While one of the benefits to storing product on pallet rack is the increased inventory density achieved by using the overhead space of a facility, what goes up must come down. Although gravity may be an unstoppable force, the risk of products or pallets falling from rack can be significantly minimized—and the safety of personnel and equipment operating in the area maximized—with the implementation of one or more accessories.

RMI’s publication, “Considerations for the Planning and Use of Industrial Steel Storage Racks,” covers three different types of equipment that can be added to a new or existing rack structure to reduce the risk of falling pallets or merchandise. They include:

Further, utilize proper load containment techniques—such as stretch-wrapping, shrink-wrapping, banding, or integral-box pallets—to secure cartons or items on pallets, particularly when they are to be stored vertically in racking. In high seismic areas especially, loads should be wrapped such that the pallet can be tilted to 20 degrees without the product falling off.

Get more information and details about the different types of product fall prevention accessories in Section 3.4 of RMI’s publication, “Considerations for the Planning and Use of Industrial Steel Storage Racks,” starting on page 19.