The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.176(b) mandates that employers store materials in a safe and secure manner. According to the regulation, material storage must not pose a hazard to workers. Meeting this requirement can prove difficult when dealing with products that are cylindrical by nature and prone to rolling — which is exactly the challenge warehouses face when storing pipes and conduit of all types and dimensions.
Regrettably, OSHA guidelines regarding material handling and storage provide limited direction on pipe-specific storage methods. The standard broadly states that items stored in tiers must be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and height-limited to prevent sliding or collapse. Pipe technically falls under a vague "etc." classification, and it simply does not stack in a stable manner — no matter how carefully you try to block or limit height.
So what is the most reliable approach to storing pipe in a materials warehouse or electrical supply operation? Below are several proven strategies for safe, efficient, and OSHA-compliant pipe storage.
How to Store Pipe for Safety and OSHA Compliance: 5 Tips
The best pipe storage systems keep materials secure, save valuable floor space, and make it easy to access inventory. The versatile solutions outlined below address all three of these priorities.
Store Pipes Vertically
The most straightforward way to eliminate rolling hazards is to keep pipes standing upright. Vertical pipe storage racks not only prevent rolling but also deliver high-capacity storage within a smaller footprint compared to horizontal racking systems. When choosing vertical racks, look for models with support bars positioned at regular intervals — this enables you to accommodate various pipe lengths, and even cut pieces, within the same storage unit.
Vertical racks are compatible with virtually every type of rigid pipe, including PE pipe, black HDPE pipe, PEX pipes, corrugated pipes, PVC pipes, ABS pipes, and even pressure-resistant varieties like galvanized iron pipe. Many professional-grade vertical racks feature multiple rows of crossbars designed to handle a wide range of pipe lengths and circumferences. Standard models suit most rigid conduit and metal piping, while custom configurations can be ordered for specialized needs. Heavy-duty steel construction and generous storage capacity make these racks an excellent long-term investment.
Keep Pipes Secure with an Anti-Skid Base
Most vertical pipe racks come equipped with a base barrier that prevents pipes from sliding downward and falling out of their slots. However, to further improve accessibility and bolster storage security, it is wise to add an anti-skid material to the base of any vertical racking system.
Anti-skid surfaces prevent pipes from bunching up at the front of the base, which makes it far easier for workers to pick individual units. They also provide an additional measure of stability, helping your warehouse stay compliant with OSHA's directive to keep stored materials stable and protected from sliding or collapse. Many professional-grade vertical material racks include anti-skid rubber lining on the base as a standard feature.
Use Cantilever Racks for Forklift Access
If your warehouse relies on forklifts to move bundles of pipe, vertical storage may not be the most practical option. In this case, cantilever pipe racks are the better choice. Frequently used for lumber storage as well, cantilever racks hold pipe on arms that project outward at 90 degrees from the main frame. This open-front design greatly simplifies access for material handling equipment such as lift trucks and forklifts.
Quality cantilever carts and racks often feature fully adjustable arms — some extending up to 39 inches — so you can customize the setup to accommodate pipes of nearly any diameter. This adaptability makes cantilever racks an excellent all-purpose solution for warehouses that handle a variety of pipe sizes.
Use Multi-Compartment Racks to Organize Stock
Filling orders becomes a slow and frustrating process when workers have to dig through disorganized inventory to locate the right product. Whether you choose vertical or horizontal pipe storage, always select racks that offer enough individual compartments to keep your stock neatly organized.
Standard vertical material racks typically feature around 10 separate slots divided by steel crossbars, making it easy to sort pipe by size and material type. Cantilever carts usually come with four sets of adjustable shelf arms, with additional arms available upon request. These adjustable shelves let users customize their carts to match their specific inventory, keeping similar products grouped together from one shelf to the next for rapid order fulfillment.
Combine Storage and Handling with High-Capacity Pipe Carts
While most warehouse operations will need some amount of fixed pipe racking, smaller collections — or orders being staged for delivery — can be stored on high-capacity pipe carts and rolling racks. These mobile solutions allow workers to transport stock from storage areas to packing stations in bulk, which gives your entire operation more flexible space utilization and faster throughput.
For bulk bundles of pipe — especially rigid conduit — a dedicated conduit carrier cart is an ideal choice. These specialized conduit-handling solutions are available in multiple configurations, ranging from forklift-compatible models with high weight capacities to tilting elevator-style carts that angle pipe vertically to fit into tight or narrow spaces. Stackable conduit racks are another excellent solution for organizing and transporting large quantities of conduit efficiently.
Invest in Proper Pipe Storage Today
Safe and efficient pipe storage does not have to be complicated. By choosing the right combination of vertical racks, cantilever systems, and mobile pipe carts, your warehouse can meet OSHA compliance standards while maximizing productivity and floor space. Explore our selection of professional conduit storage equipment and find the solution that fits your operation.