Sometimes it’s more convenient—or simply necessary—to store certain items or loads outside instead of inside the four walls of a facility. And—when properly designed, engineered, installed and maintained—outdoor rack safety delivers the same degree of functionality as their indoor counterparts.
Outdoor Rack Safety Considerations
Some unique considerations for outdoor applications include:
Galvanized Versus Painted Finish
Check with your rack manufacturer to understand if their paint finish will work in outdoor or humid applications. If not, a galvanized finish may be the best option. Galvanized finishes ensure that a rack will not rust or corrode over time.
Asphalt Versus Concrete Slabs
Virtually all rack systems are designed under the assumption that the rack is anchored into a concrete slab with a rated design capacity. Placement of rack on asphalt or other surfaces is not recommended unless special accommodations are made. Consult your design engineer if there are any questions.
Design for Water Drainage
Depending on the configuration of the rack system, water can potentially pool, increasing the risk of corrosion and damage to the rack. Confirm that your rack’s configuration does not encourage pooling water.
Outdoor Rack Safety Post-Installation
Post-installation, safety considerations surrounding the use of rack installed outside include:
Regular Inspections
Routinely review and evaluate racks, regardless of their location, for damage. This can include damage from impacts with products or material handling equipment or by exposure to the elements.
Use Common Sense
Made of steel, storage racks can be 30-feet tall—or higher. That means there is potential for them to conduct electricity if struck by lightning or topple over in an unusually high wind event. To maximize outdoor rack safety, it’s best for personnel to stay away from them during thunderstorms or other extreme weather occurrences.
Looking for additional information on the safe use of structural steel storage rack? RMI offers guidance in its publication Considerations for the Planning and Use of Industrial Steel Storage Racks.
