Should a Wire Mesh Panel Be Fastened to a Pallet Rack?

While no code explicitly requires wire mesh decking or mesh panels to be fixed to pallet rack beams, there are strong reasons why doing so is considered a best practice in warehouse safety. In North America, neither OSHA nor ANSI MH16.1 specifies that wire mesh partitions must be mechanically attached to the beams. However, the design standards do provide guidance on preventing falling objects, guidance that often leads warehouse operators to secure their wire mesh panels for added safety. 

According to ANSI MH16.1, the rack design standard referenced in the International Building Code, the design must account for product fall protection in any area where materials could accidentally fall from a rack. The commentary expands on this, explaining that owners must identify areas where people could be present or where falling objects could cause damage, and then work with a qualified professional to determine whether safety barriers such as wire mesh partitions are needed. The standard requires that safety bars (a different accessory) be fixed to the front and rear beams because these bars can shift side to side. But when it comes to wire mesh decking, the codes remain silent. 

Even though waterfall-style wire mesh decking typically rests securely on the beams and does not move laterally on its own, real-world operation introduces risks not addressed in the code. During handling, forklifts can lift mesh decking unintentionally as pallets are placed or retrieved. This unexpected upward movement is the primary reason experts recommend fastening wire mesh partitions or decking to the rack. Securing the mesh helps prevent accidental displacement and keeps the protective barrier in place during daily operations. 

Regular inspections and proactive fall-protection measures—such as safety bars and mesh panels—play a key role in preventing injuries and ensuring compliance. 

For more details, read the full article on wire mesh decking and rack tunnels.