Is your pallet racking up to standard?
Do you know the exact weight capacity of your racks?
Has you pallet racking been inspected in the last 12 months?
If you’re unsure of the answer to any of these questions you are putting yourself, your workers, and your business at risk. In order to run a safe and efficient warehouse, and to comply with Australian Standards for steel racking, all pallet racking systems should be inspected regularly.
In compliance with the Australian Standard for Steel Racking (AS4084-2012), pallet racking should be inspected on a regular basis, and at least once every 12 months. Although Australian Standard AS4084 applies specifically to ‘pallet racking’, and excludes drive in racking, cantilever racking, mobile racking, and racking made from materials other than steel, it is best practise to apply these steel racking inspection standards to all forms of racking.
How Often Should Pallet Racking Be Inspected?
Although yearly racking inspections is the minimum standard, more frequent inspections are encouraged. In fact, it can be beneficial to have your staff carry out monthly, or even weekly inspections of the racking to identify and monitor any damage that occurs between annual inspections, as damage is often cumulative. This is particularly important for warehouses with increased traffic levels or higher levels of activity.
One way to encourage a culture of reporting racking damage is to have a damage logbook available for forklift drivers and warehouse workers to record racking damage as it occurs, rather than having to remember to tell a manager about it. Not only will this help you to be aware of the damage that occurs between inspections, having your team log their damage will also encourage them to be more careful when operating forklifts near the racking system.
Why Are Racking Inspections Important?
Besides complying with the Australian Standards for Steel Racking, pallet racking inspections are extremely important for the safety of your warehouse. As pallet racking is designed to bear huge weights, a poorly maintained or damaged racking systems can result in a rack failure. This can cause serious, and even fatal injuries as well as loss of inventory, interruption to your business, and may even result in a lawsuit.
What’s Involved In A Pallet Racking Inspection?
During a pallet racking inspection the racking inspector will assess the application and use of the equipment to ensure that it is compliant with the manufacturer’s intended use. They will also check that the racking system has not been altered, and that the load ratings supplied by the manufacturer are being observed.
Racking components to be inspected include:
- Uprights
- Base plates (and anchors)
- Frame bracing
- Row spacers
- Beams
- Beam to upright connectors (and locking mechanisms)
- Accessories (such as wire decks, cross bars, etc.)
Specific attention should be paid to components that have previously been recorded to have damage as it is likely for the same areas to be damaged again.
Who Can Conduct A Pallet Racking Inspection?
A racking inspection can be conducted by a competent person with a good understanding of the Australian Standards for Steel Racking. For best results, a racking inspection should be carried out by someone with a clear understanding of the engineering of a racking system such as one of MACRACK’s professional auditors.
Keep in mind that only the manufacturer of the pallet racking system is authorised to supply the weight load capacity for the system as per the Australian Standards. If a third party racking inspector provides a ‘safe work load’ or ‘carry capacity’ sign, you cannot be certain of its accuracy as the intellectual property remains the property of the manufacturer.
MACRACK can supply accurate weight-loading signs for all currently listed MACRACK products to ensure the rack can be used safely.
Pallet Racking Inspections Brisbane – Great Prices
MACRACK has a highly trained team of professional auditors available for racking inspections on all brands of pallet racking. Starting with a base rate of $350 +GST for small warehouses, we offer thorough racking inspections, including a detailed report of damage, hazards, brands, design, and other issues, at a great price. (Note: larger warehouses will need to be quoted individually and travel time may be extra.)
Ensure your racking is up to standard. Call MACRACK today on 1800 048 821 and organise an onsite meeting with on of our racking auditors.