
Tuesday February 4, 2025 08:37
The recent prosecution of a company following the death of one of its workers when steel from a rack fell on him gives a timely warning to business that have storage racks or shelving as part of their operations of the need to have good systems in place to ensure the safety of the racks and/or shelves.
Many businesses use a ‘standard’ pallet racking system or shelving to store raw materials, product, etc. In many cases the pallet rack system has the pallets resting on horizontal beams. It is important that the installed racking or shelving system meets the potential storage loads for the business and that there are systems in place to ensure that the storage system continues to meet those requirements.
Points to consider when having a racking system (or shelving system) installed and the ongoing checking and maintenance of the integrity of the system include:
- Has the racking system been installed by a competent supplier or manufacturer?
- Is it suitable for the storage requirements? Load weights, height, etc.? For some loads, there may need for input from a qualified engineer.
- Is the floor capable of taking the weight of a fully loaded rack or shelf.
- Is it secured to floor and/or walls? Depending on the storage, additional cross bracing may be required.
- Has the storage system been installed so it is clear from damage to lighting fixtures, fire protection systems, pipes, wiring, etc? Items stored in the top level of a rack must be at least half a meter from any sprinkler head.
- Is the storage system easily accessible by fork hoists? The isles must be wide enough that a fork hoist can manoeuvre without damaging the legs of the rack.
- Are there weight capacity limits posted on the rack beams and shelves? Can these be easily seen and read by fork hoist drivers?
- Are all the rack legs protected from damage? Use leg protectors, barriers, bump pads, etc.
- Have workers (fork hoist drivers, etc) been adequately trained to operate within the racking system. This includes to NOT use damaged pallets, especially on a pallet racking system.
- Is there a system in place to:
- Report any damage to legs and./or beams
- Barrier off a damaged rack until the damaged item has been replaced. Damaged rack components should be replaced rather than repaired.
- Repair racks and shelving in a timely manner.
Note: Even minor damage to a rack leg can significantly reduce the load capacity of the rack.
- Is there a regular inspection system in place to check on the condition of the racks and/or shelves for damage, loaded weight within capacity, locking pins, type and condition of pallets, floor condition, etc?
The main safety issues with racking systems arise from:
- Unsecured racks
- Damage to legs
- Overloading
- Modifications and/or poor repairs.
- Inadequately trained workers.
There is a WokSafe Quick Guide “Working safely with pallet racking systems” which provides further information.
Note: Specialist racking systems (double deep, live pallets, etc) are out of the scope of the above WokSafe Quick Guide. Information on these types of systems and the safety and training requirements should be sourced from reputable racking providers.
If you have any concerns around this topic or other Health & Safety matters, your Securo Consultant is available to help, so please give them a call.
Alternatively, you can also contact Securo head office on 0800 55 33 44.