Do You Need Bollards in Front of Forklift Chargers? Here’s What OSHA Requires
Warehouse managers and safety professionals often ask: Does OSHA require bollards in front of forklift chargers?
The answer is yes—protection is required—but the method is flexible. OSHA mandates that battery chargers must be shielded from forklift damage, but it doesn’t specify exactly how to do it. Bollards are one of the most common and effective ways to meet this requirement.
OSHA Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(2) – Answer to the Bollard Question
Do You Need Bollards in Front of Forklift Chargers? This standard states:
“Facilities shall be provided for… protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks.”
OSHA’s construction safety standard 29 CFR 1926.441(b)(2) adds:
“Charging apparatus shall be protected from damage by trucks.”
These rules apply to all charger types—freestanding, wall-mounted, or otherwise—and are intended to prevent workplace injuries and equipment damage caused by powered industrial trucks.
Best Practices for Charger Protection
To comply with OSHA and maintain a safe environment, most facilities use one or more of the following approaches:
- Steel safety bollards painted yellow for visibility
- Heavy-duty guardrails or rail systems around charger areas
- Wall-mounted or elevated charger installations above fork height
- Designated and marked charging zones with restricted forklift access
Recommended Bollard Installation Guidelines
While OSHA doesn’t specify measurements, the following are industry best practices for bollard placement around chargers:
| Specification | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bollard Height | 36 inches minimum above floor level |
| Spacing Between Bollards | 4 to 6 feet center-to-center |
| Clearance from Chargers | At least 12 inches beyond equipment edges |
| Installation Depth | 24 to 36 inches into concrete, anchored securely |
Why Charger Protection Matters
Implementing proper protection for battery chargers provides several benefits:
- Helps maintain OSHA compliance
- Prevents costly charger replacements or downtime
- Protects employees from electrical and collision hazards
- Streamlines future inspections and safety audits
Need Help Designing a Safe Charging Zone?
At Lean Material Handling, we help warehouse teams design efficient, OSHA-compliant battery charging areas. From bollards and guardrails to layout planning and signage, we offer complete protection solutions for forklift charger zones.
Contact us for a quick consultation or product recommendation:
- Phone: 1-888-310-0008
- Email: info@leanracking.com
- Website: https://LeanMH.com
Protect your chargers. Protect your people.