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The following checklist should be used when evaluating a warehouse. We recommend you sort the list with the most important requirements closer to the top.
Foodbanks invariably have limited resources. Every Rand you can save here (within reason) gives you a Rand to be used on something else.
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Checklist |
Evaluation |
Cost implication |
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1. Carefully assess the amount of space you'll need. For example, for a substantial city the initial warehouse space may be approximately 1,000m2 . |
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2. There should be room to expand. |
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3. Lease term should be at least 2 years as moving costs are expensive |
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4. Rental escalations must be in line with CPI. Watch out for free rental, it may imply much higher rentals in year 2. |
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5. The factory needs to have an alarm system. |
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6. Secure parking for vehicles at night. |
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7. Ensure that there is room for vehicles to turn. |
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8. 2 doors to the ware house for loading & unloading. |
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9. The height of the garage doors needs to be high enough for the current trucks and bigger ones in time. |
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10. Electricity must have 3 phase. |
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11. Each phase must have a minimum of 100 amps per phase. |
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12. Natural lighting is necessary in the event of power failures. |
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13. Floors must be epoxy-coated. |
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14. Floors need an area where water can drain away when food is being cleaned. |
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15. Floors must be strong enough to handle the weight of a forklift. Check this with the landlord. |
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16. Office space - open plan is ideal as it allows for transparency and ease of communication. |
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17. Offices need ADSL lines. |
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18. The shape of the factory should ideally be rectangle as it facilitates the flow of food. |
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19. Position: Ensure there is reasonably close access to highways. |
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20. Position: Central to both beneficiaries and donors. |
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21. Public transport must be close by for staff and volunteers. |
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22. Loading ramp would be a benefit. |
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23. Air-conditioning may be necessary depending on the climate. Ensure that this is taken into account when planning the electricity usage. |
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24. Cold storage: A building with (with access to) cold storage is necessary. |
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25. If there is no cold storage - ensure that pre-fab units can be erected. |
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26. If you are going to erect cold storage - ensure that the floor is insulated (this is where you will lose cold) |
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27. Ensure there are enough toilets for all staff and a change room |
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28. Staff are required to have an area where they can have tea. |
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29. Geyser is necessary for staff to be able to wash their hands before and after working with food |
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30. Signage: Ensure this can be put up. |
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31. For warehouses in the windy cities - watch out for having your doors facing the prevailing wind. This can create unpleasant working conditions. |
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Clothing requirements in a warehouse
The following clothing will be required in terms of the food hygiene and the Health & Safety Act:
- Steel capped boots for all staff working in the warehouse.
- Clean clothing (preferably overalls).
- Hair nets for staff cleaning and sorting fresh produce.
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