How Is Pallet Racking Inspected

 

Pallet racking inspections (frequently referred to as racking inspection) is a visual examination of warehouse and storage frameworks (typically pallet racking or mezzanine floors) to ensure that they are safe for use. Warehouse Racking inspections must be conducted on a regular basis by a member of the warehouse group as part of the warehouse’s overall health and safety procedures. Additionally, a qualified racking inspector must conduct a thorough racking inspection at least annually.

Prior to your examination:

Your pallet racking inspector should be aware of the date of the next upcoming pallet racking inspections and schedule them accordingly. They can schedule inspections with as little as one week’s notice and then work around your warehouse’s schedule.

If no inspections have been carried out in your warehouse before, it is ideal if you can provide a drawing of the facility to ensure that an accurate quotation is provided for the service. If you do not have drawings available, your requirements can be discussed in order to provide a quotation prior to the warehouse racking inspection.

The inspection procedure is as follows:

While the majority of racking inspections will take place at ground level, our inspectors are capable of performing high level inspections upon request. These are achieved by utilizing equipment such as a scissor lift to inspect racking from a variety of angles. The inspector will work in a systematic manner, strolling down each aisle one at a time. They’ll inspect the components of racking (i.e., uprights and beams) and note any that are damaged or missing in accordance with guidelines. They’ll also look for any potential hazards, such as improperly stored pallets or wreckage on the floor, that could lead to an accident.

Results of the inspection

When an upright bends, measurements will be taken with a straight edge (typically 1m in length) and a risk rating of “green,” “amber,” or “red” will be assigned. Any racking that is classified as amber or red risk must be replaced, and red risks must always be unloaded right away. As soon as possible, the Amber risk must be unloaded. If the racking is not unloaded within five weeks of the inspection, it should be categorized as a red risk. In both cases, the racking should be replaced before the pallets can be reinstalled.

Any beams with imperfections or buckles will also need to be replaced, as any impairment means that the beam can no longer be guaranteed to hold the burden that it was designed to carry. If this happens, the beam should be unloaded and left that way until it is replaced. The inspector will write a detailed report on the warehouse’s storage solutions, including photographs if necessary. Any urgent issues are immediately reported, either during the final inspection or at the end, based on the scale of risk. Any risks that aren’t critical will be detailed in the report.

Carrying out Pallet Racking Inspections

Even if you engage a professional to inspect your pallet racking on a regular basis, internal self-inspections can be extremely beneficial. Look to verify if your racking is plumb, or if you observe any red flags, such as vertical tilting, throughout your inspection. Check for corrosion and rust, both of which could indicate weakened metal, as well as scraped paint, which could suggest a previous collision. It’s also crucial to check that your racks aren’t overloaded, as this can harm the beams and cause them to fail. If you detect that your pallet racking is failing, you should replace it immediately.

Both the layout of your warehouse and your material handling strategy contribute to its overall safety and efficiency. As a result, adopting thorough racking inspection checklists can assist you in staying on top of any concerns and ensuring that nothing is overlooked.