Load boards are used at the end of racking systems to advise the maximum load capacity, warnings for safe use and information about how to maintain the system.
By failing to display the information on these notices, and acting accordingly, racks can easily become overloaded which could incur injuries or damage to assets and, in extreme circumstances, could potentially cause life changing injuries or even death.
HSE’s HSG76 Warehousing and storage: a guide to health and safety guidelines states that all racking systems require load notices.
The EU Directive 92/58/EEC - safety and/or health signs also says that all load board notices need to look the same to ensure consistency (and as such familiarity) across Europe.
Here’s an example of the key features and the information required on a load board notice:-
1. Signage in accordance with the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations
2. Brief description, comments and warnings
3. Maximum load per beam level
4. Height from the top of a beam to the top of the next level
5. Height from the base plate to the top of the beam on the first level
6. Maximum load of the module, including all levels
7. Information on the supplier of the storage system
When it comes to load capacity different racking systems can vary considerably. Individual factors such as the material grade and thickness, rack configuration (the number of beams in a bay, height to first beam level, beam pitch, number of bays in a run) and the type of floor fixing can all combine to affect the maximum load capacity. So it’s important to ask someone with the relevant training to ensure that all the information is correct.
A physical assessment is required to accurately verify the set up and condition of the racking system.
In addition to assessing any current or future areas of potential damage your Acerax SEMA approved rack inspector is also trained to identify incorrect loading and faulty installation issues. Therefore the best time to get your load board notices checked, updated and created is at your annual inspection.
Acerax can quickly produce and supply professional load notice boards for your warehouse that accurately relate to your individual racking system to ensure you continue to meet your health and safety obligations.
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