessible in the warehouse?
GUIDANCE NOTES:
1
Examples where an emergency response plan may be required include explosion, fire, loss of power, severe weather, active shooter, riot, strike, etc.
2
This would include the development of escape and emergency routes; and ensuring these routes (and exits) are freely accessible with appropriate signage,
not blocked, obstructed by parking or locked.
3
The incident controller is responsible for overall management of an incident. This will include coordination of emergency response resources, staff, and third-
party services.
4
An emergency control center can be an installation or activity from which a series of operations related to emergency response is directed.
5
The means for first aid will vary according to the activity carried out at a particular warehouse. Some examples of items that may be included are information
pertaining to relevant first aid treatments, sterile dressings of various sizes and shapes, bandages, safety pins, adhesive dressings, sterile wipes, gloves, face
shields, foil blankets, burn dressings, clothing shears, antiseptic creams, scissors, tweezers, automatic external defibrillators (AED), etc.
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ICHCA
E: [email protected]
W: www.ichca.com
IVODGA
T: 1-518-761-0263
W: www.ivodga.com
www.linkedin.com/company/the-international-vessel-operators-dangerous-goods-association-ivodga
NCB
E: [email protected]
W: www.natcargo.org
WSC
Anna Larsson, Communications Director, World Shipping Council
W: www.worldshipping.org