Cargo and pallet stacking

Cargo and pallets stacked in tiers must be arranged so the stack is stable and will not slide or collapse. See 1917.14 which requires that "Cargo, pallets and other material stored in tiers shall be stacked in such a manner as to provide stability against sliding and collapse."

• Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top.
• Align pallets and loads so tiers sit evenly (no canting or large overhangs).
• Use blocking, dunnage, strapping, or shrink-wrap where needed to prevent lateral movement.

Reference: 1917.14.

No, 1917.14 does not set a specific maximum stacking height; instead it requires stacks be stable against sliding and collapse. See 1917.14.

• Employers must assess the stability of stacks based on load type, pallet condition, stacking method, forklift/reach-stacker capabilities, and workplace conditions (wind, vibration, vessel motion).
• Use manufacturer guidance, industry practice, and engineering judgment when deciding safe stack heights.

Reference: 1917.14.

No—damaged or broken pallets that compromise load stability should not be used for tiered stacking because they increase the risk of sliding or collapse. See 1917.14 requiring stacks to provide stability against sliding and collapse.

• Remove, repair, or replace pallets that have cracked boards, missing stringers, or crushed corners.
• Mark and segregate damaged pallets so they are not returned to service until fixed.

Reference: 1917.14.

Yes, but mixed cargo may be stacked together only if the combined stack is stable and will not slide or collapse. See 1917.14.

• Put uniform, flat, stable items together whenever possible; if mixed, ensure the base supports irregular shapes.
• Use blocking, dunnage, or strapping to create stable bearing surfaces between dissimilar items.
• Reconfigure or separate incompatible items when stability cannot be achieved.

Reference: 1917.14.

You must ensure stacked cargo is secured so it cannot slide on sloped or uneven surfaces. See 1917.14.

• Level the base where possible or place blocking/dunnage to create a flat surface.
• Use chocks, wedges, bands, straps, or shrink-wrap to secure tiers against lateral movement.
• Reassess stacking locations that are subject to vehicle or vessel movement and secure cargo accordingly.

Reference: 1917.14.

Yes—stacks must be stable against the real workplace forces they will encounter, such as wind, vibration, or vessel motion. See 1917.14, which requires stacking to provide stability against sliding and collapse.

• When outdoor or vessel conditions could shift loads, use additional securing (straps, ties, blocking).
• Re-evaluate securing methods if environmental or operational conditions change.

Reference: 1917.14.

A stack is unstable if it leans, bulges, has uneven tiers, shows gaps between tiers, or if pallets or loads shift when touched. See 1917.14 requiring stability against sliding and collapse.

• Corrective actions include re-stacking, repairing/replacing pallets, adding blocking or straps, and moving the load to a more suitable location.
• Do not work under or near suspected unstable stacks until they are made safe.

Reference: 1917.14.

Yes—using stretch wrap, straps, or banding is an acceptable way to help secure pallet tiers provided the method actually prevents sliding or collapse. See 1917.14.

• Ensure wrapping or banding is applied correctly and inspected for damage or slack.
• Use additional blocking or dunnage where needed to support uneven loads.

Reference: 1917.14.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that stacked cargo and pallets are stored in a stable manner that prevents sliding and collapse. See 1917.14.

• Employers should set procedures, provide training, and inspect stacks regularly.
• Workers should follow procedures and report unsafe stacks immediately.

Reference: 1917.14.

Yes—operators handling and stacking pallets must be trained when powered industrial trucks are used, because safe stacking involves proper operation of those vehicles. See 1917.14 for stacking requirements and refer to the OSHA interpretation that reach stackers are powered industrial trucks and thus are subject to powered truck training requirements in marine terminals in the reach-stacker memorandum at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17.

• Employers must ensure operators are evaluated and trained to lift, place, and stack loads without compromising stack stability.
• If modifications to trucks affect safe operation, obtain manufacturer approval or a qualified engineer's written approval per applicable powered-truck rules.

References: 1917.14 and the reach stacker LOI at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17.

1917.14 requires stacked cargo to be stable, but whether cargo bridles remain attached during successive lifts is addressed elsewhere; attachments that increase the risk of accidental disengagement must be prevented. See 1917.14 for stacking stability and consult related longshoring guidance (for example, LOIs regarding slack bridles and hook latches) such as the sling/hook interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0 when deciding how to secure loads.

• If bridles remain attached during repeated lifts, ensure they are secured so they cannot accidentally disengage or cause instability in stacked tiers.
• Use positive attachment methods (shackles, safety latches, or other secure means) when loads remain connected to hoisting gear.

References: 1917.14 and the LOI on safety latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0.

Pallet overhang should be minimized so that load weight is evenly supported and tiers remain stable; excessive overhang that causes uneven bearing must be corrected. See 1917.14.

• Reposition or repalletize loads with balanced placement on the pallet deck.
• When overhang is unavoidable, use blocking or additional support under the overhanging portion.

Reference: 1917.14.

While 1917.14 does not specify inspection frequency, employers must ensure stacks remain stable and therefore should perform routine inspections for signs of instability. See 1917.14.

Inspections should check for:

• leaning, bulging, or shifting tiers;
• damaged pallets or packaging;
• loose strapping or wrap;
• effects of environmental or operational changes (wind, vessel motion, forklift traffic).

Reference: 1917.14.

No—employers should provide appropriate instruction and supervision so workers stack pallets in a way that prevents sliding and collapse. See 1917.14 and the reach-stacker LOI at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17 which emphasizes training requirements when powered industrial trucks are used.

• Training should cover proper stacking techniques, load limits, pallet inspection, and securing methods.
• Evaluate workers periodically and retrain after changes in equipment, loads, or procedures.

References: 1917.14 and https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17.

Yes—hazardous, leaking, or unstable cargo requires special handling and stacking that preserves stack stability and controls the hazard. See 1917.14 for the stability requirement.

• Segregate leaking or damaged containers; do not stack them with other loads unless stability and secondary containment are ensured.
• Follow applicable hazardous materials handling rules and workplace emergency procedures in addition to ensuring stack stability.

Reference: 1917.14.

Yes—stacking technique must account for the capabilities and limits of the handling equipment so tiers remain stable. See 1917.14 and the reach-stacker LOI at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17 which explains that reach stackers are powered industrial trucks and subject to powered-truck safety and training requirements.

• Operators must place loads squarely and evenly to avoid introducing lean or offset tiers.
• Follow equipment manufacturer's limits and ensure operator training under applicable powered-truck rules.

References: 1917.14 and https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17.