This guide explores UK-specific regulations and best practices to ensure your shelving and storage systems meet compliance standards while optimising functionality. It also highlights how Anco provides compliant storage and shelving solutions that adhere to these regulations.
The Importance of Compliance in Medical and Catering Storage
Proper shelving and storage solutions are critical in medical and catering environments. In these industries, compliance with UK regulations ensures hygiene, safety, and efficiency while preventing costly fines or health hazards. Facilities must adhere to stringent guidelines to store medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and food items safely and effectively.
UK Regulations and Standards for Medical Storage Solutions
NHS and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Compliance
Medical storage must comply with NHS guidelines and CQC regulations, ensuring patient safety and hygiene. Shelving solutions used in hospitals, clinics, and care homes must be:
✔ Durable and easily cleanable to prevent contamination.
✔ Securely fixed to prevent tipping hazards.
✔ Made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and high-grade
plastics, for longevity in sterile environments.
HTM 71: Storage for Medicines and Medical Devices
The UK’s Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 71 outlines best practices for medicine storage in healthcare settings.
Storage units must be lockable for controlled substances.
Modular and Adjustable Storage: Stackable bins and adjustable shelving allow healthcare facilities to organise medical supplies efficiently
Ventilated Shelving for Temperature Control: Wire shelving and perforated polymer shelving support proper air circulation, preventing condensation and maintaining stable temperatures for sensitive supplies.
Hygienic, Non-Porous Surfaces: Stainless steel and high-quality polymer shelving meet infection control standards by resisting moisture, bacteria, and contaminants.
BS 2881: Secure Storage for Medicines and Medical Equipment
BS 2881 is a British Standard that specifies the requirements for secure storage cabinets used in medical settings. This regulation ensures that medicines, including controlled drugs, are stored in cabinets that are resistant to forced entry and meet security requirements for healthcare facilities.
Security Levels: BS 2881 outlines three security levels (Low, Medium, and High), depending on the type of medication and risk assessment for storage.
Construction Standards: Cabinets must be made of durable materials with reinforced locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Healthcare Compliance: Compliance with BS 2881 helps healthcare providers maintain regulatory adherence while ensuring patient and staff safety.
Infection Control Compliance (NHS England)
Shelving in medical facilities must comply with infection control policies, ensuring surfaces are smooth, non-porous, and easy to disinfect. Stainless steel and polymer shelving are preferred due to their antimicrobial properties, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Stainless Steel Shelving: The gold standard for medical environments due to its non-porous, rust-resistant, and easy-to-clean nature.
Plastic Shelving: High-grade polymer shelving with antimicrobial properties provides a lightweight, rust-free alternative suitable for humid or temperature-controlled environments.
UK Regulations and Standards for Catering and Food Storage
Food Standards Agency (FSA) and HACCP Compliance
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) enforces HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles in commercial kitchens. Key storage regulations include:
✔ Food must be stored off the floor – at least 15cm (6 inches) above ground.
✔ Separate storage areas for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
✔ Temperature-controlled shelving for chilled and frozen goods.
Importance of Stainless Steel and Plastic Shelving in Catering Environments
Food storage shelving must be food-safe, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sanitise. Stainless steel and high-density plastic shelving are ideal choices due to their compliance with UK and EU hygiene standards.
Stainless Steel Shelving:
✔ Resistant to rust, corrosion, and bacterial growth.
✔ Suitable for dry, chilled, and frozen storage areas.
✔ Provides durability in high use catering environments.
Plastic Shelving:
✔ Lightweight and moisture-resistant, preventing mould and bacterial buildup.
✔ Suitable for walk-in fridges, freezers, and dry goods storage.
✔ NSF-certified options ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Workplace Safety Regulations (HSE UK)
Under HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines, catering storage must:
✔ Be securely anchored if over a certain height to prevent tipping.
✔ Have anti-slip coatings where necessary.
✔ Be capable of withstanding heavy loads to store bulk ingredients safely.
Best Practices for Shelving and Storage in Medical and Catering Industries
To ensure compliance and efficiency, businesses should follow these best practices for shelving and storage:
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Shelving should be cleaned frequently with approved disinfectants to prevent contamination and maintain hygiene standards.
Organized and Labelled Storage: Items should be properly categorized and labelled for easy access, reducing retrieval time and ensuring compliance with inventory management standards.
Proper Weight Distribution: Heavier items should be stored on lower shelves to prevent tipping hazards and ensure safety.
Temperature Control: Shelving in medical and catering environments must be suited for temperature-sensitive items, ensuring proper ventilation and preventing spoilage.
Use of Adjustable and Modular Systems: Adjustable shelving allows for flexible storage solutions, optimizing space and accommodating different storage needs.
Compliance with Safety Regulations: Ensure all shelving systems meet UK regulatory standards, including BS 2881, HTM 71, HACCP, and HSE guidelines.
Secure Storage for Sensitive Items: Lockable storage solutions, such as drug and medicine dispense trolleys, should be used for controlled substances and high-value items
Implementing these best practices will help maintain a safe, efficient, and compliant storage environment in both medical and catering sectors.
Anco’s Commitment to Compliance in Medical and Catering Sectors
At Anco Storage Equipment, we provide high-quality shelving solutions tailored for the medical and catering industries in the UK. Our storage systems are designed to meet the latest NHS, CQC, BS 2881, HTM 71, HACCP, and HSE regulations, ensuring full compliance and optimal efficiency.
Certifications
We take compliance seriously, and our stainless steel shelving systems are backed by industry-recognised certifications:
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System, guaranteeing consistently high standards in our shelving and storage solutions
NF Food Hygiene Certification – Certifying our shelving systems for food-safe storage in catering environments
Anco’s Storage and Shelving systems for Medical & Catering Storage
At Anco, we provide a wide range of storage, racking, and shelving solutions that comply with the strict regulations of the medical and catering sectors. Some of these include:
Inox Standard – A versatile stainless steel shelving system, suitable for both medical and catering storage with high durability and corrosion resistance.
Inox Plus – Designed for heavy-duty medical and food storage, offering reinforced construction for enhanced stability.
Eco Line – A cost-effective shelving system with epoxy-coated frames, ideal for dry storage and catering environments.
Eco Inox – A combination of stainless steel uprights with polymer shelves, making it perfect for humid and sterile conditions.
Ganciera Pedena – A specialised shelving system for hanging storage, commonly used in food preparation and catering industries.
Eco Color – An epoxy-coated steel shelving option, providing scratch-resistant and food-safe storage.
Rhino Bins – Durable, heavy-duty plastic bins, ideal for medical storage, food service, and industrial use.
Tilt Bins – Modular plastic storage bins with easy-access design, perfect for organised small-part storage in medical and catering environments.
Drug & Medicine Dispense Trolley – A lockable storage solution ideal for medical environments, ensuring secure storage and controlled access for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Plus many more
For tailored solutions, contact Anco Storage Equipment today to find the perfect Shelving and Storage System for your facility!
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