Essential Pallet Racking Safety Guide

When pallet racking system safety is overlooked businesses in the warehouse industry could face large-scale financial and human losses.

Complacency in the warehousing industry is the most dangerous obstacle facing many businesses. But, this problem is not restricted to international businesses alone.

More small to medium-sized business dealing in the warehousing of goods are becoming complacent to safety standards for racking.

Regardless of the number of years of experience, a business has in the warehouse field, understanding a few safety tips for pallet racking is vital.

Understand Limitations

Regardless of how much racking a warehouse has, it is important to understand that each piece of racking equipment does have its own limits.

When manufactured the limits of each pallet rack will be set out on the packaging. It is important that racking is never used beyond these set limits. Over weighted racking systems pose the danger of falling over or even collapsing.

When pallet racking malfunctions as a result of misuse it can cause damage to the goods placed thereon as well as death for any employees working around the racking system at the time of the malfunction.

Those supervising the operations within a warehouse should always ensure that racking systems are used in the correct manner.

Protection

The most important aspect of racking protection is ensuring accidents and malfunctions are prevented. This can be done through the implementation of safe working habits for those operating forklifts and other heavy machinery around pallet racking.

Additional means of protection for racking systems include guarding any and all exposed frames which may cause injury to a person or damage to vehicles.

Layout of Racking

Safety guidelines set out by the HSE recommends that warehouses be void of areas which provide for sharp turning corners and uneven surfaces. Additionally, racking around or near pillars should always be avoided. It is for this reason that warehouse planning is important.

When planning the layout of a warehouse, business owners and managers should always have two things in mind. Firstly, the safety of their employees and secondly the efficiency with which those working in the warehouse will be able to complete their tasks.

Warehouses should be planned to allow for easy workflow. Areas which handle dangerous goods should be well marked and placed near areas of high ventilation. Pallet racking should never be placed on a gradient or near sloping areas.

Inspections

It is recommended that racking systems are inspected at least once a year. Warehousing best practises suggesting that systems should be inspected every quarter. There are however logbooks and safety guidelines which instruct managers and supervisors to inspect and check all warehouse racking systems one a weekly or even daily basis.

Those conducting the inspections should be knowledgeable as to what to look out for. They need to know what a damaged racking system will look like and they would be able to guide employees through unpacking and removing items in a dangerous environment