Warehouse management

EMT should have a warehouse management system with processes and procedures that facilitate reaching the ideal level of readiness and ability to manage supplies during the response phase.

Warehouse management is a complex task with many parts required to operate simultaneously. Standards on warehouse management apply to EMTs in both their pre-deployment base and temporary facilities.60 Establishment of a warehouse management system needs to factor in receiving and managing stock that is labelled and organized within appropriate storage parameters, the right technical team, information management systems and security risk management procedures. EMTs may choose to outsource their warehousing management system although access to stock must always be guaranteed.

1. All EMTs require dedicated warehouse space and facilities to store, maintain and pack supplies and equipment. Warehouse storage may be a dedicated facility or section of an existing warehouse.
2. Implement good warehouse practices, such as physical facilities, temperature control, handling of goods, sanitation, safe loading, and housekeeping and pest control according to national regulations.
3. Define a clear and logical layout focusing on maximizing space utilization and minimizing handling efforts based on the characteristics of goods, such as weight and inventory turnover.
4. Ensure goods are stored off the ground (to prevent water damage), ideally on shelves or in containers that allow items to be readily accessible, safely stored and counted, with stock cards readily visible.
5. Maintain an updated packing/inventory list that contains key information on contents, weight and total number of packages.
6. Guarantee power supplies and lighting that ensure safety and easy identification of goods.
7. Ensure constant power supply, surge protection and contingency in times of failure to critical areas requiring temperature control and refrigeration, such as food storage and pharmacy.

Information management systems should be robust and reliable for the field setting, stock cards for example, and if information technology solutions are used, a back-up system must be available.

• The space requirement varies per type of EMT but should include areas for inbound and outbound assembly of kits and pallets, sorting and exchange of consumables approaching expiry, as well as an adequate power source to ensure equipment is ready to use.
• Safe handling of heavy weights, particularly if working with multilevel vertical storage facilities, and the safe use of vehicles and loading equipment must observe national regulations on work health and safety.

Minimum data points for all items include:

id number = box number

name = box weight and volume

value = dangerous goods

expiry date = supplier details

serviced date = Operational status