Warehouse Putaway Compliance Audit

Inspection template for verifying warehouse putaway compliance, including location confirmation, height restrictions, weight limits, labeling, and safe storage practices.

Putaway Location Verification

• Product stored in assigned bin/rack/location
  Verify the item matches the system-directed putaway location and physical location label.
• Location label matches inventory record
  Check that the physical location identifier matches the WMS/ERP record and any pick label or slotting card.
• No unauthorized storage in aisles, docks, or staging lanes
  Verify product is not left in travel paths, dock edges, emergency access routes, or temporary staging areas beyond approved limits.
• Putaway completed within designated storage zone
  Confirm the item is stored in the correct zone for its handling class, customer, temperature, or hazard requirements.

Height and Stacking Compliance

• Stack height within approved limit
  Measure the stack or pallet height and confirm it does not exceed site-defined or rack-defined limits.
• Top load is stable and evenly distributed
  Check for leaning, overhang, crushed packaging, or uneven load distribution that could cause collapse.
• Clearance maintained from sprinklers, lights, and overhead obstructions
  Verify stored materials do not interfere with sprinkler discharge, lighting, or overhead equipment. Follow site fire protection rules and NFPA-based clearance requirements where applicable.

Weight Limit Compliance

• Stored load does not exceed rack or shelf capacity
  Verify the actual load weight is within the posted or engineered capacity for the storage location.
• Maximum load rating is posted and legible
  Check that rack, shelf, or mezzanine load limits are clearly posted and visible to operators.
• Pallet condition supports the stored load
  Inspect for broken boards, damaged stringers, or compromised packaging that could fail under load.

Labeling and Identification

• Product label is present and readable
  Confirm the item or pallet has a legible product label, SKU, lot, or handling label as required by site procedure.
• Location identifier is visible from normal approach path
  Check that the bin, rack, or floor location ID can be read without moving product or entering a restricted area.
• Special handling labels applied correctly
  Verify any required labels such as fragile, keep dry, temperature control, quarantine, or customer-specific markings are present and accurate.
• Mixed or nonconforming inventory is segregated and identified
  Confirm damaged, hold, return, or nonconforming material is separated from available stock and clearly marked.

Housekeeping and Safe Storage Practices

• Aisles, exits, and emergency access routes are unobstructed
  Check that stored materials do not block pedestrian aisles, exit access, fire equipment, or emergency response routes.
• No damaged, unstable, or fallen product in storage area
  Inspect for collapsed stacks, fallen cartons, leaking containers, or unstable pallets requiring immediate correction.
• Storage area is free of excess debris and slip/trip hazards
  Verify stretch wrap, banding, broken pallet pieces, and loose debris are removed from the work area.
• Safe storage practices followed for product type
  Confirm items are stored according to site rules for segregation, orientation, temperature, flammability, or other handling requirements.