Does Pallet Racking Need To Be Bolted To Floor

Pallet racking should not be fixed before the racks are aligned and levelled.

Does pallet racking need to be bolted to floor.

In order to maintain safety a pallet rack s maximum load should be clearly posted to avoid overloading and prevent damage to the racks. Specification for the design testing and utilization of industrial steel storage racks section 1 4 7 column base plates and anchors this includes both aisle columns and interior or rear columns on all frames. If you re in a seismic zone the requirement may require more than the most standard anchor bolt. It ensures safety and it s just good business.

Racking manufacturers generally prefer the racking to be supported on the ground floor slab only. Now that you realize bolted down racks is best for business you may be wondering the best method and type of bolt to use. The answer is yes storage racks should always be bolted down where mechanical handling equipment operates or where there are other forces that may overturn storage racks. There is no specific osha standard however they have referenced the general duty clause 5 a 1 to cite employers for pallet racks and other types of industrial steel shelving that are not adequately secured from falling over.

The following describes the what and how. Pallet racking should be installed on a solid stable base that provides adequate support and anchorage for the floor plate and fixings. Pallet racks should be inspected upon installation and periodically checked for damage. Does osha require pallet racking to be anchored to the floor.

The rmi standards also state that in addition to the bolts a base plate sometimes referred to as a foot plate is necessary as well. This is typically achieved by two means. This applies to all racking frames all of the time. That s a good question.

First and foremost the rack manufacturers institute rmi clearly specifies in its american national standards that all columns of pallet racks should be anchored and secured to the floor with bolts. Depending on the racks and your location you may only need one anchor bolt per column or you may need to use all 4 holes in the base. And it is important that the racks are fixed to the floor in accordance with the instructions specified by the rack designer. Base plate inspection and floor fixing.

One we probably will discuss in future posts. There really is no good reason why you should not bolt racks to the floor. If you re unsure about what size anchor bolts to use contact the manufacturer. Storage systems which are subject to the loading or unloading by mechanical handling equipment s hould be fixed to the floor slab with at least a single fixing bolt.

Why do my racks need to be anchored. If there is a problem with the floor support then this will not be solved by connecting the racking to the building. All of the above issues can be prevented by implementing an inspection and maintenance cycle for your warehouse racking.