Pallet Racking Corner Protectors

Pallet racking corner protectors, for those who need them, are an invaluable asset which helps reduce damage to both pallet racking columns and uprights.  They're used at each run's end in order to provide rack protection at the pallet racking frame's base. This means that if you regularly use pallet racks and racking systems, you'll need the occasional pallet racking protector. Let's examine more about these and how to shop for them.Pallet racks, so essential to manufacturing, shipping and warehousing can be like stacks of dominoes, poised to collapse when jostled by workers or inadvertently slammed by forklifts.  Sharp edges and corners present additional safety issues.  A variety of pallet racing corner protectors and guard rails increase stability and provide safety, much as an automobile’s bumper protects its most vulnerable points.             Corner protectors made of industrial strength rubber, colored for high visibility, “cushion” impact to a degree.  In fact, there is even pallet rack shock absorbing protectors. Think of a “childproofed” glass coffee table with rubber on sharp corners and exposed edges that softens any blow.  Racking systems, however, are heavier and more complex than household furniture.  The upright columns at the ends of rows, along with the “feet” of those columns that touch the floor, are most likely to be damaged by blows from people or equipment.  Footplates, usually heavy steel enameled in safety orange or yellow, or similarly colored polyethylene or other durable materials, can be attached to the base of each column and then anchored to cement flooring.  These make racks more stable and add to weight-bearing capacity.However, a footplate may also need to be supplemented with column guards that extend vertically, six inches to a foot or more, from the floor upward.  Damage at the base can weaken the entire frame. Most damage occurs within 48 inches of the floor. Column guards, also called post guards, are of particular importance at intersections, end rows, and wherever forklift maneuvering is difficult.  Forklift damage accounts for 90 percent of rack failure.  A combination of footplates, rails attached to the floor, and end-of-aisle rack rails can significantly reduce the possibility of damage.So where do you buy these protectors?  Most of the bigger stores which specialize in home improvement products will sell them as will warehouse stores that focus on business supplies.  And of course, you can also do a Google or Yahoo search on pallet racking corner protectors, or go directly to the websites of the aforementioned home improvement or warehouse stores and search their home pages for the protectors.Rack damage and failure not only present serious safety issues, but lead to increased expense for labor, down time, and equipment for unloading, disassembling, repair, reassembling and reloading.  Inspections of racking for damage as well as potential safety hazards should be part of a daily routine.  Additional information about pallet racking corner protectors, column protection, post protectors, floor and end guards and safety standards is available from Rack Manufacturers Institute of the Material Handling Industry of America, MHIA.com.