Key Takeaways:
- Shipping pallets are an essential component of the supply chain, but it is vital that they be secured in a safe and stable fashion.
- Improperly stored pallets can endanger not only products and equipment, but also warehouse workers.
- The ANSI standard for industrial steel storage racks governs requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of these systems.
- The standard includes numerous considerations for the safe installation and maintenance of this equipment, and also guidelines to keep forklift operators and other workers safe.
- Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent problems before they happen.
- Proper employee training is also essential to pallet racking safety.
What are the ANSI Pallet Racking Safety Guidelines?
The humble shipping pallet is an absolutely critical component of the fast-moving national supply chain. These durable wood and plastic shipping platforms ensure that products can be safely stored, stacked, and transported from manufacturers to fulfillment centers, retailers, and other destinations. But while pallets are in stored in racks awaiting their next transfer, it is vital that they be secured in a safe and stable fashion. As the number of warehouse workers has increased over the past decade, so too has the number of mishaps, many of which are preventable.
Improperly stored pallets aren’t merely a threat to thousands or millions of dollars’ worth of products; they are also a hazard that can cause injuries or deaths to workers. For this reason, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) take pallet racking safety very seriously. By following ANSI pallet racking safety guidelines, logistics professionals can keep products, equipment, and their colleagues out of harm’s way.
The main standard for the oversight of industrial steel storage racks is ANSI MH16.1-2023, which outlines requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of this equipment. The ANSI standard’s guidance includes numerous important factors. These include:
- Rack design considerations, such as maximum load capacity and column stability
- Installation considerations, such as bracing and anchoring
- Minimum distance considerations, which involve making sure that sufficient distance exists between racking, walls, columns, aisles, and other equipment to accommodate warehouse operations and prevent collisions and potential damage
- Repair considerations, including the importance of repairs, modifications, and replacements being performed by qualified professionals who will never compromise safety
- Maintenance considerations, which will include regular inspections to identify potential dangers and ensure that the integrity of the racking system is maintained
Pallet Racking Safety Tips
Following ANSI racking guidelines is vital to keeping products, equipment, and — most importantly — supply chain professionals in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. Essential safety considerations include:
- Load capacity: Always make sure that the system is designed to handle the maximum combined weight of stored pallets and products. Never overload a rack, as this can result in structural failure and even collapse.
- Proper storage: Store pallets in a secure and stable manner to prevent the possibility of shifting. Pallets of the appropriate size should be used, and they should never be stacked too high. Mesh netting systems can also help keep loads secure and stable.
- Forklift safety: Forklifts should be used only by professionals who are trained on proper load handling and the importance of avoiding collisions with racking.
- Fire prevention: Fire safety measures must always be implemented in any warehouse environment. This includes the installation of sprinkler systems and smoke detectors.
- Emergency preparedness: Facility managers should implement and regularly hold practice drills on emergency procedures. This includes protocols for managing pallet racking structural failures.
The Importance of Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections of pallet racking systems can help ensure that potential dangers are spotted before they become life-threatening issues. Inspections should be conducted yearly at a minimum, but managers may deem more frequently inspections necessary if racking systems are regularly subjected to heavy loads, wear and tear, and other environmental conditions. Inspectors should keep an eye out for bent columns, loose bolts, cracked beams, and weakening braces or anchors. Any problems or damage should be promptly isolated and then either repaired or, if necessary, replaced entirely.
Trained Employees are Safer Employees
Worker training is a central aspect of ensuring compliance with ANSI pallet racking safety standards and guidelines. Employees with adequate training are more likely to recognize and mitigate potential hazards and keep themselves, and their equipment and inventory, safe from harm. Pallet racking safety training should cover a wide range of topics. Workers should be familiar with the components and functions of the racking system, and they should understand the load capacity of the system and how to prevent overloading and tipping. They should know what to do in an emergency, such as a structural failure or equipment malfunction, and forklift operators should be highly cognizant of the danger of collisions with racking systems as well as the importance of pedestrian safety. Regular safety sessions can not only save lives, but they can also help foster a culture of greater awareness about the importance of safety. Trained employees are safer employees!
The Benefits of Plastic Pallets
Among the many reasons that more manufacturers are making the switch to plastic pallets, such as those available from iGPS Logistics, is because they are generally safer and more conducive to both automated environments and warehouse racking systems. Plastic pallets are lighter than their wood counterparts, meaning that racking systems have less chance of being overloaded beyond their capacity. And because plastic pallets don’t shed nails or wood splinters, they have less chance of being snagged on warehouse racks and automated equipment.
Key Questions and Answers
What are the OSHA requirements for pallet racking?
OSHA does not have specific regulations for pallet racking. It does have safety regulations that apply to all workplaces, including those with pallet racking systems. These cover topics such as safe work practices, hazard identification and control, and emergency preparedness. Employers must ensure that pallet racking systems are designed, installed, and maintained in a safe manner, and that employees are trained on how to work safely around these systems.
Are pallet racks safe?
Pallet racks can be safe when designed, installed, and maintained properly. Adherence to ANSI standards and regular inspections are critical. However, improper use, overloading, or damage can pose significant risks.
What is the safety factor of a pallet rack?
The safety factor of a pallet rack is the ratio of its maximum design load to the expected load it will encounter. A higher safety factor indicates a greater margin of safety, reducing the risk of failure. Factors influencing the safety factor include the material used, design, and the specific application of the racking system.
Manufacturers looking to enhance their pallet racking safety can opt for iGPS plastic pallets. These pallets are lighter and safer than wood pallets, and don’t shed nails and splinters that can snag racking systems and automated equipment. For more information, contact us at 1-800-884-0225, email a specialist at switch@igps.net, or visit our contact page.
