Description
Protecting racking and aisle ends from vehicle impact
Racking uprights and aisle ends are among the most vulnerable assets in any warehouse. Forklifts and pallet trucks operating in tight aisles create a constant risk of collision. Each impact can damage racking, compromise structural integrity and create a hazard for anyone working nearby.
The Armco Rack End Barrier sits at the end of racking runs where that risk is highest. It absorbs and deflects vehicle impacts before they reach the upright. At 500mm high, it sits directly in the path of forklift masts, truck bumpers and pallet loads at the point of contact.
Steel and polymer construction built for repeated impact
The barrier uses mild steel posts with MDPE polymer sleeves and a rigid Armco rail system. The Armco rail is designed to withstand repeated vehicle impacts without permanent deformation. When a rail does sustain damage, the slotted, removable design means the affected section lifts out and replaces quickly. There is no need to remove the whole barrier or shut down the aisle for extended periods.
The polymer post sleeves serve two purposes. They add a layer of impact absorption around the steel post and they bring the high-visibility yellow colouring that helps MHE drivers identify the barrier boundary before contact occurs.
Galvanised finish for long-term performance
The steel components carry a galvanised finish as standard. This provides long-term corrosion resistance in demanding warehouse conditions including areas exposed to moisture, temperature variation and heavy wash-down activity. The system is suitable for use in ambient, chilled and freezer environments, making it a practical choice across general warehousing, cold storage and food production facilities.
Where the Armco Rack End Barrier is specified
The barrier is used at racking ends and aisle entrances in warehouses, distribution centres and industrial storage facilities. It suits any location where forklift or pallet truck traffic runs close to racking, structural columns or adjacent pedestrian routes.
Standard length is 1200mm. Bespoke lengths are available where site layout requires a different configuration. Post centres and run length can be adjusted to suit the specific aisle width and racking layout on site.
Supporting compliance and asset protection
Racking damage is one of the most commonly cited findings in warehouse safety inspections. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are required to maintain work equipment and the surrounding environment in a condition that does not place people at risk. Damaged racking that remains in use is a foreseeable hazard and a liability.
The Armco Rack End Barrier provides a physical control measure at the point where vehicle and racking contact is most likely. For health and safety managers, facilities teams and specifiers, it supports a proactive approach to racking protection and reduces the frequency of damage that would otherwise require racking inspection, repair or replacement. For businesses subject to racking inspections under SEMA guidelines, having impact protection in place at aisle ends strengthens the overall safety case for the installation. The result is fewer inspection findings, lower repair costs and a stronger safety record across the site.
