One thing that all warehouses have in common is that they’re prone to accidents. Whether it’s a warehouse that hasn’t had an accident in months or one that appears to function without one, they’re all vulnerable to mistakes. Collapses and falling products are always safety risks. This is especially true when you keep big loads on racks. Warehouses with lots of people driving, walking, or working between aisles should look for strategies to lessen the risk of a significant accident. Here are some great ways to prevent rack collapse in your warehouse!

Create Generous Aisle Space

Safety comes first in every warehouse, even if maximum space utilization is a crucial goal. Many businesses plan their rack aisles around a “minimum” aisle that the forklift manufacturer gives. For inexperienced drivers, that minimum may be overly restrictive. Because overhanging pallets are common, aisle width should allow for pallets on both sides of the aisle. It’s far more difficult to alter a rack system after installing it. So factor in the overhang, driver skills, traffic patterns, and throughput from the beginning. More spacious aisles boost productivity by allowing drivers to work faster in the aisles. They also keep them safer.

Install Rack Protection

This is a simple and inexpensive solution for safeguarding your racks. The most vulnerable locations are the end frames and corner columns. All the different varieties (bolted steel, floor-anchored, button-on, and poly snap-on) are acceptable. Your decision boils down to what’s best for your business. You should always set the protection to be effective at the point where the most damage occurs.

Lay Out Adequate Transfer Aisles

The transfer aisles can be a problem even if your chosen aisles are clear. Make sure they’re wide enough to accommodate passing forklifts and pedestrians. For long runs or racks, mark the lowest remaining beam with hazard striping if you use a rack tunnel. These tunnels often leave out a lower set of beams for a particular bay. Use photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) tape if you want to be even more visible. Rack tunnels should always be broad enough for a forklift to drive and maneuver through. They should also have enough room for pedestrians. 

Inspect Often

The only way to know if a rack has become damaged and needs replacing or repairs is to inspect it frequently. You should look for bending, dents, and scraped paint. These are all easily visible and can assist you in ensuring that your rack is safe.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on the best ways to prevent rack collapse in your warehouse! Remember that as winter rolls around, accidents are more likely to occur. So be sure to read up on the best warehouse safety practices for cold weather!