Safety

Rack Protection and Guarding Guide

Protection works best when it addresses the traffic pattern and impact exposure rather than simply adding hardware everywhere.

Rack Protection and Guarding Guide illustration
Quick answer

Protection works best when it addresses the traffic pattern and impact exposure rather than simply adding hardware everywhere.

Protection works best when it addresses the traffic pattern and impact exposure rather than simply adding hardware everywhere.

Identify impact zones

Review incident records and observe turns, intersections, tunnel bays, staging edges, dock approaches, and narrow transitions.

Choose compatible protection

A guard should reduce impact exposure without creating a new snag, narrowing the aisle unexpectedly, or transferring force in an unintended way.

Improve the system

Mark travel lanes, improve lighting and visibility, remove floor hazards, revise staging, and train operators. Hardware is only one layer.

Important: Use manufacturer documentation and qualified site-specific review for capacity, damage, anchoring, code, fire protection, and industrial installation decisions.

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Do column guards eliminate inspection needs?

No. Guards can be damaged or impacts can occur above or around them.

Should guards be anchored separately?

Many systems are, but installation must follow the product design and site requirements.