We have all seen the videos and pics of the storage racks collapsing and most of us are amazed at how violent these incidents are; yet how many of us can walk through our storage areas and not find missing anchor bolts, corroded and damaged structural components, no posted load ratings, or out-of-straight support columns? In a recent OSHA citations during a PSM inspection, OSHA issued a citation using their General Duty Clause (GDC), officially called a “5(a)(1)” for the condition of some storage racks within the facility (see citation below). In this GDC citation OSHA referenced ANSI MH 16.1, Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage RacksSpecification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks (Link is to a FREE Copy of 2008 Revision, w/ 2012 being the latest revision).
These racks are SERIOUS HAZARDS as shown by this video of the week: 2015 Video of the Week #52 (Another forklift rack collapse)
Citation 1 Item 3
Type of Violation: Serious; $7,000
OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
Employees were exposed to a struck-by hazard associated with a collapsing storage rack. ( just last week there was a FATALITY and several severe injures from a collapsed rack!!!)
On or about 10/16/2015, in the loading dock area, the employer allowed employees to operate forklifts and access walkways near storage racks with the following deficiencies:
-missing anchor bolts,
-corroded and damaged structural components,
-no posted load ratings, and
-out-of-straight support columns
A feasible means of abatement includes, but is not limited to installing racks that meet ANSI MH 16.1 standard or repair existing racks so they meet the standard by having anchor bolts, straight columns, plaques with load ratings, and are free from damage.
CLICK HERE to see the actual citation.