RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute) is a trade association of rack manufacturers, affiliated with MHI, that develops the ANSI MH16.1 pallet rack standard.
Detailed Definition
The Rack Manufacturers Institute is a trade association of companies that design and make industrial steel storage racks. It operates as an independent organization affiliated with MHI. RMI develops ANSI MH16.1, the US specification for the design, testing and utilization of industrial steel storage racks, and related standards such as one for cantilever racks. It also publishes guidance on rack planning, use and inspection for owners and users.
What ANSI MH16.1 covers
The specification sets requirements for the structural design of steel storage racks, including beams, columns, connections, base plates and anchors, and seismic design. It also addresses testing of components and the information rack owners need, such as load capacity plaques. It is used by rack engineers, building officials and fire and building codes that refer to it. It does not rate pallets; pallet capacity is a separate question.
Why rack owners should care
- Building and permit authorities often require rack designed to MH16.1, especially for tall rack and in seismic areas.
- OSHA has no rack-specific standard, so recognized industry standards like MH16.1 are often used to judge safe practice.
- Load plaques and design documents tie the installed rack to its rated capacities.
Using RMI guidance in a warehouse
Keep the rack design drawings and load plaques on file, set up a routine rack inspection program, and have damaged components assessed against the manufacturer's limits. When changing beam levels, adding heavier loads or moving bays, involve the rack supplier or an engineer, since those changes can reduce the rated capacity of the frames. Repairs should use manufacturer parts or an engineered repair.
Authoritative Sources
- Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI): the Rack Manufacturers Institute, an independent trade association affiliated with MHI, which develops ANSI MH16.1 for industrial steel storage rack design, testing and utilization.
- Material Handling Institute (MHI): the largest US trade association for material handling, logistics, and supply chain technologies.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ANSI MH16.1 a legal requirement?
MH16.1 is a voluntary consensus standard, but it often becomes mandatory in practice because building codes and local permitting authorities refer to it for rack design, especially for taller racks and in seismic regions. OSHA has no rack-specific standard, but it can cite general duty and storage requirements when rack is unsafe. Check with your local building department for what applies to your site.
What is the RMI R-Mark?
The R-Mark is an RMI program under which a participating rack manufacturer's load capacity calculations are reviewed by an independent professional engineer against the RMI specification. Racks from that manufacturer can then carry the R-Mark. It gives buyers and building officials added confidence in published capacities. It does not replace inspection of the installed rack, which still needs to be maintained and used within its ratings.