Accidental injuries are an unfortunate occurrence in the warehouse industry. But you can protect your warehouse employees and inventory by installing guardrails in hazardous areas such as around machinery and raised walkways. However, there are other hazards in your warehouse that are often overlooked. Here are six unexpected places where guardrails are needed.
1. Offices
Administration is as important to a successful warehouse operation as efficient picking and handling, but the office structure located around your warehouse are also at risk of collision with vehicles and picking equipment, even if they are fully enclosed.
Industrial steel guardrails absorb the impact of collision with a lift truck and other vehicles along the length of the rail. They are available in single and double height according to the level of protection needed.
2. Loading Docks
Loading docks are statistically one of the most dangerous places in the warehouse due to poor driver visibility and potential fall hazards.
Handrails along loading bay ramps prevent accidental falls or slipping, while collapsible guardrails in high-visibility yellow across loading bay doors prevent falls into the loading bay and can be removed for easy access as required. To prevent damage by errant forklifts and other vehicles, install goal post guards around the loading bay doors.
3. Pallet Racks
Collision between pallet racking and forklifts area common occurrence in busy warehouses. Repeated impact can weaken the structure of your racking system, putting employees at risk of collapsing racks and falling inventory. Guardrails around your pallet rack and other storage units can help prevent damage to storage structure and inventory by providing a durable barrier that can absorb the shock of a collision.
One of the best options for pallet racking guardrails is pipe-sleeved guardrails which are constructed from heavy-duty steel pipe covered in a thermoplastic polyethylene sleeve. These guards can withstand repeated impacts and require little maintenance. If the exterior is damaged, you can simply remove the sleeve rather than replacing the entire guardrail.
The end of the rack aisle is also prone to accidents with forklifts but can be secured with an end of aisle rack guard which features a high panel covering the end of the rack with two curved pieces around the posts to prevent snagging employees.
4. Columns
Columns and other supporting structures around the warehouse may seem innocuous, but these vital structural supports are a significant hazard for vehicles and personnel in the warehouse. Because they are typically overlooked, forklift drivers are at risk of colliding with these structures or pinning employees between the column and the vehicle.
To protect your employees, install column guardrails around all supporting structures in the warehouse. There are various styles of column guards, depending on the shape and size of the columns. However, the most effective style is the wrap around guard, which protects the column from all angles.
5. Corners
Just as columns are susceptible to collisions with wayward forklifts, so too are the corners of your warehouse. The triple elbow guard protects the corners of office buildings and machinery from accidental impact using heavy-duty steel piping reinforced and bent to 90-degree angle to deflect vehicles and absorb shock.
6. Personnel and Vehicles
Guardrails are not only necessary for fall and collision protection; they are also an effective method for directing the flow of traffic around the warehouse to maximize productivity.
Low level, fixed barriers in high-visibility colors, offers warehouse employees are a visible cue as to the location of hazards and indicate the clearest route to offices and picking areas.
Final Thoughts
Improve warehouse safety and productivity by installing guardrails in overlooked areas around your facility. To talk to an expert about how guardrails can help your warehouse, call Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc on (800)-589-7225.
