An Ultimate Guide To Pallet Rack Safety Standards And Regulations

Avoiding pallet racking safety regulations and standards can cause pallet racking failure, and workplace accidents, and affect the operational efficiency of the warehouse. 

In this article, we’ve created a short guide about pallet rack safety standards and regulations that should always be followed. Moreover, you’ll find some helpful tips that’ll help you comply with these guidelines. So, let’s get started. 

What Are The Safety Regulations For Pallet Racks?

Different governing bodies have created pallet-racking standards and guidelines. Depending on your region, you might have to comply with one or multiple pallet rack safety regulations. However, two pallet racking standards are globally accepted. Here’s a detailed look at both of them.

1. ANSI

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has the following three pallet rack safety regulations that provide guidelines for pallet racking maintenance: 

  • Repair and Replacement Of Damaged Components: All pallet racking repair and maintenance should be carried out under the guidance of an experienced rack engineer.
  • Owner Maintenance: All operational and maintenance requirements should be followed and pallet racking inspections should happen once every 6 months. Warehouse managers and owners should ensure all these things happen at the required time under the observation of a registered pallet racking inspector.
  • Additions, Alterations, and Reconfigurations: Any addition, alteration, or reconfiguration done to meet the pallet racking requirements should be reviewed by a licensed pallet racking inspector.

2. OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have specific warehouse racking safety regulations. However, they do have strict guidelines for employers managing warehouses with pallet rackings. The main OSHA regulations applicable to warehouses and distribution centers are: 

  • OSHA General Duty Clause: Employers need to provide their employees with a workplace that is free from any recognizable hazard. 
  • General Requirements For Storage: This pallet rack safety standard offers a basic overview of how stored materials and goods should be handled. The general requirement is that a pallet racking system shouldn’t be a hazard. Pallets should be properly stocked, blocked, and interlocked at a certain height.

OSHA guidelines for Pallet Rack Safety

Why Is It Important To Follow Pallet Rack Safety Regulations?

Following pallet rack safety regulations is important in ensuring employee safety and improving the operational efficiency of the warehouse. Here’s a detailed look at some of the reasons why warehouse racking regulations should be followed at all times: 

  • Prevent Workplace Incidents: Proper pallet rack safety keeps your employees safe and minimizes the risk of workplace accidents. 
  • Safeguards Inventory: Only a safe and secure pallet racking can protect against accidental inventory loss in the warehouse. By following the pallet racking standards, you can prevent inventory loss. 
  • Avoid Costly Fines: Accidents caused by faulty pallet racking can lead to hefty fines and legal action against the company. 
  • Boost Reputation: Following pallet rack safety regulations shows your commitment to workplace safety. This can boost your business’s reputation in the industry and improve employee morale as well. 

How To Comply With Pallet Rack Safety Regulations?

Warehouse managers and owners are responsible for ensuring safety regulations compliance. To ensure compliance with warehouse racking regulations compliance, you need to take care of the following things at your warehouse:

  • Follow Load Capacity And Weight Limits: Every pallet racking has a certain load capacity and weight limit. If these limits are exceeded, the pallet racking is at risk of beam deflection which can cause damage to the inventory and accidents in the warehouse. 
    • Regular Pallet Racking Inspections: Pallet racking systems have so many components. Due to forklift traffic and mishandling of inventory, these components can get damaged. However, with regular pallet racking inspection, you can identify these problems at an initial stage and prevent workplace hazards. 
  • Properly Design The Pallet Racking System: A pallet racking system should be designed according to the warehouse layout. Make sure your racking system follows pallet racking standards and suits the type of pallet racking system you want to install.
  • Careful Loading And Unloading Of Products: Employees should be careful when loading and unloading products. Items falling from a significant height can cause serious injury to employees and cause inventory loss as well. 
  • Work With Proper Gears: Warehouse employees should always wear the right personal protective gear. Equipment like safety glasses, sturdy hats, and reflective vests can protect employees from accidents. Employees should also be given proper training about pallet rack safety regulations.

Pallet Racking safety gear

Conclusion

We hope this short guide will help you understand the pallet rack safety standards and regulations that should be followed in every warehouse. Compliance with these standards is imperative or you might face legal issues along with other problems at the warehouse. 

FAQs

  1. What are the guidelines for pallet racking safety?

Below are some of the guidelines that you should always follow when setting up a pallet racking system:

  • Comply with the load capacity and weight limits and ensure even load distribution.
  • Perform regular pallet racking inspections.
  • Train employees on equipment handling and pallet racking usage.

You should also follow the standards like OSHA, ANSI, and RMI to make sure your pallet racking system is safe and secure. 

Scroll to Top