FAQs

DISCLAIMER

Please Read the following Disclaimer and scroll down for the Frequently Asked Questions

These Frequently Asked Questions and the answers to them were developed with the sole intent of offering information to parties engaged in the manufacture, marketing, purchase, or use of storage racks. The answers to these FAQs are advisory only and acceptance is voluntary. The answers should be regarded as guides that the user may or may not choose to adopt, modify, or reject. The information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, a design standard, or guidelines for installation, design, or fabrication of storage racks, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a safety program should be developed and an independent safety adviser consulted to do so. Standards and guidelines are available elsewhere.

Material Handling Industry (MHI), SMA and their members assume no responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result of acceptance or use or alleged use of these answers to FAQs. User specifically understands and agrees that MHI, SMA, and their members shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind for any action or failure to act with respect to the design, installation, manufacture, preparation for sale, sale, characteristics, features, or delivery of anything relating to these answers to FAQs. Any use of this information must be determined by the user to be in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

MHI, SMA and their members make no warranties of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection with the information in these answers to FAQs. MHI and SMA specifically disclaim all implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for particular purpose.

By referring to or otherwise employing these answers to FAQs, the user agrees to defend, protect, indemnify, and hold MHI, SMA, their agents, and members harmless from and against all claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this information, including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys’ fees which may arise out of the acceptance or use or alleged use of this information. The intent of this provision and of the user is to absolve and protect MHI, SMA, their agents, and members from any and all loss relating in any way to these answers to FAQs, including those resulting from the user’s own negligence.

FAQs About General Issues:

What is SMA?

“SMA” are the initials of The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association. The SMA was formed in 1974 and operates as an Industry Group within the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). The membership of the SMA is made up of companies which produce industrial storage equipment for customers in the USA. 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, work platform and clothing storage standards.

How do I obtain copies of the most recent editions of the ANSI /SMA Specifications? Does SMA have a website?

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.mhia.org/sma.

What do I do if my shelving/platform is damaged?

Damage can originate from a number of causes, most notably from impact. Any damage to the structural system will negatively impact capacity and performance. When made aware of any visible damage, isolate the area in question to minimize the risk of injury to workers, or to goods or property and notify a responsible party. The correction will generally involve an unloading protocol followed by the replacement of the damaged component(s) or repair as specified by a qualified design professional.

What is the maximum allowable shelf deflection at maximum shelf load?

Products designed to the American National Standard (ANSI MH28.1) will carry a maximum capacity based on a uniformly distributed load. At that load, you should expect to see deflection mid-span of L/140. As an example, a 48” shelf would deflect 48”/140 or 0.3. When unloaded, the shelf would return to its level state. It is normal for shelves to deflect under load.

Industrial steel products produced to SMA/ANSI MH28.2 (metal/wood shelving) will carry a maximum rated capacity based on a uniformly distributed load. For shelves up to and including 48” wide the shelf would demonstrate deflection mid-span of L/140. For shelves greater than 48” wide MH28.2 limits deflection mid-span to L/180. It is normal for shelves to deflect under load.

Is It Permissible To Add Vertical Extensions Onto Exiting Shelving Units?

When considering vertical expansion of existing product it is important to know if the existing installation was designed to hold additional shelf loads. A Qualified Design Professional is the best person to answer the question. He/She will do a structural analysis of the existing shelving layout and advise on how best to expand to meet present and future needs.

Is It Permissible To Step On A Shelf?

No. Shelves and units are not intended for this purpose.

Can one help stabilize shelving or work platforms by tying to the building?

While it may be possible to tie shelving or work platforms 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.