No question, working around pallet racking is not without risk. Pallets full of merchandise are stacked up high and the weight of all those goods can reach into the thousands of pounds. The risk of something falling is always a concern. Make your Edmonton workplace safer with the following tips.
What is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is like a giant shelving system for pallets. Forklifts are used to lift and place the heavy pallets onto the racks for storage.
Best Practices in Pallet Racking Areas
Pay special attention to safety whenever working in a pallet rack area. Pallets are often incredibly heavy and stacking them can be dangerous. Be sure to:
- Assess and report any damage to framing systems—A damaged frame might be too weak to support its load and could collapse.
- Maintain the proper signage—Use highly visible signs to warn both employees and the public never to stand or climb on a pallet rack.
- Use high quality pallets—Damaged pallets can be difficult to load/unload, can result in load shifting or even cause a load to fall. Check your pallets regularly for broken or missing planks, damaged blocks and protruding nails.
- Defend the corners—The corners of your pallet racking are the most susceptible to damage and should be properly protected with the use of post guards to maximize safety and durability.
- Ensure proper installation—Pallet racking should be bolted to the floor and bolts should be tightened whenever necessary as part of your maintenance routine.
- Focus on training—All employees interacting with the pallet racking system or using the forklift should be trained on the most current safety practices.
- Respect the recommended load limit—Overloading pallet racking is incredibly dangerous and can result in a serious, multi-level collapse.
- Perform safety checks—Regular inspections should be performed by a qualified safety inspector to verify the integrity of the entire pallet rack system.
Forklift Safety
While forklifts are an integral part of any pallet racking system, they should only be operated by trained personnel. Observe the following forklift guidelines to keep the workplace safe:
- Double check that the load is properly packed and secure before attempting to move it.
- Check your clearance space and be mindful of anything that might be in the way.
- Stack the heaviest materials lowest on the shelf and nearest to the floor.
- Work slowly to maximize safety and avoid damage to the forklift.
- Stack items neatly and squarely for easy retrieval.
For more tips on how to maximize safety around your pallet racking system, contact GD Liquidators. With over 28 years serving the Edmonton area, GD Liquidators can take care of all of your office, warehouse and industrial storage needs. Contact us today to learn more!
