FAQs

"SMA" is the initials of the Storage Manufacturers Association. The SMA was formed in 1974 and operates as an Industry Group within the Material Handling Industry of America (MHI). The membership of the SMA is made up of companies which produce industrial storage equipment for customers world-wide. The SMA promotes the safe design and use of shelving, work platforms, shop furniture, cabinetry and drawer systems.

Programming includes research, development of specifications, educational programs, and meetings. The SMA is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited developer of shelving systems and work platforms.

Copies of the most recent edition of the ANSI/SMA Specifications For The Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Shelving, Metal/Wood Shelving and Industrial Work Platforms are complimentary and can be downloaded on the SMA website at www.mhi.org/sma.

No. Unless notified otherwise by the manufacturer, typically, shelves are not designed for this purpose.

A Qualified Design Professional is an individual with the knowledge of and the ability to apply the design principles appropriate to the specific application.

A Registered Design Professional is an individual with the knowledge of and the ability to apply the design principles appropriate to the specific application and who is registered or licensed to practice his/her design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of a state or jurisdiction. Typically, the design calculations and construction drawings submitted in order to obtain a building permit are certified by the Registered Design Professional licensed in the state where the work platform/shelving system is located.

A concentrated or point load is any static load considered to act over a small or concentrated area when compared to the extent of the surface to which the load is applied. Shelving or equipment legs can be examples of concentrated/point loads. "Punch through" of the decking may be a design consideration for these types of loads.

A uniformly distributed load is one where the load is considered evenly distributed across a defined area. Examples may be live and/or dead loads.

Following initial installation, the work platform and/or shelving system owner should establish and implement a program of regularly scheduled work platform and/or shelving system inspections. The inspections should be performed by a qualified person familiar with the work platform or shelving design and installation requirements. Work platforms and/or shelving should be inspected periodically to check for any damage or abuse and immediately after any event that occurs that may result in damage to the structure. The frequency of inspections should be up to the discretion of the owner, depending on the conditions of use. As a minimum, inspections should be performed annually. The inspection schedule and results of the inspection should be documented and retained. Should there be any concerns as a result of the inspection, refer to the FAQ on damage, overloading or others as applicable. For your convenience, the SMA has created a generic inspection form which is available as a free download.

There are many life safety concerns that dictate the design of work platforms and or shelving systems. These include, but are not limited to, fire protection, travel distance, means-of-egress, commodity classification, lighting and ventilation. Because these requirements continue to evolve, these items are typically not included in the scope of work provided by the work platform and/or shelving system manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the owner or the owner’s integrator to ensure that all applicable codes are complied with in their facility.

Robots can require special design consideration for a work platform with regard to loading, deflection, and deck surface. Speciality flooring may also be required that takes into account coefficient of friction, surface roughness, floor flatness, gloss, and wear that can affect the ability of robots to run at their peak. Consult with the manufacturer of the robot for exact parameters required for the design. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Yes, provided design consideration is given to the static and dynamic wheel loads and other details of the jack. These types of jacks often have uneven and high wheel loads which can overload a standard decking design. It is important to get actual, maximum wheel loads (including product load) from the jack manufacturer to incorporate into the design. Specialty flooring materials may also be required for strength and durability. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Yes. ANSI SMA steel shelving standards do apply to the design of shelving placed on mobile carriages. All posts of the shelving system must be secured to the mobile unit and the design of the overall structure shall consider the forces induced on the shelving due to the movement of the mobile unit. While shelving manufacturers are typically not responsible for the design of the mobile carriage, they are expected to provide maximum base plate loads to the carriage manufacturer. www.mhi.org/sma/standards

While shelving is generally manufactured for adjustability and assembly in multiple configurations, one cannot assume that it can be reconfigured without affecting its rated capacity. Modifying the shelving to a configuration that was not considered in its original design may create an unsafe condition. Prior to making any changes to a shelving unit, reference the load application and configuration drawings to verify that the system has been designed for multiple shelf configurations; if not, contact the shelving manufacturer or a Qualified Design Professional to review and approve the proposed reconfiguration. When shelving reconfigurations result in a change to maximum shelf or bay loads, information contained on load plaques must be updated accordingly.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide
ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

The requirement for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems is under the authority of the local building and/or fire officials. Since the shelving manufacturer is typically not responsible for fire protection, it is recommended that one consults with these officials, as well as insurance providers, prior to the preparation of construction documents for shelving systems. The need for additional sprinkler protection will depend on the type of items being stored and their packaging, the maximum storage and ceiling height, the area and configuration of the shelving. It is important to keep in mind that any barriers that prevent a fire’s heat from reaching the sprinkler heads may delay their activation and also restrict water from reaching the base of the fire within the shelving system.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide
ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

Yes. Work platforms, shelving systems and buildings move by varying amounts so separation must be maintained so that the platform and building components do not contact each other during normal operations or a seismic event. A qualified design professional can assure that the design meets code requirements.

Additional loads from the work platform or shelving system may affect the foundation, lateral resisting system of the building and the effects of relative stiffnesses of the two dissimilar structures. Attachment of a work platform or shelving system to a building column or wall should only be permitted after consultation with the engineer of record for the building who can analyze and approve the additional effects of the work platform or shelving system on the building.

The International Code Congress (ICC) has interpreted the wood decking to be as an interior floor finish, and is not required to be noncombustible. (Reference IBC Table 601, and Sections 602, 603, 804 & 805). The building elements permissible in construction depend on the type of construction to be used. Types of construction range from Type I through Type V. Types I and II are the most restrictive concerning combustibility requirements of building elements, while type V allows any materials permitted by code to be used. In Type I and II construction of work platforms, the structural elements are normally required to be made of noncombustible materials.

Combustible decking materials may be used in all types of construction where they are not considered a structural element of the work platform. An example of this is wood decking that is installed over a noncombustible structural element, such as corrugated metal roof deck. The uniform and point loads on the structure are designed to be carried by the substructure (floor framing) and the roof deck, not the wood decking.

For more details on this subject, please contact a member of the SMA.

A Qualified Design Professional is an individual with the knowledge of and the ability to apply the design principles appropriate to the specific application.

A Registered Design Professional is an individual with the knowledge of and the ability to apply the design principles appropriate to the specific application and who is registered or licensed to practice his/her design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of a state or jurisdiction. Typically, the design calculations and construction drawings submitted in order to obtain a building permit are certified by the Registered Design Professional licensed in the state where the work platform/shelving system is located.

• design calculations from an engineering analysis sealed by a Registered Design Professional which includes the various load conditions for which it has been designed.
• project drawings sealed by a Registered Design Professional which includes details of the proposed work platform or shelving system and its use.
• demonstration of conformance with all applicable building code provisions (often included as a part of the calculations and drawings).
• information about the building in which these systems will be housed and used. The building information may include relevant information about the characteristics of the floor slab, the below-slab soils, and about the building structure if connections to the building are proposed.

Shelving designed to the American National Standard (ANSI MH28.1) will carry a maximum capacity based on a uniformly distributed load. At that load, one should expect to see mid-span deflection no greater than L/140, where L is the maximum span of the shelf. For example, a 48" shelf should not deflect more than 48"/140 or 0.3" at maximum shelf capacity. When unloaded, the shelf should return to its level state. It is normal for shelves to deflect under load.

While it may be possible to tie work platforms or shelving to a building structure, this should never be done without consulting both the equipment provider and building designer to assure that each structure can receive and resist any forces that may be transferred.

To expand vertically, one will need to know if the existing installation was designed to hold increased shelf loads. A qualified design professional is the best person to answer the question. He/She can do a structural analysis of the existing shelving layout and advise on how best to expand to meet present and future needs.

This is an important consideration, as these loads by definition are more concentrated, may be dynamic instead of static, and often are more damaging to the floor than uniform loads. It is imperative that the end user determines what type of traffic may be on the work platform. Common types of traffic include pedestrian, rolling loads from pallet jacks or carts, and point loads from shelving units, conveyor legs, and other heavy equipment. Rolling loads may be problematic for some types of flooring. The end user needs to consult with the manufacturer of the work platform and provide the usage and loading information so that the work platform can be properly designed including deck selection. The load carrying capacity of a work platform may be limited by the decking surface type, as well as the elements of the underlying substructure.

Light duty steel grating is best suited for use in conjunction with pedestrian traffic, and for light, rubber pneumatic-tired rolling traffic (carts, dollies, and hand trucks,) The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) recommends a maximum deflection of L/240 or less for uniform loads. ¼" is considered the maximum deflection consistent for pedestrian comfort, but can be exceeded for other loading conditions at the discretion of the qualified design professional.

State and local building codes, most commonly based on the International Building Code (IBC), or local building officials will provide guidance to owners/users as to appropriate considerations for your specific site. The US Geological Survey has created a spectral mapping system of the USA, USA territories, and select foreign countries that identifies seismic risk to a level as precise as specific latitude/longitude.

Storage systems, not unlike buildings, are often subject to the building code review and permitting process. Most communities face the potential of earthquakes to varying degrees, magnitudes, and probabilities. Particular seismic requirements are site-specific, and the user should bring to the attention of the manufacturer the specific local requirements, including applicable building codes, the specific installation location, any knowledge of the supporting concrete slab, and any information about the below-slab soils and their properties. Storage systems should be designed, manufactured, installed, and used in accordance with the requirements of the site; these requirements may include seismic effects and may also include the characteristics of the building in which the storage system is housed. To find the requirements for your job site, contact a structural engineer familiar with seismic requirements at the site as well as the local building authority.

The height-to-depth ratio is an important factor used in evaluating the stability of a shelving system. The maximum height-to-depth ratio for catalog shelving located in a non-seismic region is 4-to-1 (4:1). For catalog shelving the height of the shelving is considered the top of the post. This ratio is determined by dividing the height of the unit by its depth. If the result is greater than four (4:1), then floor anchoring and/or cross-aisle top-tying may be required. It is best to check with a qualified design professional to review the installation.

Determining the correct load rating for a work platform is dependent on the intended use and types of equipment placed on it. The work platform may be designed based on a minimum uniform live load, maximum point load, or actual equipment weight. The International Building Code (IBC) states in Table 1607.1 that work platforms used for light manufacturing or storage applications are designed to carry a default minimum uniform live load of 125 pounds per square foot (psf). This uniform rating averages the total combined weight of racks or shelving, equipment, walkways, loading areas, and products. Due consideration must be given to verify that point loads from racks, shelving, or other equipment do not exceed the capacity of the work platform. Other types of work- platforms such as conveyor support structures, equipment support platforms and other specialty structures may be designed for the specific loads they support. Careful analysis of the loads must be done to assure proper design criteria. Consulting an SMA member company regarding work platforms will help assure a correct design.

Deflection is one of five criteria that comprise serviceability design considerations, as recommended by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). Serviceability deals with "the state in which the function of a building, its appearance, maintainability, durability, and comfort of its occupants are preserved under normal usage". Neglecting serviceability issues may result in a structure that is overly flexible, which could lead to unacceptable performance of the structure, or movement that is in excess of what is comfortable to people on the structures. Deflection and drift (lateral deflection) criteria need to be determined with use of the intended structure in mind. Deflection is typically measured as a relationship to the span of the member. Common live load deflection limits are L/240 and L/360 depending on flooring type and occupancy, where L is the span of the floor beams.

It is sometimes difficult to specify limits for work platforms because they can vary depending on the type of structure, its intended use, and subjective physiological reactions. For example, acceptable deflections for an office on a work platform would be different than for shelving units on a work platform. The occupants sitting at a desk would be more sensitive to floor deflections than somebody walking across a work platform. When someone can see or feel the deflection in a structure, a discomforting feeling can occur. On normal work platforms used for storage or manufacturing, L/240 limits are adequate. For a work platform with an office on it, a plaster or drywall ceiling hung from underneath, or a concrete deck, L/360 would be appropriate. Many types of conveyors may have higher limits such as L/720 or L/1000, as requested by the manufacturers. Attention must also be paid to other pieces of equipment or processes that may be on the work platform. Standard deflection criteria may not be acceptable when supporting a scale or other precision equipment. It becomes imperative that the Qualified Design Professional understand the nature of the equipment and/or application in order to ensure proper performance.

There are many life safety concerns that dictate the design of work platforms and or shelving systems. These include, but are not limited to, fire protection, travel distance, means-of-egress, commodity classification, lighting and ventilation. Because these requirements continue to evolve, these items are typically not included in the scope of work provided by the work platform and/or shelving system manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the owner or the owner’s integrator to ensure that all applicable codes are complied with in their facility.

• Corrugated Steel Decking
• Wire Decking
• Presslock shelving
• Particleboard
• Plywood
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB
• Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
• Other Engineered Wood Products

There are a variety of factors that will affect the correct number of stairways required for the means of egress from a platform, they are as follows:

• The travel distance from the furthest point on the platform to a clear path exit access from the building or room considered as a separate fire space.
• Classification and use occupancy: most platforms are used in one of the following three occupancy classification groups, storage (S), factory (F) and high hazards (H) but are not limited to these categories.
• Will there be an automatic sprinkler system used with the platform.
• The size of the platform.
• The occupant load for the platform. This is based on the size of the platform and the function of the space where the platform is installed (Occupant Load Factor).
• The width of the stairway. The width of the stairway is controlled by the occupant load of the platform. If the occupant load is less than 50 then a 36” wide stairway is allowed otherwise it will need to be 44” wide.
• For platforms with only one stairway or one exit, the maximum occupant load and travel distance is reduced.

These are the main factors that determine the number of stairways required for means of egress from a platform. It is recommended that one contact your platform supplier for additional advice based on the configuration of the platform, along with the end user to establish the Building/Platform use classification and a clear path of exit access routes at the site.

Industrial Work Platform User's Guide
ANSI MH28.3-2022 Design, Utilization and Testing of Industrial Steel Work Platforms

Deflection is a design criterion to be considered on all structures. Limits should be determined by working with the user and/or equipment manufacturer to understand their serviceability needs. Live load, dead load and total load deflections need to be addressed. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Yes. The work platform supplier must be advised if it will be installed outdoors as wind loads and other environmental loads can adversely affect the performance of a work platform. A Qualified Design Professional can assure that the design meets code required criteria.

Yes. ANSI SMA steel shelving standards do apply to the design of shelving placed on mobile carriages. All posts of the shelving system must be secured to the mobile unit and the design of the overall structure shall consider the forces induced on the shelving due to the movement of the mobile unit. While shelving manufacturers are typically not responsible for the design of the mobile carriage, they are expected to provide maximum base plate loads to the carriage manufacturer. www.mhi.org/sma/standards

Material handling practices should minimize impact loads on shelving systems. Unless otherwise specified by the user at the initial stage of design, there are no allowances for impact loads in the design of shelving units which are typically hand-loaded, as they are considered negligible. For uses and loads that involve unusual impact forces, the purchaser is responsible for supplying the Qualified Design Professional the magnitude and location of the maximum impact forces expected on the storage structure.

For multi-level, shelving supported systems, an allowance of 25 percent (25%) of the maximum pallet weight is provided to account for vertical impact loads at pallet drop zones. This allowance is no substitute for proper lift truck operation. Lift truck operation is the responsibility of the owner, and it is assumed that well-trained material handling equipment operators, handling stable pallet loads, are utilizing the storage system.

Shelving is susceptible to overturning or collapse when impacted by powered lift trucks or hand pallet trucks; therefore, due consideration should be given to installing appropriate protective guarding to mitigate these risks.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide

ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

Limitations on lean are intended to prevent the development of additional forces in the shelving structure, while providing a safe and comfortable working environment. An out-of-plumb or out-of-straight condition can significantly reduce the load-carrying capacity of a shelving post. The maximum out-of-plumb or out-of-straight ratio for a fully loaded shelving structure is ³⁄₁₆” of horizontal offset in 7’-0” of height and ¼” in 10’-0”. The above limits do not apply to automated (unmanned) shelving storage systems as more stringent tolerances would typically be provided by the crane or shuttle manufacturer.

A partially loaded shelving post is likely to become further out-of-plumb or out-of-straight when additional product is stored in the system. For this reason, a shelving manufacturer will generally specify a more stringent out-of-plumb installation tolerance to not exceed the maximum allowable lean for the shelving when it is used. Shelving posts whose ratios exceed these limits shall be unloaded and re-plumbed or straightened. Shims are commonly installed beneath post base plates to plumb and level a shelving system. If any shelving posts have sustained damage, they must be repaired or replaced.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide
ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

Yes. Work platforms, shelving systems and buildings move by varying amounts so separation must be maintained so that the platform and building components do not contact each other during normal operations or a seismic event. A qualified design professional can assure that the design meets code requirements.

All work platforms are required to resist lateral forces through different types of lateral stability systems. Knee braces may be utilized as a part of that system or to provide additional stability depending on the application. Your SMA member company qualified design professional can assist you in providing the best solution. Arbitrary removal or modification of a knee brace is not permitted without the approval of the qualified design professional.

Industrial Work Platform User's Guide
ANSI MH28.3-2022 Design, Utilization and Testing of Industrial Steel Work Platforms

Additional loads from the work platform or shelving system may affect the foundation, lateral resisting system of the building and the effects of relative stiffnesses of the two dissimilar structures. Attachment of a work platform or shelving system to a building column or wall should only be permitted after consultation with the engineer of record for the building who can analyze and approve the additional effects of the work platform or shelving system on the building.

No. Unless notified otherwise by the manufacturer, typically, shelves are not designed for this purpose.

This is an important consideration, as these loads by definition are more concentrated, may be dynamic instead of static, and often are more damaging to the floor than uniform loads. It is imperative that the end user determines what type of traffic may be on the work platform. Common types of traffic include pedestrian, rolling loads from pallet jacks or carts, and point loads from shelving units, conveyor legs, and other heavy equipment. Rolling loads may be problematic for some types of flooring. The end user needs to consult with the manufacturer of the work platform and provide the usage and loading information so that the work platform can be properly designed including deck selection. The load carrying capacity of a work platform may be limited by the decking surface type, as well as the elements of the underlying substructure.

Light duty steel grating is best suited for use in conjunction with pedestrian traffic, and for light, rubber pneumatic-tired rolling traffic (carts, dollies, and hand trucks,) The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) recommends a maximum deflection of L/240 or less for uniform loads. ¼" is considered the maximum deflection consistent for pedestrian comfort, but can be exceeded for other loading conditions at the discretion of the qualified design professional.

A concentrated or point load is any static load considered to act over a small or concentrated area when compared to the extent of the surface to which the load is applied. Shelving or equipment legs can be examples of concentrated/point loads. "Punch through" of the decking may be a design consideration for these types of loads.

A uniformly distributed load is one where the load is considered evenly distributed across a defined area. Examples may be live and/or dead loads.

Determining the correct load rating for a work platform is dependent on the intended use and types of equipment placed on it. The work platform may be designed based on a minimum uniform live load, maximum point load, or actual equipment weight. The International Building Code (IBC) states in Table 1607.1 that work platforms used for light manufacturing or storage applications are designed to carry a default minimum uniform live load of 125 pounds per square foot (psf). This uniform rating averages the total combined weight of racks or shelving, equipment, walkways, loading areas, and products. Due consideration must be given to verify that point loads from racks, shelving, or other equipment do not exceed the capacity of the work platform. Other types of work- platforms such as conveyor support structures, equipment support platforms and other specialty structures may be designed for the specific loads they support. Careful analysis of the loads must be done to assure proper design criteria. Consulting an SMA member company regarding work platforms will help assure a correct design.

Deflection is a design criterion to be considered on all structures. Limits should be determined by working with the user and/or equipment manufacturer to understand their serviceability needs. Live load, dead load and total load deflections need to be addressed. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Yes. The work platform supplier must be advised if it will be installed outdoors as wind loads and other environmental loads can adversely affect the performance of a work platform. A Qualified Design Professional can assure that the design meets code required criteria.

Robots can require special design consideration for a work platform with regard to loading, deflection, and deck surface. Speciality flooring may also be required that takes into account coefficient of friction, surface roughness, floor flatness, gloss, and wear that can affect the ability of robots to run at their peak. Consult with the manufacturer of the robot for exact parameters required for the design. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Yes, provided design consideration is given to the static and dynamic wheel loads and other details of the jack. These types of jacks often have uneven and high wheel loads which can overload a standard decking design. It is important to get actual, maximum wheel loads (including product load) from the jack manufacturer to incorporate into the design. Specialty flooring materials may also be required for strength and durability. Industrial Work Platform User's Guide

Material handling practices should minimize impact loads on shelving systems. Unless otherwise specified by the user at the initial stage of design, there are no allowances for impact loads in the design of shelving units which are typically hand-loaded, as they are considered negligible. For uses and loads that involve unusual impact forces, the purchaser is responsible for supplying the Qualified Design Professional the magnitude and location of the maximum impact forces expected on the storage structure.

For multi-level, shelving supported systems, an allowance of 25 percent (25%) of the maximum pallet weight is provided to account for vertical impact loads at pallet drop zones. This allowance is no substitute for proper lift truck operation. Lift truck operation is the responsibility of the owner, and it is assumed that well-trained material handling equipment operators, handling stable pallet loads, are utilizing the storage system.

Shelving is susceptible to overturning or collapse when impacted by powered lift trucks or hand pallet trucks; therefore, due consideration should be given to installing appropriate protective guarding to mitigate these risks.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide

ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

There are a variety of factors that will affect the correct number of stairways required for the means of egress from a platform, they are as follows:

• The travel distance from the furthest point on the platform to a clear path exit access from the building or room considered as a separate fire space.
• Classification and use occupancy: most platforms are used in one of the following three occupancy classification groups, storage (S), factory (F) and high hazards (H) but are not limited to these categories.
• Will there be an automatic sprinkler system used with the platform.
• The size of the platform.
• The occupant load for the platform. This is based on the size of the platform and the function of the space where the platform is installed (Occupant Load Factor).
• The width of the stairway. The width of the stairway is controlled by the occupant load of the platform. If the occupant load is less than 50 then a 36” wide stairway is allowed otherwise it will need to be 44” wide.
• For platforms with only one stairway or one exit, the maximum occupant load and travel distance is reduced.

These are the main factors that determine the number of stairways required for means of egress from a platform. It is recommended that one contact your platform supplier for additional advice based on the configuration of the platform, along with the end user to establish the Building/Platform use classification and a clear path of exit access routes at the site.

Industrial Work Platform User's Guide
ANSI MH28.3-2022 Design, Utilization and Testing of Industrial Steel Work Platforms

While it may be possible to tie work platforms or shelving to a building structure, this should never be done without consulting both the equipment provider and building designer to assure that each structure can receive and resist any forces that may be transferred.

Limitations on lean are intended to prevent the development of additional forces in the shelving structure, while providing a safe and comfortable working environment. An out-of-plumb or out-of-straight condition can significantly reduce the load-carrying capacity of a shelving post. The maximum out-of-plumb or out-of-straight ratio for a fully loaded shelving structure is ³⁄₁₆” of horizontal offset in 7’-0” of height and ¼” in 10’-0”. The above limits do not apply to automated (unmanned) shelving storage systems as more stringent tolerances would typically be provided by the crane or shuttle manufacturer.

A partially loaded shelving post is likely to become further out-of-plumb or out-of-straight when additional product is stored in the system. For this reason, a shelving manufacturer will generally specify a more stringent out-of-plumb installation tolerance to not exceed the maximum allowable lean for the shelving when it is used. Shelving posts whose ratios exceed these limits shall be unloaded and re-plumbed or straightened. Shims are commonly installed beneath post base plates to plumb and level a shelving system. If any shelving posts have sustained damage, they must be repaired or replaced.

Multi-Level Shelving User's Guide
ANSI MH28.2-2022 – Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Boltless Steel Shelving

Additional loads from the work platform or shelving system may affect the foundation, lateral resisting system of the building and the effects of relative stiffnesses of the two dissimilar structures. Attachment of a work platform or shelving system to a building column or wall should only be permitted after consultation with the engineer of record for the building who can analyze and approve the additional effects of the work platform or shelving system on the building.

No. Unless notified otherwise by the manufacturer, typically, shelves are not designed for this purpose.

Damage can originate from a number of causes, most notably from impact. Any structural damage to the system will negatively impact capacity and performance. Structural problems, such as overloading, typically manifest themselves in such manners as excessive deflection or excessive sway.

Where any visible damage or suspected structural problems occur, isolate the area in question to minimize the risk of injury to workers, or to goods and/or property, and then notify a responsible party. The manufacturer, or their representative, should be summoned for an evaluation of the problem. If the manufacturer cannot be identified, a Qualified Design Professional, with experience in the design and implementation of shelving/work platforms, should be retained for an evaluation of the problem. The correction will generally involve an unloading protocol followed by the replacement or repair of the damaged component(s).

If there are any concerns about structural problems with the platform or shelving system, the first priority must be to isolate the area in question, then evaluate the damage & situation and then safely unload the area supported by the damaged component and to prevent loads from being placed into that area. Then, the manufacturer’s representative should be contacted for an engineering evaluation of the problem. If the manufacturer cannot be identified, an independent engineer, experienced in the design of platform or shelving systems, should be retained to evaluate the damage and propose the repair. The repair should be performed by an experienced installer, and the repairs should leave the storage system as strong as the original installation.

Following initial installation, the work platform and/or shelving system owner should establish and implement a program of regularly scheduled work platform and/or shelving system inspections. The inspections should be performed by a qualified person familiar with the work platform or shelving design and installation requirements. Work platforms and/or shelving should be inspected periodically to check for any damage or abuse and immediately after any event that occurs that may result in damage to the structure. The frequency of inspections should be up to the discretion of the owner, depending on the conditions of use. As a minimum, inspections should be performed annually. The inspection schedule and results of the inspection should be documented and retained. Should there be any concerns as a result of the inspection, refer to the FAQ on damage, overloading or others as applicable. For your convenience, the SMA has created a generic inspection form which is available as a free download.

The International Code Congress (ICC) has interpreted the wood decking to be as an interior floor finish, and is not required to be noncombustible. (Reference IBC Table 601, and Sections 602, 603, 804 & 805). The building elements permissible in construction depend on the type of construction to be used. Types of construction range from Type I through Type V. Types I and II are the most restrictive concerning combustibility requirements of building elements, while type V allows any materials permitted by code to be used. In Type I and II construction of work platforms, the structural elements are normally required to be made of noncombustible materials.

Combustible decking materials may be used in all types of construction where they are not considered a structural element of the work platform. An example of this is wood decking that is installed over a noncombustible structural element, such as corrugated metal roof deck. The uniform and point loads on the structure are designed to be carried by the substructure (floor framing) and the roof deck, not the wood decking.

For more details on this subject, please contact a member of the SMA.

Light duty steel grating is best suited for use in conjunction with pedestrian traffic, and for light, rubber pneumatic-tired rolling traffic (carts, dollies, and hand trucks,) The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) recommends a maximum deflection of L/240 or less for uniform loads. ¼" is considered the maximum deflection consistent for pedestrian comfort, but can be exceeded for other loading conditions at the discretion of the qualified design professional.

• Corrugated Steel Decking
• Wire Decking
• Presslock shelving
• Particleboard
• Plywood
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB
• Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
• Other Engineered Wood Products