The Importance of Regular Inspections for Pallet Racking Systems

Pallet racking systems are the perfect storage solution for companies with a large amount of inventory looking to make the most of all the available space in their warehouse.

With a pallet racking system, you can keep your items safe, dry, and organised. But in order to keep your products and workforce safe using these complete storage solutions, you need to ensure there are regular pallet racking inspections.

Below we will tell you why pallet racking inspections are so essential and what factors you need to look for in order to keep on top of your safety and compliance.

Why Are Pallet Racking Inspections Important?

Although pallet racking can be an incredibly effective use of space, it also involves storing heavy loads at substantial heights, and that obviously comes with certain health and safety concerns for your warehouse workers.

You will also naturally want to make sure that the inventory and equipment contained in these storage system aren’t damaged or ruined.

What are the Legal Requirements for Pallet Racking Inspections?

All Australian warehouses that contain a pallet racking system need to have a professional inspection once a year in order to be compliant.

This is the minimum requirement for compliance with the AS4084- 2012 Steel Storage Racking Code of Practice of SafeWork Australia and the Australian Standard for steel pallets by the Australian Steel Institute.

If you don’t comply with organising a professional pallet racking inspection every 12 months, you will leave yourself open to the voiding of insurance and may face penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

What Are The Main Causes of Pallet Racking Problems?

Most problems with pallet racking storage systems are caused during the storage of the pallets themselves.

Poor installation, overloading, and damage caused by forklifts can affect whether your employees are walking amongst safe working loads. General wear and tear can also be an issue that can weaken pallet racks and make them unsafe.

So, you need to make sure that you get on top of these issues quickly to ensure compliance with Australia wide regulations.

 

Why Are the Benefits of Regular Pallet Racking Inspections?

Regardless of the legal implications, there are plenty of benefits that make regular pallet-racking checks important for your company. These include:

1.     Protect your Valuable Inventory and Equipment

You need to make regular check of your stock to make sure you can continue to provide your products and services. If your pallet racking system is unsafe and your pallets begin to slip or fall this could result in thousands of dollars damage to the objects they contain.

2.     Protect Your Workforce

Heavy loads piled high can be a huge safety risk if they aren’t safely secured. And if you don’t ensure that you meet the Australian standard for steel storage, the chances of an unfortunate incident are increased. Your workers need to be able to carry out their tasks in the warehouse safely and without increased risks of injury, so regular checks are essential.

3.     Spot Potential Problems Early On

Although a small bump or jolt from a forklift may seem to have no effect, it can actually compromise the integrity of the pallet rack and put your workers in danger. So, regularly checking the safety of this storage system is essential so repairs or replacements can be actioned before bigger issues occur.

4.     Cut Costs By Repairing Smaller Issues

If you spot issues in your pallet racking system early, you can take quick action to rectify the problem early on. This will help to make sure that larger problems are avoided and that issues with balance, pressure, and unbalanced weights don’t begin to damage other parts of the racking.

What To Look For in Pallet Racking Inspections?

So, what exactly should you be looking for to ensure that you comply with Australian standards and keep your employees safe? Here’s a quick rundown of the factors to look for:

1.     Look for Signs of Tilting

If pallets have been installed haphazardly or misaligned this can cause big problems with balance and lead to dangerous incidents. So, make sure to assess all of the pallet racking and make sure it is always neat, straight and doesn’t lean.

2.     Check for Overloading of Pallets

If the racking system is overload and bearing too much weight, this can lead to damage and have effects that impact the safety of everyone in the warehouse space. Make sure you are familiar with the weight limits of the system and take action on overloaded areas as soon as possible.

3.     Keep a Look Out for Wear, Rust, and Corrosion

Rust can affect the strength of steel storage systems and if left unaddressed can affect the ability of the system to bear the pallet weights. Look for discoloration and pain scrapes during every inspection of your racking installation.

4.     Check for Bends and Misshapen Beams

Make sure to look for beams and connections which are damaged, misshapen, or bent. This can become an issue if you have overloaded the racking system with too much weight and will affect the safety of your inventory and warehouse racking environment.

Summary

Regular pallet racking inspections can save you money and time in the long run. Not only will you be ensuring the safety of your employees, but you will be protecting your inventory and expensive equipment by lowering the risk of heavy loads dropping from great heights.

Taking the time to do regular inspections is essential if you want to ensure that this space-effective complete storage solution remains safe and usable for years to come.

For regular pallet racking inspection and repair, do not hesitate to contact us on 03 8390 4483 so we can better assist your concern.