Pallet Rack Load Capacity Labels

Pallet rack weight capacity labels for quick reference of beam weight limits. Do you have to use them in the warehouse? What shape can pallet rack capacity labels be? Where should they be placed? See below.

Do I Need to Place Shelf Tags?

The regulation says “Yes”. Building code requires the maximum capacity to be shown for pallet rack shelf levels. These norms are imposed in the North American building codes and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Thus, ANSI MH16.1-2023: Design, Testing, And Utilization Of Industrial Steel Storage Racks details the minimum requirements for the structural design, testing, and utilization of industrial steel storage racks. Besides, racking load capacity labels are an economical way to achieve awareness and are considered an OSHA-compliant solution.

Labels must be placed at eye level or in an easily visible location near each rack.

What Shape Can Warehouse Rack Labels Be?

The Rack Manufacturers Institute’s specification also states, “Information on load plaques shall represent the permissible load capacity of the rack systems as designed. If rack systems are modified in a way that invalidates the plaque information, the load plaques shall be updated with new information.”

How Many Signs Should Be Placed and Where?

These pallet rack weight capacity labels adhere directly to pallet rack beams to quickly reference weight limits for that shelving level. This is a simple way to inform the forklift operators to prevent overloading the racks.

Nowadays, labeling the maximum weight/load capacity is a common sense best practice for any industrial storage facility. It is imperative to have proper labeling on all pallet rack systems for the sake of occupational safety and health.

What Specifications Can They Be: Magnetic, Durable, Removable?

Magnetic labels are acceptable and commonly used in warehouses. 

Labels are from materials that are durable enough to withstand the warehouse environment, including exposure to dust, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and potential impact. Magnetic labels are coated with laminated vinyl. Labels can be removable as long as they maintain their position and visibility under normal warehouse operations. Magnetic labels naturally meet this requirement since they can be removed and repositioned without leaving residue or causing damage.

Regular non-magnetic adhesive shelf labels are used widely as well. Barcode labels for better inventory management are used on regular printer paper with laminated vinyl coverage.

• Magnetic Labels: Ideal for flexibility in reconfigurable systems.
• Permanent Labels: Preferred for static racks and long-term durability.

Are Barcodes Necessary?

No, barcodes are not required however recommended for better marking.