If you’re the one in charge of maintaining the safety of your warehouse -- and everyone and everything in it -- then you have quite a large responsibility. The best way to go about it is to be methodical and to eliminate the things that could cause problems. The following is a checklist to help you ensure that you’re always on top of warehouse security.

Control all access / entry points

Whether your locks use keys or fobs, only give access to people who need it. Unless a staff member is opening or closing, they shouldn’t need a key. Having lots of keys floating around is not a smart idea, as all it would take is one disgruntled employee to get their hands on a key and the consequences could be quite serious.

Restrict access to sensitive areas

Even your general storage area should be secured -- there are probably thousands of dollars worth of assets in there -- so restrict access to areas that aren’t necessary for people to be in. Areas like your office, or the chemical storage room, should be on a list of warehouse locations that are considered secure. Having a sign-in policy for visitors is also a good idea, so that you know who is in your factory at all times.

Secure the perimeter

Ground floor windows and doors should all have security screens protecting them, and if possible CCTV installed to monitor the perimeter of both your warehouse and the property. It’s also a good idea to examine perimeter fencing, as fences can do a lot to make a property either secure or vulnerable, depending on its condition.

Fire protection

Ensure that proper smoke detectors are installed, along with providing as many fire extinguishers as is recommended for your warehouse size. If it’s a large operation, you may need to purchase additional fire protection equipment, like fire blankets, as well.

Lighting

Make sure that both the interior and exterior of the warehouse are well lit. Motion sensor lighting is a great way to save money, as whether you’re doing security patrols or watching CCTV, the ability to see clearly is important. If you can’t see anything, you’re far more vulnerable. Having poor lighting in the warehouse is also a health and safety issue.

Evacuation plan

Make sure your warehouse has a plan for what to do in an emergency that involves evacuating the building. Everyone should know what this plan is, as well as knowing about other general aspects of the overall warehouse security. Consult with your local fire department to determine the best evacuation plan. Having a practice drill might be a good idea as well.

Warehouse security is something you need to take seriously, and even though a warehouse can be a pretty big structure, securing it can be quite simple and easy. If you have done all that you can but are still worried, it’s worth hiring a professional security company.