Backstop Beam vs. Rack Safety Strap

In your facility, how can you make sure you are properly protecting your workers and inventory? Hiring the right people, training them, and making sure they have the tools needed to do their jobs safely are a given. And naturally, you want to use affordable solutions that help to keep your warehouse productive while minimizing risks. But when it comes to backstop beam vs. rack safety strap solutions, which is right for your pallet racking application?

Backstop beam vs. rack safety strap

You know your inventory and warehouse best, and whether you prefer backstop beam or rack safety strap solutions depends on the particular application and desired outcome. It’s important to note, however, that insurance agencies require that warehouses meet the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for storage fire protection and flue space requirements (see NFPA Code 230 and NFPA Code 13). A cost-effective, easy to install rack safety system can help ensure that you’re within code without overspending.

While a good option in many cases, backstop beams do have their drawbacks. The rigidity of the beams makes them more likely to crush product when the pallet is pushed against them. Forklift drivers sometimes use the beams as a forklift stop — this compromises the beam and the racking. Backstop beams crashing down in the flue space is fairly common, but a larger danger is a compromised beam hanging over a workspace or walkway.

If you don’t already have racks with backstops or the products you’re shelving don’t work with them, rack safety straps are an effective additional fire safety measure. They prevent pallet push-through which allows water to pass downward through the racking to suppress fire more quickly.

You may also be interested in our post, The A-Z of Fire Protection in Storage Facilities >>

Rack safety strap features

Pallet rack straps can accommodate inventory of different shapes and sizes, providing greater rack storage flexibility than backstops can. Our straps incorporate super strong industrial elastic that allows for a 6” overhang. On their own or in combination with other Adrian’s products, our rack safety straps help to make your warehouse safer, better organized, and more efficient.

• Premium cargo webbing
• 2,400 lbs. burst strength
• Quick, simple installation
• 6 bay size options
• Custom sizes available with minimum order quantity

Adrian’s Safety Solutions products are used in warehouses and transport vehicles across various industries. The quality and durability of our rack safety straps make them the ideal choice for businesses like yours. Contact us to learn more about our products or find a dealer in your area.

This post was originally published on Sept. 20, 2018, and has since been updated.