To get the most out of rack guards, they must be installed properly. Most rack guards are surprisingly easy to install. This can be done by professionals or installed on-site with the use of simple tools. There are many types of rack guards and therefore many ways to install them. Some require the use of a drill hammer and the proper size drill bit, others only require a rubber mallet or Velcro straps.

To ensure guards are installed properly and that they are placed where needed, consider professional installation. Many brands offer it, however, most distributors elect do it in-house because it saves money.

Rack guards should always be installed according to the manufactures instructions. As a general rule, there should be one rack guard per rack leg. To find out how many are needed, simply count each rack leg. However, there are many types of rack guards so be sure to explore all options before coming up with a final number to give to the manufacturer.

“Rack Guards should be placed where the highest probability of an impact will occur,” says Claire Porter, president, A-Safe, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina. “This is usually near the bottom of the rack leg where the forklifts load and unload pallets.”

Taking note of where distributors or warehouse managers notice the most damage will help them and the manufacturer determine what products to order and how many will be needed. Some manufactures state that two rack guards can be stacked for additional protection, but others warn that stacking rack guards creates a seam between them that the prongs of a forklift can slip between. Longer rack guards are available to help alleviate this problem. With so many kinds of rack guards available in the market, it is important distributors explore all options to find the ones that would work best in their individual warehouses.

Rack guards are designed to take a beating and are therefore very sturdy. In general, rack guards only need to be replaced if they have been damaged. It is essential to schedule regular inspections of both the racking systems and the rack guards to help ensure that they are functioning correctly. It is also crucial to inspect the ground that the racking systems are on. Forklift damage can also occur on the floor and can destabilize the racking systems or the anchors that hold some rack guards in place.

Angelica Dudenhoefer of Angelica Communications, LLC, is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee.


posted on 9/16/2015