Pallet Rack Guards & Upright Protectors

Pallet rack guards and upright protectors should align with OSHA warehouse safety regulations, ANSI/MH16.1 rack protection standards, and RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute) specifications. Storage Products Company supplies guards designed and integrated in accordance with these standards, and can support rack inspection findings to identify where protectors are most critically needed.

Column protectors are designed to wrap around building structural columns, absorbing forklift impacts to protect the building's structural integrity. End-of-aisle rack upright protectors are positioned at the most impact-prone locations on pallet rack systems — the ends of rack rows — to absorb forklift strikes and prevent costly rack damage and potential rack collapse.

Yes. Guard rails and bollards complement upright protectors as part of a comprehensive warehouse safety plan. Guard rails define and physically separate pedestrian walkways from forklift travel paths, while bollards protect critical infrastructure like dock doors, fire suppression risers, and electrical panels from vehicle impact damage.

While some guards can be field-installed, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper placement, structural anchoring, and compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards. Storage Products Company offers installation through factory-recommended and insured installers, ensuring each guard performs as intended and supports your facility's overall safety plan.

Distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, retail warehouses, automotive parts distributors, and cold storage operations benefit most. Any facility that operates forklifts near storage racking, structural columns, or critical infrastructure should implement rack guards and upright protectors to reduce the risk of costly equipment damage and workplace injuries.

A thorough assessment of your facility layout, forklift traffic patterns, and existing rack condition is the best starting point. Storage Products Company provides AutoCAD layout and design services including traffic-flow analysis to identify high-risk zones and recommend the most effective combination of upright protectors, guard rails, bollards, and column guards for your specific operation.