How Overloading Your Storage Racking Can Put Your People and Products in Danger
Overloading your racking systems is incredibly risky, and can potentially lead to catastrophic failures that can endanger both people and products. Sticking to the rated capacity guidelines helps prevent accidents and keeps the racking system structurally sound. Ignoring these capacities can cause structural failures, resulting in collapses that could crush workers and damage goods—especially during seismic events when the risks are even higher.
Maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment relies heavily on following strict pallet racking guidelines.
Regular maintenance and proper modification procedures are essential. Overloaded and damaged racking can be further compromised by forklifts, which, when they strike weakened racking, make the situation even more dangerous. This highlights the need for frequent racking inspections to spot and fix any issues before they become hazardous.
Following operating instructions and providing thorough training for employees on safe material handling is also crucial. If the forks of a forklift protrude too far into the racking bay, they can lift adjacent loads, causing them to overturn, or they can damage the racking by extending underneath it.
It is recommended that warehouses use high-visibility colors for key racking components and ensure adequate lighting to help forklift operators position forks correctly and prevent damage. At Cemac, we use the orange Dexion racking systems and recommend protecting the base of your racking with brightly colored racking protectors. These measures help your racking stand out in the warehouse, reducing the risk of forklifts crashing into the racking.
Proper loading and unloading practices are just as important. Loads should be stacked evenly on the pallet, with the load height not exceeding the pallet’s longest base dimension. Pallets should be picked up so they are squarely aligned with the forks, and forklifts should approach the racking system straight on, not at an angle. Avoid dragging or sliding pallets across the support beams, and never exceed the maximum load limits to prevent uneven weight distribution, which can cause pallets to lean or topple. In New Zealand, seismic events pose an additional risk, making it even more crucial to avoid overloading racking systems, as this increases the danger of collapse during an earthquake.
By following these guidelines and prioritising safety, warehouses can prevent overloading, reduce the risk of accidents, and create a safer environment for everyone.
The dangers of overloading racking systems are clear: structural failures, collapses, and increased risks during seismic events and forklift operations. Adhering to safety protocols ensures the protection of both personnel and products, maintaining the efficiency and security of the warehouse.
Book a racking inspection today if you have any concerns or are unsure of the operating instructions of your storage racking.
Why not ensure peace of mind by making sure your warehouse is up to Worksafe standards?
Get in touch today
Phone: 078395145
Email: info@cemac.nz
Website: cemac.nz