Fighting infections and keeping your customers germ free has always been a critical part of safe inventory storage, but in these times of pandemics and quarantines, it’s more important than ever.

Preventing the spread of germs throughout your warehouse can take many forms, from disinfecting packages to requiring proper employee hygiene. However, one method of germ control that many warehouses may be unaware of is using the proper shelves.

 

NSF shelving is a type of shelving specially rated by the National Sanitation Foundation for maximum resistance to germs. These shelves are made to help prevent the spread of germs, allergens, and other contaminants across different products and between workers while the items are being handled.

This shelving can come in many different forms, such as:

• Food storage shelving, designed to keep consumables and perishable items safe from cross contamination, allergen contact, or germ infection
• Walk in cooler shelving, designed to prevent rust for storage of frozen foods and temperature sensitive goods
• Greenhouse shelving, specifically made to protect botanical products and prevent rust in the harsh conditions of a greenhouse

Through careful use of these types of shelving, you can prevent the spread of germs through any type of warehouse.

 

For example, even if you don’t need to store products in areas of extreme temperatures such as greenhouses or walk-in coolers, NSF shelving can help you reduce the spread of germs between products as your workers handle them throughout the day.

One of the most productive ways to employ germ-free shelving is to use them in shipping and receiving areas. Even if you’re already equipped with shelving and storage in those areas, giving some space over to antimicrobial wire shelving or antimicrobial polymer shelving can do a lot to curb the spread of germs in high-traffic areas where items can encounter a lot of touches. This can come in particularly handy when products are still due out to the customer, and can go a long way towards maintaining safety on every step of the logistics process.

 

Barring that, any remaining warehouse shelving you use in your facility needs to be disinfected and wiped down as often as possible. Make sure your highest-traffic areas, or any shelves facing the outside (such as in the truck dock or loading bay) are cleaned on regular schedules, and all workers are given protective equipment to minimize their direct contact with any given product.

With the right use of sterile shelving and some caution amongst the workers, you can keep your team and your customers free of potential infection!