How to Identify Weak Racking

If pallet rack installation is done incorrectly, or in the event of a forklift collision, the racking is affected to the point where it cannot competently hold its rated capacity. It may look stable, but even so much as a minor impact could result in the entire system crashing to the ground.

Some signs show it is time for a thorough inspection and possible replacement of your industrial storage racks.

Out of Alignment

When racks are not level or if they are leaning vertically, it is a very bad sign of things to come. Crooked racks were either installed incorrectly or have been offset by a collision. In other cases, if installed many years prior, the foundation may have settled and that is resulting in a skewering of the rack.

No matter what has happened, if they are out of alignment then they are structurally unstable to the point where a minor impact can result in a total collapse.

Bent Uprights

Dents or bends are a sign that the overall structure has been compromised and is in demand to be replaced immediately. If beams are not secured to the uprights, a locking mechanism is missing or bent – then that section is majorly unsafe.

If a forklift was to collide with this racking, the beam will tear away from the upright and all of your stored products will tumble off and end up as a write-off – potentially injuring members of your workforce at the same time. Missing clips and attachment pins are common when purchasing used pallet racking, so be sure to invest in pallet racking that is new and comes with all parts required.

Damaged Protectors

Sometimes a forklift operator will simply forget to inform you if there has been even a slight collision, which is exactly why third party periodic racking inspections are essential.

Forklift collisions not only compromise the integrity of your warehouse storage equipment but also put it on a path with a disaster just waiting to happen. Significant dents or scrapes on column protectors are telltale signs that a forklift collision has occurred, and staff members will need to be constantly in training to identify the seriousness of any impact that could compromise your operations – even if it is just a little dent.

If you are not sure when the last time you had your pallet racking inspected, it may be a sign that it has not been conducted for a long period.

Contact the team at Monarch Shelving today for all pallet racking, pallet rack installation, and commercial shelving enquiries.