Page 77 - OHS, July/August 2022

distraction or insuffifficient training.
A more comprehensive solution is to establish visual and
physical barriers in the form of guardrails. ThThe guardrails, made with 11-gauge steel, keep pedestrians in defifined walkways and vehicles along predetermined routes with protective barriers maintaining separation.
For heavy duty protection, three-ribbed guardrail is designed to withstand impacts from forklifts and other vehicles commonly operated in warehouses and distribution centers. The guardrail can be installed with a single rail or a double rail that offers a 42-inch-high barrier.
A medium-duty guardrail is usually a sufficient and more economical means to separate and protect people in workstations and walkways from light shop traffic. They have two ribs and can be installed at a single or triple rail height.
The guardrails also facilitate efficient traffic flow. When pedestrians are kept out of traffic lanes by guardrails, forklift operators can maintain their expected pace unimpeded, so overall efficiency is improved.
When easy employee access is needed, durable safety gates can be utilized where required. For greater flexibility of use, utilizing safety gates with post openings designed to accommodate an easy change in the swing direction of the gate. For added safety, sturdy steel springs should automatically close the gate after an employee uses it.
Guardrails can also be installed to protect a wide range of important equipment. ThThis includes rack aisle ends, mezzanines/ platforms, conveyor systems, machinery, mechanicals, electrical panels, building features and offiffices situated amid material handling or manufacturing operations. With racking systems and mezzanines protected, inventory stored on the structural equipment is also safeguarded.
Finally, pallet racks can be protected from one of the most likely sources of damage—forklifts—with a highly visible and effective rack protector. The protector’s sections are anchored to the floor, nestling the uprights and standard footplates of the racking. With a low-profile design, this safety equipment is often used at intersections and along high traffic routes to preserve the rack that is most likely to be damaged.
As warehouse and distribution centers become larger and more efficient, it becomes even more important for operation managers to sufficiently protect the safety of their employees and equipment along with the facility’s productivity. Those who proactively implement the proper safeguards, including guardrails and accessories, will profit for years to come in this regard.
John P. Clark is the Director of Marketing for Steel King Industries, Inc. (www.steelking.com), a manufacturer of warehouse storage racks, pallet racks and material handling/safety products.
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