Warehouse Safety with The Right Pipes & Fittings Selection 

5% of workers experience work-related injury in warehouses around the world each year. Therefore, making the warehousing industry one of the top sectors where safety is a priority.

The cause of accidents happening on-site can be many including manhandling, collisions and others. To keep workplace hazards under control, proper safety practices need to be maintained in warehouses. As warehouses have a significant role in the global supply chain, the facilities need to be at their best.

Whether it is heavy machinery or complex operations, safety is important in all aspects. One often-overlooked yet vital aspect of warehouse safety is the use of industrial pipes and fittings. They are essential components that contribute to safe operations while preventing potential hazards.

In this blog, we are highlighting industrial pipes and fittings safety and how they make things secure in the warehouse settings. Let’s dive into their key features, and why selecting the right ones can make all the difference.

Use of industry-grade pipes and fittings is common in all sectors including warehousing. They are used extensively in warehouse facilities for a variety of application areas. Let’s see some of the ways pipes and fittings are utilised in different zones.

Plumbing Systems: Pipes and fittings make up the passage for transportation of water, compressed air or other media within the plumbing systems of a warehouse.

Fire Safety Systems: Sprinklers systems for fire safety are common in warehouses. But it is the pipes and suitable fittings that make up part of the sprinklers.

HVAC Systems: Pipes and fittings are also common in HVAC systems that ensure proper ventilation within facilities. The quality of pipes determines the efficacy of maintaining heating and cooling.

Material Handling: Pipes serve as conduits for pneumatic systems or structural components for conveyor systems.

Selection of pipes and fittings matters a lot in keeping these components running smoothly while ensuring safety.

The pipes and fittings that are in use in different applications of a warehouse keeps things operating as they are intended to. Choosing quality pipes and fittings means safety in warehouses in several ways. These are —

Prevention of Leaks and Spills 

Depending on warehouse type, pipeline systems carry a number of hazardous materials. Leaking pipes can be the cause behind major risks that could expose workers to chemicals or be the reason for fire outbreaks.

Pipe leakage can also make an area dangerous as spills may happen that would increase the chance of slips or falls. It is why high-quality, corrosion-resistant pipes and fittings having secure sealing mechanisms is important.  Since they happen to prevent leaks, safeguarding both personnel and inventory.

Supports Fire Safety Systems 

Fire hazards are always a concern in warehouses as the facilities store a range of materials including the combustible ones. Pipes and fittings come into use in fire suppression systems that are installed within the site. 

While the pipes and fittings are not actively in function all the time within these systems, they are meant to be optimal conditions. Durable pipes made of materials like galvanized steel or CPVC are preferred since they ensure water reaches effectively to sprinklers in times of need.

Withstands Heavy Loads and Traffic 

Heavy equipment is common in warehouses which includes forklifts, pallet jacks, etc. Pipes that are used in exposed or underground installations have to take on the impacts and other loads without failure. 

Durable pipes prevent potential collapses or damage that could disrupt operations or endanger workers.

Ensures Safe Ventilation and Air Quality 

Pipes and related fittings are actively in use in HVAC systems. The systems which are responsible for air circulation and removal of contaminants within warehouse facilities.

If the pipelines in these systems are not up to the safety standards then it can cause health related issues. Hence, pipes and fittings have quite an impact in making the work environment favourable in these sites.

Structural Support 

In certain situations, pipes and fittings are also used as structural components like the guardrails or frames. It is why the choice of high-quality materials along with appropriate installation is important as they add an extra layer of safety for workers. 

When choosing industrial pipes and fittings for warehouses, the following features are what you need to consider for safety — 

Material Durability: 

Pay attention to the materials of pipes and fittings as they determine the performance capability. Going for anti-corrosive materials or ones that can withstand temperature changes and physical stress is preferable. These materials are stainless steel, galvanised steel, etc.

Leak-Proof Sealing 

You need to keep in mind the sealing mechanism of pipe fittings as they help in offering leak-proof performance. Seals like O-rings or gaskets are some options commonly available.

Fire-Resistance: 

As pipes and fittings are used in fire safety systems, they also need to be fire-resistant. Choose for pipes with fire-resistant coatings or anti-fire materials. 

Ease of Maintenance:

Modular fittings and accessible layouts simplify maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring system reliability. 

Compliance with Standards:

Be sure to select pipes and fittings that are compliant to industry standards like ISO, ASTM, or OSHA. 

Directly or indirectly, pipes and fittings have a major role in ensuring safety of warehouses. If you’re looking to upgrade your warehouse safety systems then you must prioritise selecting the best pipes and fittings.

Dutco Tennant LLC is a leading distributor of industry-grade products that offer pipes and fittings safety.