Additional information on racking

Lift truck operators and supervisors may presume that a large safety factor has been built into racking by the manufacturer to allow for abuse. The manufacturers do provide a safety factor, but this assumes that all components are free from damage. In addition, this safety factor can be reduced when the installation 

There may be racking components in the facility that were damaged months or years ago. But, no one is sure when the racking will sag, break or collapse. Photos 4-5 and 4-6 identify racking damage caused by forklifts. 

Safety locks on racking beams are intended to hold the beam above a pallet load to keep it from being lifted vertically and dislodged by the load below. Pallets can easily fall from racking if the safety locks are not fitted. It is highly likely that two or three pallets will fall as a result of this oversight. 

Powered-equipment-operator training must include information on  

Slides, videotape, or photos of racking damage provide for improved operator training awareness. In some cases, the individuals responsible for damage to racking are the same ones that have to remove, replace, and correct the problem. This extra work also provides an opportunity for increased injuries to those 

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