Do damaged storage racks need to be replaced?

While OSHA does not have a specific standard regarding storage racks, the agency does use the General Duty Clause to cite employers for hazards in the absence of clear regulations. The following an excerpt from an August, 5, 2010 General Duty Clause citation regarding damaged racking:

“... Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of crushing or being struck by stored materials on damaged shelving: a) Location - Warehouse area, metal storage racking system: On or about May 4, 2010, the metal storage racking system was damaged from forklift traffic, significantly compromising the structural integrity of the system. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct these hazards include:

1. Complying with the requirements outlined in the American National Standards Institute, ANSI MH16.1, “Specification for the Design, Testing, and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks.”
2. To repair or replace all damaged metal storage racks as per manufacturer’s specifications.
3. To develop a maintenance program designed to recognize weakness in the rack system in order to prevent a structural collapse.” [emphasis added]