Pallet racking is a major part if warehousing. It’s important for the general operation of a warehouse and often an expensive asset for a business. With that being said, it’s also a potential safety risk for warehouse based businesses. Because of this, pallet racking safety is an extremely important topic, as is understanding how to stay safe around pallet racking.
Safety always has to be the highest priority in the workplace. And the good news is that staying safe around pallet racking isn’t difficult. Most of it is common sense.
Let’s explore some pallet racking safety tips.
Have Regular Pallet Racking Inspections
A simple preventative measure to ensure pallet racking is stable and safe to work around is to make sure you have regular pallet racking inspections. It’s a requirement under the Australian Standard AS 4084:2023 that pallet racking is inspected by a qualified person at least every twelve months. Once inspected, any damage or defects with the pallet racking needs to be fixed before it’s certified for another year.
Keeping up with your pallet racking’s regular inspections is extremely important as it makes sure that any damage and safety hazards are recognised and fixed early. Damaged racking can potentially collapse or have a pallet fall; this can cause injury or death to warehouse workers, so obviously it’s a risk to safety.
To stay safe around pallet racking make sure it’s inspected regularly.
Check And Repair Damage After Accidents
Accidents happen, but it’s a business’ response to an accident that’s important.
If there’s been an accident in the warehouse that could have potentially damaged pallet racking, for example having a forklift collide with it, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the racking and repair any damage that may have occurred. This prevents the damage from getting worse while also preventing accidents that could happen because of the damage.
Don’t put off repairs that are needed. This is a great way to stay safe with pallet racking.
Have Signage And Make Sure It’s Correct
All pallet racking in Australia is required to have signage that shows safe load limits, the details of the manufacturer and supplier, the install date, and more. This information is helpful to promote pallet racking safety and warehouse safety in general. It also reminds warehouse workers about safe racking loads and not to exceed them.
Safety signage, in general, is great to have around the warehouse. Signage goes beyond simple warnings and instructions, it can also be a reminder that helps foster a culture of safety in the workplace.
Install Rear Protection On Single Rows Of Pallet Racking
Something that’s often overlooked is installing additional pallet racking safety features when they may be needed. A common extra safety component is rear protection on single rows of pallet racking. Often times, pallet racking is installed in two rows, back to back, meaning that there’s no risk of a pallet falling off the back of the racking. However, in single rows, there is a risk that a pallet or other goods falling off the back of racking either due to being pushed by the forklift or through careless storage.
This is where pallet racking rear protection comes into place. It’s a simple solution, and one that keeps warehouse workers who may be walking behind the racking safe.
Get Advice From Experts
Every warehouse is different, and safety risks and remedies will be different as well. Beyond pallet racking and other warehouse storage, we here at Colby Dandenong offer a number of warehouse safety solutions and consulting. If you need advice on making your warehouse as safe as can be, contact us right away to discuss. We’re happy to help.
