An industry expert outlines some of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to improve warehouse safety without investing in all new rack
Insufficient safety measures in warehouse and distribution centers can have severe repercussions, including injuries, operational downtime, product losses, property damages, and potential legal actions. Of particular concern are accidents involving collisions between forklifts or other vehicles and employees or visitors.
Fortunately, a well thought out rack safety program can prevent many accidents and reduce downtime, rack replacement, liability, and other costs.
“As in life, prevention is the best cure. Rather than investing in all new racking, today it is easy to use a wide range of cost-effective safety products to protect warehouse workers, products, and property,” says Jim Augustyniak, a regional sales manager at Steel King Industries, a designer and manufacturer of warehouse storage racks, pallet racks and material handling/safety products since 1970.
Augustyniak offers the following 5 Tips for improving safety:
1) Establish visual and physical barriers in the form of guardrails.
Guardrails can be used to protect mezzanines/platforms, conveyor systems, machinery, mechanicals, electrical panels, building features, and offices situated amid material handling or manufacturing operations.
“Lift-out/drop-in rails for guardrail systems can provide protection for equipment, while allowing easy access if required,” says Augustyniak.
For heavy duty protection, three-ribbed guardrail like Steel Guard is designed to withstand impacts from forklifts and other vehicles commonly operated in warehouses and distribution centers. An Armor Guard, a medium-duty guardrail, is an effective and cost-efficient solution for safeguarding workers from light shop traffic.
2) Protect rack from forklift damage in high traffic areas
Pallet rack rows can be protected from one of the most likely sources of damage – forklifts – with accessories like Guard Dawg. These guardrails are often installed at intersections and along high traffic routes to protect the rack that is most likely to be damaged. The Guard Dawg sections are anchored to the floor, safeguarding the uprights and standard footplates of the racking.
3) Protect rack columns from structural damage
When forklift operators load and unload product on racking, collisions with an upright can occur that compromise its structural integrity. Safeguard the rack frame and posts with freestanding steel rack protectors. These mount on the floor in front of each upright, typically 12” or 18” high, and are specifically built to protect the most vulnerable part of a rack frame — the base plate and lower leg.
4) Use Snap-on solid steel protectors to help deflect impact to the rack
Some of the most common areas of forklift impact occur to the rack face. Snap-on protectors can deflect and absorb some of the impact. The protectors snap into place, attaching to the rack’s teardrop holes, and can be easily removed, reinstalled, or replaced as needed.
5) Rub rails to protect vulnerable surfaces in narrow aisles or high traffic areas
Rub rails are often installed to protect end-of-rack aisles, in-plant offices, and exposed equipment. The upright is protected in two ways. First, the rub rail helps distribute any impact forces to the rear column of the frame. Second, the rub rail prevents the column from twisting when hit.
For more information, call Steel King at (800) 826-0203 or visit them online at www.steelking.com