Overview
According to design specifications set in the standard, all rack columns for industrial steel storage racks should be anchored. The bottom of all columns must be furnished with column base plates. All rack columns must be anchored to the floor with anchor bolts capable of resisting the forces caused by the horizontal and vertical loads on the rack. The employer must maintain the structural integrity of the installed rack system by assuring proper operational, housekeeping and maintenance procedures, including the following:
- Prohibit any overloading of any pallet positions and of the overall rack system;
- Regularly inspect for damage. If damage is found, immediately unload the affected area and replace or repair any damaged columns, beams or other structural components;
- Require all pallets to be maintained in good, safe operating condition;
- Ensure that pallets are properly placed onto pallet load support members in a properly stacked and stable position;
- Require that all goods stored on each pallet be properly stacked and stable;
- Prohibit double-stacking of any pallet position, including the top-most position, unless the rack system is specifically designed for such loading; and
- Ensure that the racks are not modified or rearranged in a manner not within the original design configurations.
Note: If there is a specific application where the racks can’t be anchored, the site must obtain permission from the manufacturer’s engineer to waive the requirement, or obtain independent engineering verification that the alternate design provides an equivalent level of safety, or obtain approval for the design from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.