Codes

In your planning stage, consult with local municipal engineers to determine what codes and restrictions will be applicable in the locations where the shelving will be used. Codes may include: state, local, fire, building, and health and safety codes. Seismic requirements may apply in some locations. For example, in most locations fire codes state that fixtures need to be at least 18 inches below the sprinklers.

Shelving Selection

Take into consideration the load that is expected not only on each shelf but also on the unit as a whole. Take into account the upright capacity. Refer to the load capacity information that is in the Madix Standard Catalog. Madix shelves are rated using an evenly distributed load. Do not install shelves or accessories that extend beyond the depth of the Base Shelves. Consider making the Base Shelves and low height fixtures a contrasting color from the floor's color to prevent potential tripping hazards. Do not use Madix parts or accessories for any purpose other than originally intended by Madix.

Shelving Installation

Initial installation or relocation of Madix shelving should be supervised by qualified personnel. Madix products should be installed according to Madix's specifications. Madix's installation sequence must be followed for assembly and leveling. An improperly installed store fixture has a poor appearance and may cause a dangerous condition. Be especially careful when leveling fixtures with offset loads in which one side of the fixture has a considerably heavier load than the other side. Dismantling and reassembling used Madix shelving can be dangerous if the installers who are doing the work leave out parts, use damaged parts, or do not reassemble the product by Madix's specifications. Do not alter, modify, or structurally change any shelving component. Do not move assembled shelving. Only parts and accessories that are produced and supplied by Madix are covered by the Madix warranty. Do not assemble Madix fixtures with parts from other manufacturers. Under no circumstances should you use damaged parts. When assembling Gondola/Wall Shelving, install Kickplates to protect the Base Shoes from floor cleaning equipment and to offset the possible bumping and misalignment of the shelving runs. Do not install shelves or accessories on the sides of wall sections or any section that is not supported by Base Shoes. Use caution when handling and transporting shelving parts. Be careful when cutting shrink wrap from pallets because the shelving parts can dislodge from the wrap and fall. Cut the wrap gradually from the top, only as much as you need to remove the product from the top. Two common hazards while installing store fixtures are: employees hurting themselves with improper types of box cutters and employees putting boxes on the floor and then tripping over them.

Anchoring and Floors

Depending on code requirements and Madix's specifications, some products must be anchored to the walls and/or floors. Do not lean tall or heavy objects against unanchored shelving systems. Retailers must consider the type of floor upon which the shelving will be installed.

Impact Loading

Impact during the loading and unloading of merchandise can create an adverse loading situation and may result in damage to or failure of the Madix shelving. Do not walk or climb on Madix shelving.

Overturning

Overloading the top portion of the shelving, non-uniform loading, out-of-plumb installation, and impact can cause shelving to overturn. Improperly installed Madix shelving with offset loads can cause store fixtures to collapse. Carefully follow Madix's installation instructions in order to prevent shelving from overturning.

Additional Shelving Safety Pointers

Product loading instructions are included with each Madix order. Retailers must make merchandisers aware of the product's load limitations and the dangers of overloading the shelving. Remove any merchandise or overstock before attempting to move Madix shelving. Periodically inspect your Madix shelving for damaged or loose parts. Make sure that shelves and accessories are properly seated in the slotting or perforations. Make sure that shelves and accessories are not overloaded. As merchandising changes, beware of creating offset loads on shelving runs that are not properly leveled. Look for leveling warning signs such as increased gaps between shelves or accessories that may indicate that the shelving runs need re-leveling. Damage to Madix shelving is dangerous. In some cases, the shelving should be unloaded immediately and repaired or replaced before returning to service. Re-level fixtures that you have bumped or moved. Incorporate safety into your merchandising strategy. When possible, merchandise the heavier products on the lower shelves.

If the merchandise will not fit on the Madix shelves and there is a replenishment cycle, make sure that the cycle is a safe one. Make sure that merchandise and overstock are properly stacked and maintained so that items will not fall into the aisles. Assure that customers who handle merchandise or overstock will not push product from one side of the Madix fixture to the other side where people could be injured from falling merchandise. Safely secure overstock that is placed on Madix shelves overhead. Measure the difficulty that your employees have in retrieving overstock, and consider whether employees or customers could be injured if the product happens to fall from the shelving units. Teach employees and inform customers that Madix shelves should never be used as ladders to reach higher shelves. Ladders should be clearly marked for employees use only and should not be left unattended, or customers will try to remove stock on higher shelves by themselves. Notify customers to ask for assistance when they need product that is out of their reach.