Wood Shelving Safety Standards

Sanding the Shelves

• Some wooden shelves are cut so that each corner presents an even 90-degree angle. These sharp corners present a safety concern, especially if the shelf is meant to be mounted at head-height for both adult and children. As a safety precaution, corners must be sanded down so they have a rounded edge, even if it is just a slight edge for those wishing to keep a straight-angled corner. Another option is to cut the corners round and sand away any splinters that could potentially present a safety concern for children.

Wall Mounting

• Another safety standard that must be followed when hanging shelves is in regard to the required support. Shelves have the sole purpose of storing items, whether it is for practicality or decorations. Since items add weight, the shelf must be properly mounted to the wall so that the shelf does not dismount or cause wall damage. Locate wall studs in the wall with a wall stud finder before mounting the shelf. Mount the shelf brackets directly onto the wall studs for optimal support. A falling shelf can be a danger if children or pets are nearby.

Stacking the Shelves

• Despite having proper support from wall studs, the items on the shelf must be stacked in a proper and balanced manner to avoid any dangers, such as dismounting the shelves or cracking the wood. The weight on the shelf must be evenly distributed and must be directly on or close to where the wall studs are located. If most of the shelf weight is added farthest away from the wall stud, the shelf may crack, especially when holding heavier items such as entertainment systems.

DIY Safety

• Part of the standard shelf-safety procedures starts when choosing the wood for the shelf. Do not choose particleboards or any other board made with wooden particles and adhesives. They tend to crumble under heavy weight and pressure. Purchase high-graded plywood or lumber. If you are building your own shelf at home, you must follow standard woodworking practices to stay safe during the production. You must wear protective eyewear when cutting the wood and turn off the saw when not in use if you are using a table or circular saw.