Pallet racking is a popular choice in warehouses and other industrial settings, thanks to its vertical storage capacity, heavy-duty strength and space-saving capabilities. But it’s vital that your pallet racking installation is carried out safely and correctly. Here we’ll explore the benefits of securing pallet racking to the floor, and explain the best methods to keep your pallet racks fixed in place.
Securing your pallet racking to the floor
Pallet racks are tall, vertical structures bearing extremely heavy and bulky loads. This means they pose a risk of injury and even death, if they are not secured in place. There’s also a risk of damage to your warehouse stock if it falls from an unsecured rack.
Pallet rack anchor requirements
Securing your pallet racking is not just the responsible thing to do; it’s also enshrined in a number of health and safety laws. In the UK, these include (but are not limited to) the following legislation:
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992)
- Work at Height Regulations (2005)
The Health and Safety Executive have also produced a comprehensive guideline called Warehousing and storage: A guide to health and safety, which includes specifications for safe racking installation. This states that:
- Racking and industrial shelving must be securely fixed to the floor where necessary
- Free-standing racking must not be used if forklift trucks, order pickers or other mechanical handling equipment is in operation (so you must secure the pallet racking to the floor)
- Racking system installation and maintenance must be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Factors to consider when deciding how to secure your pallet racking
Pallet racking can be fixed to the floor, or to a wall. In some cases, different racks can also be secured to each other, if they are positioned back-to-back. The method that you use to secure your pallet racking to will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The type of pallet racking you’re using
- The amount of space required in the aisles
- Whether you are using mechanical handling equipment
- The height-to-base-width ratio of your racks
- The material your floors are made of
You should find all the information you need in the manufacturer’s instructions and in the relevant HSE Warehousing and storage legislation.
Tips on securing pallet racking to the floor
Pallet racking is secured to the floor using metal anchors and concrete slabs. Here are some tips for planning your pallet racking installation and fixing it to the floor:
- Take care to design your warehouse layout taking into account all the space you will need in the aisles. Because your racking will be fixed to the floor, it’s important to get this right as it will be difficult to alter at a later date.
- In addition to space for mechanical handling equipment, also take into account whether you will need safety features such as guard rails
- Decide on the type of anchors you will use to secure your racking. Wedge anchors and concrete strike anchors are two options to consider.
- Carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that you comply with any weight restrictions.
Ask the experts
Rack Storage are pallet racking specialists. Our qualified operatives answer any questions you may have. Speak to us on 01707 394 847 or email our team at sales@rackstorage.co.uk today.
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