Pallet racks are an important type of warehouse equipment that can store vast amounts of materials, supplies and products in practical ways. But they can also create hazards for your team, particularly if safety standards aren’t met. Positioning load rating signs throughout your site is one way that you can improve safety levels and reduce accidents. Check out this blog from Erect-A-Rack to find out more.
What are pallet racking load rating signs?
Pallet racking load rating signs are informational printouts that define the maximum loading for a racking system at a number of different levels.
This can include:
- Bay (between two uprights)
- Shelf or a level (pair of beams)
- For the unit to be stored eg. a pallet
Basically, these types of signs indicate the maximum weight that a pallet rack can hold, which can be presented as a kilogram value or a set number. For example, a load rating sign may indicate that a particular industrial pallet racks or drive in pallet rack can hold mesh sheeting up to a value of 1000kgs, or that it can carry twenty sheets of a certain product.
According to the Australian Standard AS4084-2012, all racking systems require loading charts.
How do they help?
Pallet racking load rating signs can help to improve safety within a warehouse, which is important for all storage hands, materials handling equipment drivers and machine operators. The reason for this is that they help personnel to quickly and efficiently identify what and how much of a certain material can go where. They also provide information about how to correctly place loads on beams, which avoids overloading and structural strain. When implemented alongside other safety initiatives, such as guardrail installation, load rating signs can make a significant difference to your site.
Where should they be placed?
Pallet racking rating signs should be positioned in a prominent position so that they can be seen by everyone operating within the area. To protect the safety of staff and visitors entering a site, warehouse designers should ensure that signage is mechanically screwed to the actual structure itself, at a height of 2m above floor level. A permanent, corrosion resistant plaque should also be used to encase the sign. In terms of size, a rating sign should be 125mm long and 250mm high with a minimum of 25mm lettering.
Trusted pallet rack suppliers in Melbourne
If you run a warehouse, or operate within one, then it’s important to make sure that all relevant safety regulations are met regarding loading signs for pallet racks and other storage equipment. Get in touch with the team at Erect-A-Rack if you’re looking for high quality warehouse solutions that are designed with safety in mind. We can help with a range of products and services, including pallet racking inspection, wire mesh, guardrail installation and more. Contact our friendly team by filling out a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, feel free to give us a call on 1300 788 916.
