Pack non-specialist items for removal

This standard outlines the skills and knowledge required to pack non specialist items safely and efficiently for removal.

It applies to both household and business moves and includes domestic and international destinations.

Effective packing is essential to ensure items are protected from movement, impact, and environmental factors throughout transit. Packing methods may vary depending on the destination and any specific export requirements.

The standard covers the correct selection and use of packing materials, wrapping techniques, and suitable containers for both fragile and non fragile items. It also highlights the importance of sustainability, accurate labelling, and compliance with organisational procedures, industry best practice, and legal requirements.

This standard is relevant to all operatives who pack non specialist items as part of their job role.

Packing of specialist items is covered in SFLR3

1.    maintain the health and safety of yourself and others at all times, in line with the relevant legislation and organisational requirements
2.    assess risks before starting and throughout the activity, in accordance with the Risk Assessment, taking action to minimise risks and reporting them in line with organisational procedures
3.    confirm that the required personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn at all times, in line with organisational procedures
4.    confirm that the relevant training has been received to carry out the work, recognise the limits of your competence and seek access to further training where required
5.    maintain effective communication with colleagues and customers when carrying out the work
6.    confirm with customers the items to be packed
7.    confirm that the correct wrapping and packing materials and containers are selected for different non-specialist items, in line with organisational procedures and export packing requirements where relevant
8.    select wrapping and packing materials and containers that support sustainability and minimise environmental impact 
9.    wrap and pack non-specialist items using correct materials and techniques and minimising wastage, in line with organisational procedures and industry best practice
10.    pack items into containers placing heavier items first and filling any voids to prevent items from moving during transit 
11.    pay attention to the overall weight and weight distribution of each container to ensure they can be lifted safely
12.    secure and seal containers using suitable materials in line with organisation procedures and industry best practice
13.    check that all items are documented on the inventory and boxes labelled with contents, destination and where required marked “fragile” in line with organisational procedures and industry best practice
14.    record and report damage and breakages that occur during packing in line with organisational procedures
15.    deal effectively with issues that arise within the scope and limitations of your responsibilities and competence and report issues which cannot be resolved, in line with organisational procedures
16.    maintain work areas in a clean and tidy condition throughout the activity
17.    complete and store required documentation and records in line with relevant legal requirements and organisational procedures

1.    your responsibilities under the relevant health and safety legislation and organisational requirements
2.    how to identify hazards and assess risks associated with the work being carried out, and the suitable control measures and Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) that can be put in place to reduce risks
3.    the relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be worn when packing items for removal
4.    how to identify and access the information required to carry out the work
5.    the roles and responsibilities of colleagues and why it is important to maintain communication and work effectively with colleagues and customers when carrying out your work
6.    the types of wrapping and packing materials and containers available for different non-specialist items and what these are used for
7.    the importance of considering environmental impact and sustainability when selecting wrapping and packing materials and how to minimise wastage 
8.    export packing requirements for international moves
9.    prohibited items that cannot be packed and why this is important for insurance purposes
10.    how to select suitable wrapping materials and wrap different types of non-fragile and fragile non-specialist items without damaging them
11.    how to select suitable containers for the items being packed, the techniques for filling them and how they should be sealed
12.    the labelling system used by your organisation
13.    the organisational procedures for recording and reporting damage and breakages that occur during packing
14.    the issues that may occur when packing items for removal, the actions to take and the organisational procedures for reporting issues that cannot be resolved
15.    the relevant legal and organisational requirements and industry codes of practice for packing items for removal
16.    the information and recording systems used by the organisation and the legal and organisational requirements for maintaining records, including data protection legislation and organisational procedures for data security

Containers: corrugated cardboard boxes, crates, cases, speciality containers e.g. wardrobe cartons, TV boxes, picture cartons

Export packing requirements: protection against damage (consider the amount of handling required by the transport mode being used), prevention of theft, protection against exposure to moisture, humidity and temperature changes (use of moisture-resistant materials e.g., plastic wrapping, desiccants), use of returnable export packaging, legislation; documentation

Health and safety includes mental and physical wellbeing

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could include: high-visibility clothing, hard hats, protective clothing, eye protection, masks, gloves, safety footwear

Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a method of work that puts in place control measures arising from a risk assessment, in order to manage identified hazards, which are broken down into four elements: safe person; safe equipment; safe place; and safe practice.

Wrapping and packing materials: moving blankets, Furni-guard, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, packing paper, foam sheets, inserts and dividers, packing peanuts, plastic stretch wrap, packing tape, straps, nylon or metal bands etc