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When considering an upgrade or new plan for your warehouse storage space, it’s important to consider how your new pallet racking system will integrate in your facility and how it will impact the space around it. The location of your warehouse pallet racking and the space between racking systems matters more than you may think. One common question we hear is: Should I connect my warehouse pallet racking to my building?

The answer is no!

Why You Shouldn’t Connect Your Pallet Racking to Your Building

                Connecting your pallet racking to your building can create serious warehouse safety risks that may lead to building code violations. It’s important that you maintain the proper rack safety clearance to ensure the stability of your pallet racking as well as the structural integrity of your building. These clearances should also comply with OSHA standards, ensuring a safe environment.

                Pallet racking systems are engineered with structural base plates that anchor the racking directly to the facility’s concrete floor. The racking is engineered and designed to be free standing.

If you were to attach your pallet racking to your building, it could create an unsafe environment. If you are ever contemplating bracing it to your building, you need to consult a P.E. Certified Engineer before doing so. Connecting your pallet racking to your building could create an excess load on the racking and building, neither of which are designed to sustain or hold. When unexpected loads are put on the racking or building, unanticipated movement or impact can cause the racking or part of the building to collapse.

                How Much Clearance Should You Leave Between Pallet Racking and Your Building?

                Since your pallet racking should not be connected to your building, it’s important to know how much clearance should be between your pallet racking and your building. In the event of an accident, seismic activity, or other event that causes the pallet racking to shift, it’s important that the racking is spaced far enough away from the building that it would not cause damage.

Standard Clearance Requirements Include:

• 5% of the racking height with the building in the down-aisle direction
• 2% of the racking height with the building in the cross-aisle direction

To determine this number, take the height of your pallet rack and multiply it by 0.05 down aisle or 0.02 for cross-aisle directions.

This clearance will ensure that if the rack moves due to an event like seismic activity, it will not hit the building or neighboring structures.

Need Help With Your Pallet Rack Placement in Your Warehouse?

If you have questions about how pallet racking can integrate into your facility, or if you’re unsure about safe clear heights, the Industrial Shelving Systems team is here to help. We’ll be able to help you configure your racking in a safe and efficient way, helping you throughout the entire project process, from design to installation.

Contact us today here or give us a call at 1-314-310-2446 to get started on your storage solutions project! We look forward to helping you build an efficient storage solution!