That’ll cost more than a pound
You have pallet storage racking in your warehouse which has started to show signs of damage. Although it’s had regular visual inspections you’ve never had a full inspection carried out. Is this a requirement and if so, who should do it?
Pallet storage racking
Pallet storage racking should be suitable for its purpose, be in good condition and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also ensure that you have a racking layout or plan that allows for the safe movement of both people and mechanical lifting aids such as forklift trucks.
Inspection.
The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) suggests that planned inspection, maintenance and record-keeping are carried out at a frequency related to usage. As a minimum, SEMA suggests that a specialist company should inspect racking installations at least annually. Remember, your insurance company may insist on this.
Prosecution for failures
Getting it wrong could prove very costly. By way of example, Poundland was fined a total of £13,000 with £900 costs after pleading guilty to two breaches of health and safety legislation. The company was fined £10,000 for failing to ensure the safety of its employees by failing to maintain racking equipment in a safe condition and a further £3,000 for failing to keep floors and traffic routes clear of obstructions.
So what do I have to consider?
If you’re having racking installed ask the supplier to help you design the layout. You’ll need to be sure that all floors are sound and level. If the racking is to be secured to a building then it’ll have to be “proved” by structural calculations. A racking system should be designed to meet the requirements of the heaviest total load.
Tip 1. Before erecting new or additional racking ensure that you know what weight it has to carry and that your flooring is suitable to take it.
Tip 2. Before buying or altering any existing storage solutions, look at the ones you already have. Are they being utilised effectively? Is the stock sitting on them a regular seller needing to be close to hand? Can you have more stock held at your suppliers with agreements for quick delivery? Can you send stock directly from your suppliers to your customers?
Stability
Two of the factors affecting the stability of adjustable pallet racking are the height-to-depth ratio and the floor fixing. If the height-to-depth ratio is less than 6:1 those uprights adjacent to aisles and gangways need to be fixed to the floor. If the height-to-depth ratio is between 6:1 and 10:1 all uprights need to be secured. If the ratio is greater than 10:1 specialist advice should be sought.
Rack protection
Racking is manufactured from tough, but light, gauge sections and cannot withstand much abuse, e.g. being hit by forklift trucks and other handling equipment. The best protection is the proper training of drivers to minimise such damage. However, it is considered best practice to fit rack protectors. Your supplier should be able to advise you on this matter.
Tip. Plan your traffic routes and aisle distances such that damage from forklift trucks etc. is minimised.
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