Considering the constant movement of goods, high shelving, and heavy machines and tools in warehouses and distribution centers, these environments can result in numerous injuries, damaged inventory, and costly downtime. Given the many operations that occur in a warehouse and the potential for severe accidents, enforcing safety rules, regulations, and procedures is necessary to maintain a productive work environment free of hazards. Investing in rack safety guards is one of the best ways to keep your warehouse safe.
Rack safety guards, designed to reduce damage to pallet racking systems, equipment, and inventory, can also boost workplace safety for employees. Getting an overview of the different types of rack safety guards and their specific functions can help warehouse managers implement effective solutions tailored to their facility's needs. Explore the most common safety features available and determine which ones will best suit your operations and layout.
Rack Guards
Rack guards are a versatile solution for safeguarding the front or rear of racks. They work upon ground-level installation and block accidental forklift impacts that can lead to rack failure. Typically fabricated from steel, you can alter these protectors to match your racking setup. With these in place, you can better maintain operational efficiency by preventing interruptions caused by damaged racks.
Column Guards
Column guards are an essential rack safety feature. They work best for protecting vertical racking posts, as these racking systems are prone to damage from forklifts or other equipment. You can have these solutions installed around the base of the column of your racks to absorb impacts and prevent structural damage. Typically made from steel or heavy-duty plastic, column guards can maximize the lifespan of your racking systems and maintain their stability.
End-of-Aisle Guards
End-of-aisle guards are solutions that aim to shield the ends of pallet racking aisles, a high-risk area in any warehouse. These guards prevent damage caused by turning forklifts or other machinery navigating the aisles. Their robust, durable build helps protect the integrity of your racking system and the safety of your employees. These safety features come in various designs, and you can even have them tailored to suit the layout of your warehouse.
Wire Mesh Guards
Next, wire mesh guards are another option for securing your racking system. You can mount them onto racks to keep stored goods in their rightful place. With these guards making sure items remain securely within the racking structure, there’s a reduced risk of falling inventory. Their durable construction and transparent design allow employees to easily see stored items without compromising safety.
Pro Tip
Using wire mesh guards can be particularly useful in warehouses handling small or irregularly shaped items.
Safety Netting
Safety netting also serves as a flexible barrier for containing falling goods within a racking system. Unlike wire mesh guards, which are rigid, netting is more flexible and can stretch slightly to accommodate heavier loads. It adds safety by preventing accidents caused by loose items falling off high shelves. This safety feature can be particularly convenient if your facility heavily utilizes overhead storage.
Pro Tip
In addition to safety netting, consider installing overhead guards above your pallet racks to protect employees and equipment from falling objects if your facility implements overhead or vertical storage.
Post Protectors
Post protectors safeguard the base of racking systems against collisions. Installed directly onto the floor, they protect uprights from being compromised by forklift impacts. Post protectors typically consist of high-density materials like steel or polymer, guaranteeing their durability even in high-traffic zones. Their proper placement is critical for extending the service life of your racking.
Guard Rails
Guard rails are another safety feature designed for high-traffic areas in warehouses. They create physical barriers between racking systems and heavy machinery to deter accidental collisions. These safety additions are easy to install and highly adaptable, coming in single or double-rail designs.
Bollards
Bollards are another option for protecting your pallet racking systems from impact. They are vertical posts installed near racking systems and are particularly effective in preventing forklifts or other equipment from encountering vulnerable areas of the racking. These safety features are highly durable and lend themselves to being employed throughout warehouses to improve the security of structures and increase employee awareness of hazardous zones.
Browse Bollards From the Best Suppliers
You want your employees and anyone who steps foot on your premises to know the locations of your facility's most dangerous areas and vulnerable racking spaces. Clearly mark any danger zones with durable, easily visible bollards.
Source your high-quality safety bollards from a trustworthy supplier, such as Direct Pallet Racking, that specializes in precisely and safely crafting and installing solutions that meet the storage needs of warehouses across all business sectors. For example, using our bollards, you can set limits restricting vehicle access to areas you must navigate more carefully. You can establish protective barriers in other spaces in your facility, too.
Corner Guards
Corner guards intend to protect exposed corners of racks, which are vulnerable to damage during daily operations. You can position them at critical points as buffers to absorb minor impacts and minimize wear over time. Their cost-effective nature and ease of installation make them a practical safety solution for warehouses of all sizes.
Aisle Containment Systems
Another safety feature is aisle containment systems, which aim to keep aisles clear of clutter and items by maintaining the structural boundaries of racking systems. You can equip them with physical barriers such as rails or guards to keep stored products confined within the racking. Proper containment prevents the obstruction of pathways and reduces the risk of accidents.
Kick Plates
Another option is to install kick plates at the base of racks to shield the lower portion of the racking from minor impacts and prevent smaller objects from spilling. Kick plates offer a less intrusive alternative to more considerable barriers and deliver a substantial safety benefit. Try using these plates in conjunction with other safeguards to enhance racking durability and organization.
Load Stop Beams
For added security, consider installing load stop beams at the rear of racking systems to prevent pallets and other items from being pushed too far back. These beams are crucial for certifying the proper alignment of loads as well as their stability during storage. Their integration into your racking system upgrades safety and organization, limiting the likelihood of accidental dislodging.
While each guard serves a specific purpose, they can work together to provide comprehensive protection for your racking systems and employees. An overview of the different types of rack safety guards and implementing the best ones for your layout helps you reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall efficiency and longevity of your warehouse operations. Consider your warehouse needs and consult pallet racking professionals to help you craft and customize the appropriate combination of rack safety guards to guarantee the safety and success of your operations.
