• Storage racks should be inspected regularly, with sufficient clearance around them, and should not be damaged, out of plumb, or overloaded.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that the employer develop a maintenance and inspection program for storage racks, which includes keeping aisles clear and providing sufficient clearance for material handling equipment; ensuring racks are properly aligned, plum, and level, per manufacturer’s instructions; and encouraging employees to promptly report any damage to racks.

The following are some common safety issues that safety professionals/employers need to address:

• Layout designs/drawings and calculations should be available.
• Anchoring should be adequate and in good shape.
• There should be no structural damage.
• Racks should not be out of plumb — a maximum of one-half inch per 10 feet high for loaded rack (ANSI MH 16.1).
• There should not be excessive beam deflection — length divided by 180 (ANSI MH 16.1).
• Bumpers, guards, and reinforcements should be in place as needed.
• Material handling operators should be trained.
• Load ratings should be present and legible.
• Connections should be in place and adequate.
• Welds should be in good shape.
• Decking should be adequate.
• There should be no unapproved or mismatched components or modifications.