Pallet Safety Netting

Every safety netting system can be configured around the dimensions and operating requirements of the facility. Netting may be installed along the front, back, ends, flue spaces, or underside of a rack system, providing targeted protection without unnecessarily limiting access to stored inventory.

Why Choose Pallet Rack Safety Netting?

Pallet safety netting provides a lightweight, adaptable alternative to rigid pallet rack backing. Its flexibility makes it suitable for conventional storage racks as well as more complex systems where products, pallets, or employees may require additional containment.

• Reduce Falling-Object Hazards: Help catch and contain products before they reach aisles, workspaces, equipment, or personnel below.
• Adapt to Complex Rack Layouts: Custom-made netting can accommodate unique rack dimensions, irregular openings, and specialized storage systems.
• Maintain Inventory Visibility: Open net construction allows employees to see stored materials and inspect rack locations.
• Preserve Product Access: Fixed, elevating, sliding, and stretch-style systems allow the level of accessibility to be matched to the application.
• Protect Multiple Rack Areas: Install netting at the front, back, ends, flue spaces, or beneath elevated storage.
• Support Changing Operations: Expandable and custom-configured systems can accommodate single bays, multiple bays, and evolving warehouse layouts.

InCord Rack Guard Netting Solutions

Shelf Master offers several InCord Rack Guard configurations to address different storage systems, product types, access requirements, and areas of exposure.

Vertical Rack Guard Netting

Vertical fixed netting creates a protective barrier along the back or ends of a pallet rack system. It can also help protect flue spaces between rack rows while reducing the risk of products falling into adjacent areas.

Vertical netting is available in flush-mount and offset configurations. Flush-mounted systems remain close to the rack structure, while offset systems create additional clearance for pallet overhang and oversized products.

Horizontal Rack Guard Netting

Horizontal safety netting is installed beneath elevated rack storage to catch and contain materials that may fall between or below the beams.

This configuration can be used beneath drive-in racks, push-back systems, pallet-flow areas, and other elevated storage arrangements. Horizontal netting may be appropriate where employees, picking areas, equipment, or travel paths are located below stored inventory.

Stretch Guard Rack Nets

Stretch Guard netting is designed for smaller products and picking applications that require frequent manual access. A flexible bungee-style border allows workers to depress the edge of the net and reach the inventory while maintaining containment around the opening.

The open net construction preserves product visibility, making Stretch Guard a useful option for active pick faces containing cartons, components, or individual items.

Elevating Rack Guard Systems

Elevating Rack Guard systems provide front-of-rack protection without permanently blocking access to the rack bay. The net can be opened or closed by one person using a pull-cord system operated from floor level.

Depending on the configuration, the net may open toward the top or bottom of the rack bay. Elevating systems can also be expanded from a single protected bay into a larger multi-bay arrangement.

Sliding Rack Guard Systems

Sliding rack nets move horizontally to provide access to selected storage locations. They are particularly useful for pick modules and other active storage areas where employees regularly retrieve inventory from the front of the rack.

Single- and multi-bay configurations are available, allowing the protection system to expand across the height and width of the storage area while preserving access where it is needed.

WebNet™ Low-Deflection Containment

WebNet™ systems combine flexible netting with integrated web straps to create a more controlled containment barrier. They can be customized to match the dimensions and clearance requirements of the rack system.

Flush-mounted WebNet™ configurations wrap around rack beams and uprights and can be tensioned by hand. Offset systems provide additional space for larger pallets and products while helping preserve required flue-space clearance.

Custom Safety Netting for Your Rack Layout

Unlike standard panels manufactured in fixed dimensions, industrial safety netting can be made to fit the specific rack layout and application. The net material, mesh size, attachment points, mounting position, offset, and access method can be selected according to the stored product and the area being protected.

Important design considerations may include:

• Dimensions and configuration of the pallet rack
• Weight, shape, and size of the stored materials
• Amount of pallet or product overhang
• Required flue-space clearance
• Location of employees and equipment
• Frequency and direction of inventory access
• Whether the rack requires fixed or movable protection
• Number of rack bays and storage levels being covered

Evaluating these factors helps ensure that the netting system provides effective containment without unnecessarily interfering with normal warehouse activity.

Common Pallet Safety Netting Applications

Rack safety netting can be adapted to many storage and material-handling environments.

• Single-Row Pallet Racks: Protect the backs and ends of racks positioned near aisles, walls, workspaces, or pedestrian areas.
• Push-Back Racking: Install horizontal protection beneath elevated carts and stored pallets.
• Pallet-Flow and Gravity-Flow Systems: Contain products beneath or around dynamic storage lanes.
• Drive-In Rack Systems: Protect areas below deep-lane pallet storage.
• Pick Modules: Use elevating, sliding, or stretch netting to combine front-of-rack containment with regular product access.
• Distribution and Fulfillment Centers: Protect active picking, packing, and replenishment areas.
• Manufacturing Facilities: Help safeguard production areas and employees near elevated parts and material storage.
• Oversized or Irregular Inventory: Use custom offsets and mounting configurations to accommodate products that do not fit within standard rack dimensions.

Pallet Safety Netting or Rigid Rack Backs?

The right containment system depends on the rack design, stored product, and access requirements.

Rigid wire mesh rack backs offer a permanent, framed barrier and may be preferable for straightforward back-of-rack applications where access through the barrier is not needed.

Pallet safety netting is generally more adaptable. It can follow unusual rack dimensions, provide protection beneath storage, accommodate larger offsets, or move to allow access to an active pick face. Some facilities use both products, selecting rigid panels for permanent perimeter protection and netting for more specialized storage areas.

Partner with Shelf Master for a Safer Storage Environment

Shelf Master can evaluate your rack configuration, inventory profile, access requirements, traffic patterns, and surrounding work areas to determine the right InCord safety netting system for your facility.

Our team provides turnkey support that may include product selection, system design, layout planning, sourcing, installation, and project management. By considering how employees and equipment interact with the rack—not just the rack dimensions themselves—we can develop a containment solution that supports both safety and daily operations.

Contact Shelf Master at (800) 847-4353 or request a quote online to begin planning a custom pallet rack safety netting system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pallet Safety Netting

What is pallet rack safety netting?

Pallet rack safety netting is a flexible containment barrier installed around or beneath elevated storage. It helps prevent shifting products and falling materials from reaching employees, equipment, aisles, or work areas.

Where can safety netting be installed?

Depending on the application, netting can protect the front, back, or ends of a rack system. It may also be installed across flue spaces or horizontally beneath elevated pallets and products.

Can pallet safety netting be installed on existing racks?

Yes. Safety netting systems are commonly designed around existing pallet rack layouts. The rack dimensions, attachment locations, condition, stored inventory, and required clearances should be evaluated before a system is manufactured.

What is the difference between flush-mounted and offset netting?

Flush-mounted netting remains close to the rack beams and uprights. Offset netting is positioned farther from the rack structure to accommodate pallet overhang, oversized inventory, or required flue-space clearance.

Can employees still access inventory behind the net?

Yes. Elevating, sliding, and stretch-style netting systems are available for applications requiring frequent product access. The appropriate system depends on how the inventory is picked and how often the opening must be accessed.

What types of racks can use horizontal safety netting?

Horizontal Rack Guard systems may be used beneath drive-in, push-back, pallet-flow, and other elevated storage areas. The netting helps catch and contain materials that fall below the rack.

Is safety netting customized for each facility?

Industrial rack netting is typically made to fit the facility’s specific rack dimensions and application. Customization may include the net size, mesh opening, mounting position, offset, attachment hardware, and method of access.

How does safety netting affect pallet rack flue space?

A properly designed system can provide falling-object containment while preserving the necessary space between rack rows. Offset configurations are available when additional clearance is required. Flue-space and fire-safety requirements should be reviewed during system design.

Does pallet safety netting guarantee OSHA compliance?

No product by itself guarantees full OSHA compliance. A properly designed and installed system can help address falling-object hazards and support a facility’s compliance efforts, but the complete operation and applicable requirements must be evaluated.

What information is needed to design a safety netting system?

Shelf Master will typically need the rack dimensions and configuration, number of bays and levels, stored product dimensions and weights, pallet overhang, required access points, desired coverage areas, and photographs or drawings of the rack system.