Posted By Stuart Woolfries My mostly open plan office is in the midst of being reshaped with an internal wall being put up and another being removed. Currently, all cabinets are backed up to a wall of some sort however after the work is done it may be necessary to stand the cabinets in a position where there will be nothing behind them. Staff will be working and walking either side of them. Is there an issue here? Is there a height limit whereby cabinets should be backed against a wall? Thanks for the advice.

Posted By Merv Newman There are a few rules for free standing cabinets : * if possible bolt two or more together, * load heavy weights into the bottom, store heavy articles such as reams of paper on the bottom shelf, * frequently used articles should be stored at mid-height * never allow anything to be stored on top, * if they are like four-drawer cabinets ensure that the interlock works (can only open one drawer at a time) * require staff to wear hard hats and safety shoes at all times.

Posted By David Brede So you did not leave any space for things to go on behind the filing cabinets - spoilsport! My experience has been that it is the risk of falling over from having drawers or whatever out at the same time. But if they are back to back why not bolt them together? A very simple way to engineer out a risk.