Every warehouse manager knows the sound: the screech of a forklift clipping a pallet, denting a column, or puncturing stored product. Those few inches of fork travel can cause thousands of dollars in damage. That's why Herwin Safety engineered the Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail, a patent-pending system designed to stop fork encroachment before it happens.

Unlike standard industrial safety rails that are spaced for cars and trucks, Notchguard is built for the forklift industry, protecting your equipment, inventory, and team from costly impacts. Its lower rail design blocks forks traveling just 6–8 inches off the ground — the exact range recommended by forklift safety guidelines — keeping your operations safer and your assets intact.

Engineered Strength for Real-World Protection

When you invest in a safety system, you expect it to hold up under pressure. Each Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail is engineered and tested to withstand a 10,000-pound impact at 4 mph, meeting the same rigorous performance rating as our Guardsmith line. That strength comes from the inside out: 5" × 5" ASTM 500 Grade C tubular steel posts, welded to 10" × 10" half-inch baseplates and anchored into at least six inches of sound concrete.

The rails themselves are fabricated from ASTM A607 Grade 50 corrugated steel, giving them the rigidity to absorb impact and the flexibility to deflect energy away from people and products. Each component is powder-coated in safety yellow for high visibility and long-term protection against wear.

From post height to bolt pattern, every dimension follows established engineering standards (NBC, AISC, and CSA), ensuring consistency, durability, and peace of mind.

Download Full Engineering Specifications

For architects, engineers, and safety managers who need exact installation and performance data, Herwin offers a full technical resource.

Download the Notchguard® Architectural & Engineering Product Specifications (PDF). It includes detailed drawings, material grades, and installation guidelines to ensure your design meets safety and compliance standards.

Explore More Forklift Guard Rail Solutions From Herwin Safety

Our protection systems extend beyond Notchguard®. Explore additional options built on the same principles of engineering integrity and worker safety:

  • Guardsmith®: Interior forklift guard rails for general industrial applications.
  • Exteriorguard®: Weather-resistant systems for outdoor environments.
  • Stop N' Hold™: Pallet jack chock designed to secure trucks in compliance with FMCSA cargo rules.

Each product line is engineered in-house and backed by a team that understands what safety really means in a warehouse or distribution setting.

Order or Request a Quote for Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail

Getting a Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail into your facility is straightforward, and every order comes with support from the same engineering-minded team that designed it. You can choose to:

  • Call Herwin Safety directly at 866-415-3437 (U.S. & Canada) or +1-724-446-2000 (international). You'll speak with a product specialist who can confirm pricing, freight, and lead times.
  • Request a Quote Online. Fill out your quantities, submit your contact info, and a team member will review your layout and confirm details within one business day.
  • Download and Complete the Layout Worksheet. Sketch your project dimensions, scan and email it to sales@herwin.biz, and we'll return a complete materials list, freight estimate, and delivery timeline.

Because steel and fuel costs fluctuate, all pricing is confirmed at shipment — but turnaround is fast, and quotes are honored as tightly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail

What makes Notchguard® different from standard industrial safety rail systems?
Standard industrial safety rail is designed for vehicle bumper height, which leaves space underneath for forklift forks to slip through. Notchguard® solves that problem with forklift safety guardrails that prevent fork encroachment at the exact travel height of most lift trucks (about six to eight inches off the floor). It's purpose-built for forklift protection, not vehicle impact.
Can Notchguard® be used with other forklift guard rails in my facility?
Yes. Notchguard® integrates easily with our Guardsmith® and Exteriorguard® systems, allowing you to create a layered approach to impact protection. Many facilities install these forklift industry safety guardrails in high-risk zones, such as pallet storage, staging, or pick areas, while using standard forklift guardrails elsewhere for broader perimeter protection.
How strong is the Notchguard® system?
Each Notchguard® Industrial Guardrail can withstand a 10,000-pound impact at 4 mph when properly anchored in six inches of sound concrete. Posts are fabricated from 5" × 5" tubular ASTM 500 Grade C steel with 10" × 10" half-inch baseplates, while rails are formed from ASTM A607 Grade 50 corrugated steel, ensuring consistent performance and structural integrity.
Is Notchguard® suitable for outdoor environments?
Notchguard® is intended for indoor use. For exterior applications, Herwin Safety recommends the Exteriorguard® line, which uses weather-resistant finishes and components built for outdoor exposure. Both lines share the same engineered strength and visibility standards.