MHI Industry Series: Pallet Racking Safety and Standards from the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)

Written by Mike Huff on April 14, 2025. Posted in Material Handling, Safety.

Pallet racking is the backbone of warehouse storage, but how can you ensure it’s safe and built to last? In this special MHI Industry Series episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, experts Amit Kutumbale, Director of Engineering at Steel King, and John Schmidt, CEO of RackBuilders, break down the latest standards and best practices for racking safety and efficiency. The discussion centers on the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), a longstanding industry group dedicated to advancing safety and efficiency in warehouse racking systems.

Founded in 1958, RMI has grown into a global organization with 40 members, including rack manufacturers, storage rack decking producers, and rack repair companies. “The focus of RMI has always been on the safety of racking. That’s actually our mission statement—to ensure that all rack systems are safe and effective,” says Schmidt. The organization has played a key role in setting industry standards, evolving from its first specification in 1964 to the latest ANSI-approved standards in 2021.

The Evolution of Racking: Height, Safety, and Design

Racking systems have undergone significant transformations over the decades. The industry has moved from wooden shelving to high-rise automated systems that integrate with modern warehouse automation technologies. “In the beginning, racking was primarily wooden shelving, but as storage needs increased, metal became the standard,” explains Kutumbale. This evolution was driven by the need for denser storage, pallet racking safety improvements, and greater efficiency in material handling.

A significant catalyst for change has been the development of lift equipment. “When I started in the industry, 20-foot-high racks were the norm. Now, buildings are 50 feet high, and forklifts can lift products to those heights,” Schmidt adds. Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) have further revolutionized warehouse storage, allowing racks to reach heights up to 130 feet. This shift demands tighter design tolerances and advanced structural engineering methods, such as the latest “direct analysis” approach, which enhances accuracy while ensuring safety.

How RMI Standards and Certifications Support the Industry

Safety remains at the core of RMI’s mission. The standards developed by RMI provide guidelines for designing racks that can withstand seismic activity, wind loads, and heavy warehouse traffic. “Any standard’s primary objective is to ensure safety,” notes Kutumbale. “Even though racks may be indoors, they still need to account for seismic forces and other structural challenges.”

To further guarantee compliance, RMI introduced the R-Mark certification in 1999. This certification ensures that manufacturers and installers meet rigorous pallet racking safety criteria. “We want safe racks and safe warehouses, whether or not a company is a member of RMI,” Schmidt emphasizes. The certification process includes design verification, manufacturing quality assessments, and installation standards, ensuring a comprehensive approach to warehouse safety.

Key Takeaways on Pallet Racking Safety and Standards

RMI’s Long History: Since 1958, RMI has been instrumental in setting safety standards for warehouse racking systems.
Evolution of Racking: Storage solutions have advanced from wooden shelves to high-rise ASRS facilities exceeding 100 feet in height.
Safety Standards: Modern racking must comply with seismic, wind, and load-bearing standards to prevent structural failures.
R-Mark Certification: A comprehensive certification process ensures racking systems are designed, manufactured, and installed to the highest safety standards.
Warehouse Automation Impact: Automation has led to taller, deeper racks with tighter tolerances for improved efficiency.

Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.