The protection of stores from fire, rust and corrosion, dust, theft, weather, heat, cold and moisture is an important aspect of the store-keeping function. Each kind of material such as textiles, rubber goods, leather goods and metals require its own kind of care.
The following points should be remembered in this connection:
1. To Protect Goods from Fire:
It is essential to store them in fireproof buildings and bins with adequate automatic sprinkler provision. Adequate fire-fighting equipment such as high pressure water lines, modern sprinkler systems, suitable chemical extinguishers, fire pails, sand etc., should be provided. A clean orderly store-room is less likely to contain oil rags and other substances susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
For certain classes of goods such as oils etc., for mite sprinklers should be supplied. Gasoline and fuel oil should be stored in underground tanks. Explosives, such as blasting powder and dynamite should be stored at a distance from all other buildings in store houses used for no other purpose.
2. To Protect Goods from Damage by Dust:
Storage should be in boxes or in closed cabinets. In city areas, where there is considerable dust in the atmosphere, air-conditioned storage areas may prove advantageous for such materials. Writing paper and finished textile goods are examples which require special protection from dust.
3. Protection against Weather Conditions:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Materials whose nature requires that they be stored out of doors can be protected by open sheds or textiles or plastic coverings.
4. Protection against Deterioration:
Some materials deteriorate with age. Such materials should not be over-stocked and a first-in-first-out storage system should be adopted. Another form of deterioration is the damage which may result from improper materials handling. The adoption of the most suitable container handling equipment and methods can do much to reduce this source of damage.
5. Protection against Theft:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Protection against theft can be ensured by locking the store room and excluding all persons not directly concerned with the receipt and issue of stores. Stores should be issued only on the authority of properly signed requisitions.
Insurance:
Insurance is done to underwrite risk and compensate the insured person for the loss or damage actually suffered by him. Fire insurance is done for indemnity against loss due to fire during an agreed period of time and upto a specified amount. General insurance is also done for indemnity against variety of risks such as burglary, theft, riot, war etc. Transit insurance is done for indemnity of loss during transportation.
Special Care of Materials:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Certain materials, which may cause harm either to men or material, require special attention during storage. Some of these items may be: acids, carbide, oxygen, paint and variables, rubber goods, petroleum products, timber or timber materials, battery, cement, castings, cloth, electric or electronic items, leather goods, machined parts, paper, tools etc.
Security:
From the security point of view, no outsider should be permitted into the storage areas. Doors and windows should be strong with good locks and should be closed properly every day. Specious issue counters should be provided where people can obtain materials without entering into the stores. Stockyards should be provided with boundaries of adequate height and with barbed wire fencing above the brick wall.