Imagine investing just a few hundred dollars to prevent an incident that could cost thousands in OSHA fines, workers’ compensation claims, and lost productivity. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario—it’s the reality of installing pallet rack end-of-row guards in your warehouse. These modest investments can avert significant operational disruptions and financial losses, ensuring your warehouse runs smoothly and safely.
What Are End-of-Row Guards?
End-of-row guards are protective barriers installed at the end of pallet rack aisles. Their primary purpose is to shield rack structures from the impacts of forklifts and other equipment. These guards absorb and deflect collisions that could otherwise compromise the integrity of the rack system.
The Importance of Pallet Rack End-of-Row Guards
Consider the following issues when deciding if you should install end-of-aisle guards.
Unique and Frequent Impacts at the Row Ends
The ends of pallet rows are particularly vulnerable. Forklifts navigating tight corners or reversing can inadvertently strike these areas. Without proper protection, these impacts can lead to rack failure, posing safety risks and operational disruptions.
High Traffic and Speeds at Row Ends
Studies show that approximately 65% of all forklift traffic passes through the row ends, making these areas the most frequently traversed points in a warehouse. Additionally, forklifts often accelerate when approaching row entrances to save time, increasing the risk of collisions. High traffic and increased speeds make end-of-row guards essential for preventing accidents and minimizing damage.
End of Aisle Structural Vulnerabilities
The frames at the end of the rows lack rigidity in the center aisles due to the absence of connections on one side. This makes the ends of aisles more susceptible to impact damage, as they are less stable than centrally connected frames. As a result, impacts at these points can lead to significant structural issues, making protection at the end of rows increasingly essential to ensure the overall stability and safety of the racking system.
Industry standards
Organizations like OSHA and the RMI all recommend protective guards as a warehouse best practice. While the language falls short of specifying which design must be used, it states that racks should be protected. Reports indicate inadequate rack protection can lead to substantial fines and legal liabilities from lawsuits and regulatory agencies like OSHA. Implementing end-of-row guards is not just a recommendation but a critical component of compliance and safety protocols.
Design Types of End-of-Row Guards
These are design variations of end-of-row guards so that you can understand the options available in the marketplace.
1. End-of-Row Frame Protector without Column Guards
These guards feature an angled structural steel design that deflects impact away from the end of the rack frame and transfers the impact force to anchors in the floor. This design offers floor-level protection from forks and deflection out to the corners of the frame. This design does not have integrated column guards. This provides the flexibility to choose the column guard that best fits your situation. This is ideal if you already have existing column guards on your end-of-row frames or want to guard your columns differently than the integrated packages allow. A potential disadvantage is that the installation is more complex and requires separate guards to be purchased to protect the columns. Learn more.
2. End-of-Row Frame Protector with Integrated Column Guards
End-of-row frame protectors with integrated column guards combine floor-level angles with column protection, providing comprehensive coverage of the end of the frame and columns. This design ensures that the rack’s base and vertical columns are shielded with a single integrated guard, making them highly effective in high-traffic areas and easy to install.
There are two main styles of column guards: rounded and fitted. Rounded guards have a gap between the column and the aisle, taking up more space while protecting the column more. Fitted guards have heavy gauge steel fitted close to the column to provide more aisle space for narrow aisle applications. Learn more.
Detailed Evaluation of Key Criteria
Impact Rating
Consult with manufacturers and refer to RMI guidelines to determine appropriate impact ratings for specific applications, as situations can vary. A higher impact rating translates to better protection against potential damage, making it an essential factor in choosing the right guard for high-traffic environments.
Thickness of Steel
The thickness of the steel used in end-of-row guards is crucial in determining their impact resistance. Thicker steel offers enhanced protection against collisions by effectively absorbing the force of impact. Damotech’s end-of-row guards feature steel that is 3/8" thick, providing superior durability and resistance.
Type of Paint Coating
The type of paint coating used on end-of-row guards helps protect against corrosion and physical wear. Powder coatings are preferred for their superior adhesion and resistance to chipping, which ensures that the guards maintain their protective properties over time. A high-quality coating enhances the guard’s durability and improves its visibility, contributing to overall warehouse safety.
Cost and ROI
While the initial costs of end-of-row guards can vary, investing in high-quality protection provides significant returns in the long term. Reduced rack damage, decreased maintenance costs, and lower risk of injuries contribute to a positive return on investment (ROI). Quality guards ultimately lead to increased productivity and cost savings by minimizing disruptions and repair costs.
Customer Support and Warranty
Strong customer support and comprehensive warranties indicate a manufacturer’s confidence in its product. A good warranty offers peace of mind, ensuring that any defects or issues are promptly addressed. Adequate customer support also plays a key role in ensuring that installations are done correctly and any post-installation issues are resolved efficiently.
Industry Presence and Reputation
Manufacturers with a strong industry presence and a positive reputation, such as Damotech, have proven their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Membership in industry standards institutions like RMI and ProGMA are other indicators of a manufacturer dedicated to excellence. Choosing a well-regarded manufacturer helps ensure that the products you receive meet or exceed safety standards and provide long-term value.
Conclusion: Invest in Warehouse Safety With End-of-Row Guards
End-of-row guards are more than just protective devices; they are essential to warehouse safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. Warehouse managers can effectively safeguard their operations while optimizing productivity by choosing high-quality solutions that prioritize durability, impact resistance, and ease of installation.
Why Damotech Guards Are Superior to Most on the Market
Damotech is a trusted leader in warehouse protection, offering superior end-of-row guards designed to meet the highest industry standards. Our commitment to quality, customization, and customer satisfaction ensures that your warehouse receives the best protection available.
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Certified manufacturing: Built to industry standards for consistent quality and safety.
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High-grade steel: Built for maximum durability and impact resistance.
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Customization options: Designed to accommodate your warehouse layout, ensuring optimal protection and space efficiency.
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Quick and easy installation: Minimize downtime with a hassle-free installation process.
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Comprehensive warranty: Our robust warranties and customer support guarantee peace of mind and long-term reliability.
Take a proactive step toward warehouse safety. Invest in Damotech’s end-of-row guards and protect your operations. Contact us today to learn more!
