Addressing WH&SQ Concerns – Part 4
WH&S Update 14/14
Issue four – pallet racking and load handling
Racking is an essential part of the warehousing and storage process, therefore it is important that each business ensures their racking complies with Australian Standards (AS 4084:2012 – Steel storage racking). This means it needs to be designed for the size, shape and weight of products to be stored. In addition, businesses need to ensure that racking is:
- maintained and is in good working order
- maintenance performed regularly
- repaired immediately after any collision or damage.
Racking should be set up, operated and maintained according to the instructions of the racking manufacturer and be in accordance with Australian Standards.
Collision protection
To alert businesses to any collisions the bottom portions of frames exposed to possible collisions by forklifts or other moving equipment can be fitted with upright protectors and end-of-rack protectors to minimise the damage.
Get employees involved
It is important that all businesses encourage their employees to recognise unsafe work practices or equipment and notify you immediately. Your company policy should include:
- all safety risks related to operation or maintenance of the racking should be reported immediately to management
- workers should report any damage to the supervisor immediately so it can be inspected and assessed.
There should be a method of recording damage to components to show the location and level of damage.
Proper load handling
Forklift accidents and damage to racking can often occur due to operator error or negligence, such as:
- unbalanced loads
- unsecured loads
- failing to obey traffic rules
- driving too fast.
Forklifts can be dangerous if their operators and people who work around them don’t recognise their hazards and follow safety rules.
When loading a forklift:
- make sure the load is within the rated capacity
- check for a stable and centred load
- secure uneven or loose loads
- load height should be no higher than the mast of the forklift
- spread the forks as widely as possible for even distribution
- insert the forks far enough to be sure the pallet is completely on the forks
- tilt the forks back to shift the weight of the load back, making it more stable
- if the load is unbalanced, keep the heavier end closer to you and tilt the mast back
- lift the load and tilt it back a little more before traveling.
Unsecured loads can be secured by using stretch wrap, shrink wrap, tape or strapping or even pallet netting. There are many products that can be applied to a load quickly and easily and can save you losing valuable cargo and ensuring your employees are working in a safe environment.