From the time it is manufactured to the time it is sent to your client, your product needs to be kept in acceptable conditions. The buildings used to harvest it are a play an important role in its conservation and preservation.

Even though everybody likes to think that their buildings are well suited to store goods it is strongly suggested that it is inspected and sanitized accordingly with a scheduled plan.

Facilities are exposed to weather elements and deteriorate with time. With a preventive maintenance plan in place it is a lot easier to prevent accidents that could damage your inventory. For example: A leaking roof may cause contaminated water to infiltrate your goods which may not be discovered in a timely manner. Water spreads on a very wide surface and travels from one object to another very easily through packages stacked on very shelves. This may hide the problem for an extended period of time and goods may be shipped to your clients before you realize they have been affected.

Another important factor to take in consideration is the environment in which the building is located. Some geographical areas, countries, cities and types of construction are known to be subjected to certain types of pests or climate conditions. Being aware of the possible hazards present in the environment where your warehouse is located may contribute in helping you take appropriate steps to avoid potential problems.

In July 1998 an Asian longhorned beetle infestation was discovered in the Ravenswood area of Chicago . On June 16, 2005 it was detected in a warehouse in Chicago . A concerned warehouse manager found two live adult beetles crawling on the loading bay outside the warehouse. State and county staff visited the warehouse and a dead and live beetle were collected and positively identified as Asian longhorned beetles (ALB). These adult ALBs were found outside the actual warehouse but still on the premises and one beetle had been stepped on. A third beetle was subsequently collected from inside the warehouse as it was making its way outside. Prior to this incident, warehouse employees stated they had observed frass (digested wood produced by beetle larvae) and larval tunneling in some of the crates used to import tile and stone from China . The slate and stone were palletized and packaged in crates made of roughly sawn wood. In July 1998 an infestation was discovered in the Ravenswood area of Chicago .

This example demonstrates how critical it is to be aware of potential hazards and to take measures to overcome the consequences of an infestation. If the facility had been treated to repel the bugs from the warehouse and the signs of their presence were recognized, the problem could have been dealt with in a timelier manner. The story does not tell if the organization owning the building incurred any financial damages other than the extermination costs.

Warehouses are usually very large empty areas in which different types of materials are brought in and shipped out. It is probably the toughest area to control as far as cleanliness and sanitation. Therefore, it is extremely important to execute the following procedure:

• Have a scheduled maintenance and inspection system in place

• Inspect, on arrival, every new component entering the premises

• Be aware of any change in the environment

• Stay alert and updated of any trend, event or news that may affect your premises

• Provide your warehouse employees with information so that they can recognize early signs of deteriorated conditions.

If you outsource you warehouse operations make sure that they practice the activities mentioned above.

Remember that prevention is always the best remedy.