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The first step in installing guardrails in your warehouse is to pick the posts that will hold the rails in place, though this decision is a little more complex than it might initially seem. By reviewing the following considerations, you can choose the posts that will best meet your needs.

Know the Purpose of Your Guardrail Posts

The reason for using guardrails in your facility will determine the types of guardrails and posts required. For example, you might use thin steel guardrails to separate forklift traffic from pedestrian walkways, in which case you can opt for smaller posts.

If you're protecting electrical panels or chemical storage zones, you'll want larger and heavier guardrails with bulkier posts that can support their weight. Always make sure you select posts designed for the types of guardrails you need.

Measure the Dimensions for the Guardrails

Before installing guardrail posts, measure the area you want to protect. The length from one end to the other will determine how many posts to include. For longer distances, expect to add multiple segments of rails and posts.

You can cover any distance and protect several aisles and turns by installing segmented rails. Position the posts on parallel corners to build guardrails around turns.

An important note: OSHA requires that rails be 39 to 45 inches above the surface or floor. This means that your posts must be tall enough to support rails at this height.

Determine What Vehicles or Machinery Will Operate in the Area

The height, strength, and thickness of your rails and guardrail posts will depend on the use of machinery and forklifts in your warehouse. In a smaller facility where forklift traffic travels at slow to moderate speeds, you can rely on thinner rails and smaller posts.

If your warehouse is more fast-paced, upgrade to a guardrail system that offers more protection against impact damage. Similarly, larger forklifts with heavier counterweights can cause more damage — even when traveling at slower speeds. In this case, look for rails and posts that can withstand forceful collisions.

Consider the Climate

Within many warehouses, the indoor climate stays at a moderate temperature, which won't affect the impact absorption rate. However, for facilities that have freezers, the impact absorption rate of steel and some polymers is reduced.

If you're installing guardrail posts and rails in a freezing climate, account for this change. You might want to choose posts and rails made from different materials, or you might choose larger and stronger guardrail components that will stand up better in these conditions.

Anticipate Potential Impacts to Determine the Heights of Your Guardrail Posts

Before you choose guardrails and posts for your facility, it can help to review accident reports from the past 12 months. This review will help you focus on specific areas prone to the most damage in your warehouse. You might find some spaces that will need heavier protection to combat the higher frequency and severity of impacts.

Additionally, look at common accident sites and measure the distance between the floor and the location of collisions. Counterweight crashes might cause damage from the floor up to waist height. However, fork impacts can harm infrastructure and inventory at any height. You'll want posts at heights that will protect as much of your facility as possible.

Choose the Type of Guardrails You Need

You might use a variety of guardrail styles throughout your facility, and each type will determine the size and style of posts you'll need. At ramps, you might want a simple chain or rope that will notify drivers to avoid that route, and a smaller post will suffice.

Alternatively, you can block some routes with self-closing gates. Use larger posts that have the features necessary for this type of system. Permanent guardrails will line most of the aisles, offices, and protected areas within your facility.

For a guardrail system that's safe and effective, invest in a variety of posts and rails to meet all of your facility's safety needs.

Explore Guardrail Posts, Gates, and More to Meet All of Your Safety Needs

It's easier to create a guardrail system for your facility when you obtain all of the materials from the same supplier. This will ensure everything fits well together, the style remains cohesive throughout your facility, and all parts come with similar warranty protection.

By using a trusted supplier for your guardrail posts, you can build an entire system with fewer hassles and establish a safer warehouse environment quickly.