Japan is a country prone to frequent earthquakes, making the seismic resistance of warehouse racks a crucial factor for employee safety and business continuity.
Using racks that do not meet the required standards can lead to falling goods and even serious injuries in the event of an earthquake, potentially resulting in major accidents.
In this column, we will explain Japan’s seismic standards (JIS Standards) and share key points on selecting safe racks.

What Are Japan’s Seismic Standards (JIS Standards)?

To ensure the seismic resistance of racks, Japan has established JIS Standards (Japanese Industrial Standards).
These standards are designed to ensure rack stability during earthquakes and protect employee safety.

✅ Importance of JIS Standards:
Racks that comply with these standards help prevent goods from falling or racks from collapsing during an earthquake, ensuring employee safety.

⚠️ Risks of Non-Compliant Racks:
Using racks that do not meet the standards can lead to serious accidents during an earthquake.

What Is the Horizontal Seismic Coefficient?

A key indicator in seismic design is the horizontal seismic coefficient.
This coefficient measures the level of lateral shaking resistance during an earthquake and is calculated based on various factors, including rack structure, anchor bolts, and support systems.

✅ JIS Standard Requirements:
To comply with JIS standards, the horizontal seismic coefficient must be at least 0.2, meaning the rack can withstand a mild intensity 5 earthquake on the Japanese seismic scale.

⚠️ Important Considerations:
This value serves as a reference, but the actual seismic performance must be determined through detailed calculations.

The Purpose of Seismic Design: Gaining Time for Evacuation

The purpose of seismic design is not to keep racks completely undamaged, but rather to provide employees with enough time to evacuate.
During an earthquake, the priority is to ensure employee safety and facilitate quick evacuation.

✅ Operational Guidelines:
When an earthquake occurs, employees should immediately move to a safe area to avoid secondary disasters.

✅ Role of Seismic-Resistant Racks:
Properly designed racks provide valuable evacuation time for employees in an emergency.

Pros and Cons of Seismic Safety Measures

✅ Advantages:

• Ensures Employee Safety: Seismic-resistant racks significantly reduce the risk of accidents during earthquakes.
• Enhances Business Continuity: Warehouses can remain functional and resume operations quickly after an earthquake.
• Builds Trust: Implementing safety measures increases confidence among employees and clients.

⚠️ Disadvantages:

• Initial Costs: Seismic-resistant racks tend to be more expensive than standard racks.
• Maintenance Requirements: Regular inspections and upkeep are necessary.

Seismic-Resistant Racks Provided by Logical Company

Logical Company offers JIS-compliant racks upon request.
By choosing safe and reliable racks, you can optimize your warehouse setup and operate your business in Japan with confidence.
Feel free to contact Logical Company anytime for inquiries.

Conclusion

Choosing racks that meet Japan’s seismic standards (JIS Standards) is essential for both employee safety and business continuity.
By understanding the horizontal seismic coefficient and the true purpose of seismic design, you can establish a highly earthquake-resistant warehouse operation.

Logical Company is committed to helping you select the safest racks to support your success in the Japanese market.