Securing Loads & Racks

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve covered manual and mechanical lifting, as well as safe stacking. Today, we're focusing on the final step in material handling: securing loads and materials in racks.

A load that is properly lifted and stacked can still become a serious hazard if it isn't secured. A sudden stop, a strong gust of wind, or a slight bump can cause unsecured materials to shift or fall, leading to a "struck-by" incident.

Securing Loads on Pallets

Whether a pallet is being moved by a forklift or stored temporarily, the materials on it must be secured.

• Straps and Wraps: Use nylon straps, metal bands, or plastic shrink wrap to bind the materials tightly to the pallet. This prevents individual items from shifting or falling off during movement.

• Balanced Loads: Always place the heaviest materials at the bottom of the pallet to create a low center of gravity. This makes the entire load more stable and less likely to tip over.

Storing Materials in Racks

Storage racks and shelves are essential for organizing materials (think of in your Conex box or storage area), but they must be treated with respect.

• Know the Weight Limit: Every storage rack has a maximum load capacity. Never exceed this limit. Overloading a rack can cause it to collapse, creating a deadly domino effect.

• Center the Load: When placing a pallet or other material on a rack, ensure it is centered on the beams and not hanging off the edges. An off-center load is unstable and can fall unexpectedly.

• Secure Individual Items: Just as you would on a pallet, individual items stored on shelves should be placed in a way that prevents them from rolling or falling off the edge.

By taking the time to properly secure materials, you are not just protecting the materials themselves—you are protecting everyone who works nearby.

Tomorrow, we'll wrap up the week on Fall Protection Friday by discussing how material handling can lead to a fall.

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-The Safety Man