Enhancing warehouse safety is achieved through the implementation of pallet rack safety backing, which serves to prevent items from falling within the warehouse. A significant proportion of annual workplace injuries and lost inventory results from accidents in the warehouse involving falling objects. OSHA reports that more than 50,000 workplace injuries are attributed to falling objects each year.
Thankfully, there exists a remedy to fortify your warehouse against the risks of falls – pallet rack safety backing! Comprising welded wire mesh panels or nets, pallet rack backing is affixed to the rear of a pallet rack system. These safety panels encase a pallet rack bay or shelf level, effectively averting the falling or pushing of items off the back of the racking.
When to Use Pallet Rack Safety Backing
The pallet rack back guard serves as a safeguard against more than just personal injury; it also provides protection against lost inventory, pallet rack damage, and forklift damage. It adds an additional layer of overall pallet rack safety in your warehouse. The following are key scenarios where pallet rack backing panels are essential:
High Storage Levels
Employ pallet rack safety backing for elevated storage levels to mitigate the risk of products falling from overhead in the warehouse.
Open-Backed Pallet Rack Systems
Back-to-back pallet rack systems generally do not necessitate safety backing. However, standalone rows of pallet racking with open backs, not positioned against a wall, are major contributors to falling objects. Forklifts can easily push items too far, causing them to fall off the back of the shelf level.
Pedestrian Walkway Below
Designated pedestrian walkways must be free of hazards, especially falling objects and trip risks. If potential dangers exist, warehouses should mark the area with caution signs or implement a safety solution such as pallet rack netting.
Odd-Shaped Products (Rolling Products)
Certain products, such as round or cylindrical items, are more susceptible to tipping and rolling off shelves. When storing canisters or irregularly shaped items, utilizing pallet rack backing or a wire partition solution is recommended.
Difficult Forklift Angle
High bay racking is challenging to see during loading and unloading, posing a risk even for skilled forklift drivers who may inadvertently bump or knock off products due to limited visibility. In such cases, pallet rack netting prevents harm to forklifts, drivers, products, and more.
Types of Pallet Rack Safety Backing
Wire Mesh Backing
Comprising formed panels crafted from robust wire mesh, wire mesh backing is tailored and framed for each specific bay of pallet racking. In comparison to netting, wire mesh backing is a sturdier and more durable safety backing option.
The installation process is relatively straightforward – each mesh panel is directly attached to the upright columns using mounting brackets and bolts. Installing wire mesh backing for rack bays that are elevated off the ground is more intricate and typically requires the collaboration of two or more individuals.
Pallet Rack Safety Netting
Pallet rack netting shares similarities with wire mesh backing but is constructed from plastic or nylon mesh rather than solid metal. This netting has the flexibility to span an entire row of pallet racking and can be trimmed to fit the specific rack system.
Safety netting is affixed to the pallet rack uprights using cable ties, and these ties can be utilized to secure the netting across an entire run of racking.
FAQ’s
Why is pallet rack safety backing necessary in a warehouse?
Pallet rack safety backing is crucial in preventing falling items within the warehouse, reducing the risk of workplace injuries, lost inventory, pallet rack damage, and forklift damage.
What are the primary instances where pallet rack backing panels should be used?
Pallet rack backing panels are essential in scenarios such as high storage levels, open-backed pallet rack systems, pedestrian walkways below, storage of odd-shaped products, and difficult forklift angles.
Can you elaborate on when to use pallet rack safety backing for high storage levels?
Pallet rack safety backing should be employed for elevated storage levels to minimize the risk of products falling from overhead within the warehouse.
Are safety backing panels necessary for back-to-back pallet rack systems?
Generally, back-to-back pallet rack systems do not require safety backing. However, standalone rows with open backs, not against a wall, are susceptible to falling objects and should be equipped with safety backing.
How does pallet rack safety backing contribute to pedestrian safety?
Designated pedestrian walkways in the warehouse must be free of hazards. Safety backing prevents falling objects and trip risks, ensuring a safe environment. Caution signs or pallet rack netting can also be used for added safety.
In what situations is pallet rack backing recommended for odd-shaped products?
Pallet rack backing is recommended for storing products like round or cylindrical items that are prone to tipping and rolling off shelves. It provides a secure solution for these types of products.
What distinguishes wire mesh backing from safety netting?
Wire mesh backing is crafted from robust wire mesh, offering a sturdier and more durable safety backing option compared to netting. It is tailored and framed for each specific bay of pallet racking.
How is wire mesh backing installed?
The installation of wire mesh backing is relatively straightforward. Each mesh panel is directly attached to the upright columns using mounting brackets and bolts. Installing it for elevated rack bays may require collaboration from two or more individuals.
What material is used in pallet rack safety netting?
Pallet rack safety netting is constructed from plastic or nylon mesh, providing flexibility to span an entire row of pallet racking. It can be trimmed to fit the specific rack system.
How is pallet rack safety netting secured in place?
Safety netting is affixed to pallet rack uprights using cable ties. These ties can be employed to secure the netting across an entire run of racking, enhancing overall safety in the warehouse.
Conclusion
prioritizing warehouse safety is crucial, and pallet rack safety backing offers an effective solution to prevent injuries, protect inventory, and minimize damage. Whether opting for robust wire mesh or flexible netting, addressing specific scenarios enhances overall warehouse safety. Investing in pallet rack safety backing is an investment in workforce well-being and operational integrity, ensuring a secure working environment.