Countless hours are wasted in the workplace through parts being lost – or more accurately, not stored properly in the first place. Organising your small parts storage will make your job a lot easier and could save you more than just time. The less time you spend searching for parts, the quicker the job gets done, allowing you to get on with the next one.
Fortunately, there are solutions. You could embark on a storage makeover, enabling you to set up an organised, tidy and well-laid-out space by introducing the kind of useful items that will help, such as part bins, cabinets and shelves designed around your needs. Once you have invested in the right components, being able to lay your hands on whatever you need – whether it’s to complete a job or serve a customer – will become easier.
Starting with the essentials
Whatever type of containers you choose, labels are a must, as is a permanent marker (unless you have a labelling machine). If you don’t have legible handwriting, ask somebody else to write for you. There’s a good chance you’re not going to be the only one who has to pick things out. Next, decide what type of containers you’ll need. This will depend on what small parts you’re going to be storing.
What are you storing?
Depending on the type of small parts you need to store, think carefully about what you’re going to store them in and how they will need to be protected, for example – for Coin Dealers UK, they would need to make sure they find storage solutions that will protect their coin collections and keep them in mint condition. Do they need to be kept dry or at a particular temperature? Organic items, such as seeds and inks, for example, and some precision parts may need to be free from moisture. Batteries or hazardous parts may need to be stored separately from other items. Think about safety. Thousands of manual handling accidents are reported to ROSPA yearly.
Choose your containers
Shelves are the obvious choice for slightly larger items that you will access frequently, such as tools. Shelves will also house smaller plastic containers and drawers. For very small items of the same type, part bins are the best choice. Be sure they come with lids to stop any unwanted items falling in or parts being mixed up.
Whatever solution you decide on, make sure it’s safe and that maximum loads are not exceeded.
