Do storage racks need to be marked with load ratings?

OSHA does not have a specific regulation regarding load ratings of storage racks. However, OSHA has used the General Duty Clause to hold employers responsible for storage rack safety, often referencing the manufacturer’s recommendations, or an ANSI/industry standard. In fact, the following is an excerpt from an November 13, 2006 General Duty Clause citation:

“... 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...crushing hazards from not anchoring the storage rack systems. The storage racks are used to store various gauge metal sheets, parts and products. The storage racks systems range in height from 4 to 6 tiers. In addition, load capacity rating plaques were not in place to state the storage capacity of the systems. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to anchor the storage racks systems and install load capacity plaques in accordance with ANSI MH 16.1, “Specification for the Design, Testing, and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks.”” [bold emphasis added]

And, in a 12/23/2005 General Duty Clause citation, OSHA said:

“… employees were exposed to crushing injuries from the failure of steel racks ... the employer did not have the home-made racking systems conform with the requirements of ANSI MH 16.1-1974. The rated load capacities of the storage racks were unknown and the load capacities were not marked on the storage racks. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement, is to determine the capacity of the storage racks and have the design of the racks certified by a professional engineer …” [emphasis added]

Also note that local building/safety codes may have specific requirements for load rating postings.