Cantilever racking safety is critical for your store, warehouse or yard. Cantilever racking systems are a game-changer for storing long and bulky items like timber, pipes, and sheet materials. Failing to implement proper safety measures can lead to catastrophic failures, inventory damage, and serious workplace injuries.

However, while they maximise space and efficiency, ensuring safety is crucial to prevent accidents, damage, and costly downtime. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cantilever racking safety and the best practices to keep your warehouse running smoothly.

Understanding Cantilever Racking Safety

Cantilever racks are designed for easy access and high load capacities, but without proper safety measures, they can pose safety risks such as:

• Overloading: Exceeding the rack’s weight capacity can cause structural failure.
• Improper Load Distribution: Unevenly distributed loads can create instability, leading to collapse.
• Forklift Strikes: Accidental impacts from forklifts can weaken the racking structure.
• Lack of Regular Inspections: Undetected wear and tear can lead to dangerous failures.

Key Safety Tips for Cantilever Racking

To minimise risks and ensure a safe work environment, follow these best practices:

1. Adhere to Load Capacities

Every cantilever racking system has a maximum load capacity. Exceeding this capacity can cause rack deformation or collapse. Always:

• Check manufacturer guidelines for weight limits.
• Distribute weight evenly across arms.
• Avoid placing excessively heavy loads on single arms.

2. Perform Regular Inspections

Routine inspections help identify potential issues before they become hazards, reducing the risk of costly downtime and legal liabilities. Visual inspections should check for:

• Signs of damage such as bent or damaged cantilever arms and uprights.
• Loose bolts or missing components.
• Signs of corrosion or wear.
• Overloaded or unevenly distributed loads.

3. Use Protective Barriers and Guards

To prevent accidental collisions and damage:

• Install bollards or guardrails around the racking system.
• Mark designated forklift paths to minimise the risk of impacts.
• Use safety pins and locking devices to secure loads in place.

4. Train Employees on Safe Handling Procedures

Workers should be well-trained by qualified professionals in:

• Proper loading and unloading techniques.
• Recognising load capacity limits.
• Reporting any signs of racking damage immediately.
• Safe forklift operation near cantilever racking.

5. Implement Clear Signage and Labels

Ensure all racks are clearly labelled with:

• Load capacities.
• Storage guidelines.
• Height restrictions for stacking materials.

6. Anchor Racking Securely

Cantilever racks should be properly anchored to the floor or walls to prevent tipping. Ensure:

• Vertical columns are bolted down according to manufacturer specifications.
• Additional support braces are used if required.
• The installation is periodically checked for stability.

7. Maintain Proper Aisle Spacing

Adequate space between racking aisles allows for safe manoeuvring of forklifts and employees. Ensure:

• Aisles are wide enough to prevent collisions.
• Loads do not protrude into walkways.
• Emergency exits are not obstructed.

8. Schedule Annual Inspections

Even with regular checks, an annual professional inspection is crucial to ensuring long-term cantilever racking safety. These inspections help:

• Identify structural weaknesses that may not be visible in routine checks.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide expert recommendations for maintenance or repairs.
• Prevent costly accidents by addressing issues before they escalate.

Cantilever Racking Safety Made Simple

Rack safety is not just about compliance, it’s about preventing expensive disruptions, avoiding legal issues, and ensuring smooth warehouse operations.

By implementing these best practices, you can minimise risks, extend the lifespan of your racking system, and create a safer warehouse environment for both staff and customers.

Need help optimising your storage system for safety and making sure your systems have been inspected correctly?

Find out more about our annual SEMA-approved racking inspections to keep your warehouse safe and compliant.

We can come to you, inspect your storage and provide you with a detailed report of any issues or routine maintenance that’s needed to keep you and your store compliant.