Forklift Operator Training

Pallet rack failures resulting in damage can be attributed to various factors, but one frequently encountered issue is the presence of untrained forklift operators. Operating heavy machinery can pose challenges, often requiring navigating tight turns and presenting a risk of unintentional collisions with adjacent racks.

To ensure warehouse safety and prevent accidents, it's imperative to adhere to OSHD regulations, which mandate comprehensive training for all forklift operators. This training is a crucial step in maintaining a secure and incident-free warehouse environment.

Warehouse Layout

Ensuring warehouse aisles are adequately spacious to safely accommodate necessary machinery is crucial. While there might be a temptation to narrow aisles in order to maximize merchandise storage, this approach can lead to significant issues by making it challenging to maneuver equipment without accidental collisions with pallets and racking systems.

Utilizing Guardrails, Rack Protectors, Column Shields & Bollards

Even the most skilled forklift operators can occasionally make errors, including misjudging turns. To guarantee maximum safety for your pallet racks, it's crucial to employ vivid yellow guardrails, end-of-rack guards, column protectors, and/or bollards for safeguarding against potential damage. Please contact us, and we'd be delighted to discuss which of these solutions is ideal for safeguarding your warehouse while remaining cost-effective.

Anchored Pallet Racks

Securing your pallet racks to the floor is a recommended safety measure, enhancing stability and minimizing the risk of a pallet rack system collapsing or failing due to unexpected impacts. The specific method of anchoring your pallet rack system should be determined by the seismic hazard zone applicable to your location. In areas with very low seismic hazard, our preferred approach involves employing one anchor per footplate, with a diameter of ½ inch and a length of 4 ¼ inches.

Don't Overload Your Storage Racks

In congested warehouses, the inclination to maximize storage on racks for better organization and increased floor space is common. However, overloading pallet racks can lead to severe consequences, compromising the system's structure and stability. OSHD recommend individual plaques or labels on each storage rack indicating load limits. If the capacity of your pallet racks is unknown, it is crucial to reach out for assistance to avoid potential issues. Feel free to contact us; we may provide the necessary guidance.

Inspect Storage Racks Regularly

In a bustling warehouse environment, finding time for comprehensive maintenance amid numerous products and equipment can be challenging. However, inspecting storage racks need not be perceived as a tedious task. Fortunately, regular storage rack assessments are more manageable than they may seem and can be incorporated into daily routines.

At AAS, our safety programs are designed to educate your employees on conducting daily rack inspections while on duty. Moreover, we offer monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual inspections conducted by our experts at your warehouse. This ensures that any damage is meticulously documented, closely monitored, and promptly addressed through necessary repairs.

Reinforce Pallets

When an item dislodges from a stored pallet and poses a threat to passersby or employees, it can result in severe injuries. To prevent such incidents, we offer a variety of products and solutions to reduce this risk. Depending on the nature of your stored products, we might recommend the use of a backstop beam, pallet stop, netting, or a wire mesh screen.

Stack Loads Carefully

When positioning pallets on storage rack beams, it's crucial for drivers to be mindful, ensuring careful placement and loading directly onto the system. Failure to position pallets on the support beams may result in the entire pallet weight resting on the wire deck or pallet support, potentially causing the capacity issues outlined earlier.