Warehousing and storage: A guide to health and safety Page 114 of 155

Health and Safety Executive

Racking protection639 Where racking is likely to be struck by lift trucks and other vehicles, it should be protected. Generally, such damage is at the lower levels of the racking use renewable column guards to minimise the risk of damage from accidental impact. Corner uprights in a run of racking are especially at risk and should be suitably provided with a protective device in a conspicuous colour.

640 Retrofitting upright protection devices to an existing aisle where they have never been provided can have the effect of reducing the available clearances for fork-lift truck manoeuvres, which can in some circumstances increase the amount of damage caused. Such situations need consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Figure 48 Example of racking notice

Conduct regular inspections to check for: correct application and use loads within allowable safe limits accidental damage, or dislodgement of structural components

REPORT ALL DAMAGE TO THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE

FOR SAFETY

Do not alter the structure without either: checking effects against manufacturers technical data obtaining approval from supplier

DO NOT CLIMB RACKING

If in doubt ALWAYS

contact supplier

10 259 kg MAXIMUM BAY LOAD

1000 kgMAX.

1000 kgMAX.

Date supplied:

01.01.2005

Project ref:

1234

All loads to be uniformly distributed

Equipment supplied by:

Bea

m p

itch

1350

mm

Hei

ght

to

first

bea

m

1500

mm

Refer to Steel static storagesystems adjustable pallet racking

guidelines for safe use

1000 kgMAX.

1000 kgMAX.

1000 kgMAX.

1000 kgMAX.

Figure 49 Post protection Figure 50 Racking being inspected