As we start a new year, is maintaining your pallet racking on your to-do list? It is essential to understand the factors that can lead to unsafe conditions and take preventative measures. This blog examines reasons for pallet racking issues and provides strategies for maintaining a safe warehouse environment. Let’s explore some of the leading causes of unsafe pallet racking and see if we can help you to prevent any of this happening in your warehouse.
Why Pallet Racking Become Unsafe?
Efficient warehouse management relies on secure pallet racking systems for storing substantial quantities of goods. However, without proper maintenance, these systems can pose common hazards. Here are some of the leading causes of unsafe pallet racking:
Insufficient training:
Inadequately trained employees are more prone to causing accidents when working with or around pallet racking. Ensure your staff receives thorough training before engaging with these systems.
Lack of maintenance:
Regular inspection and maintenance are vital for preventing damage to warehouse racking solutions. Consistently check for signs of wear and tear, creating a repair list to address any issues promptly.
Overloading:
Exceeding the loading capacities of pallet racking beams is dangerous and can cause damage to your racking and your stock and cause injury or death in the event of a collapse. Implement load notices to guide staff in distributing loads across beams within the specified capacity.
Damaged or missing locking pins:
Locking pins (beam locks) play a crucial role in keeping pallet racking safe by preventing beams being accidentally dislodged . Damaged or missing locking pins can compromise the safety of the racking. Make sure that all locking pins are present and correctly fitted. contact us if you need to buy replacements.
Worn out parts:
Continuous use can lead to wear and tear in moving parts of some mobile racking systems, increasing the risk of collapse or failure. Regular safety inspections are essential to identify and address potential issues, including rust and corrosion.
Incorrect Use:
Using pallet racking for purposes other than supporting evenly distributed loads can lead to hazardous situations. Ensure proper weight distribution and adherence to load capacities to prevent accidents and always refer back to your supplier if you are changing the layout of your racking including adding, removing or altering beam levels.
Improper installation:
Inadequately installed pallet racking poses a significant danger. Hiring a professional for proper installation is vital for ensuring the stability and safety of your racks, especially when fully loaded.
Understanding these potential risks and taking proactive measures is crucial for maintaining a secure warehouse environment. Prioritise the safety of your employees by addressing these common leading causes of unsafe pallet racking.
Prevention:
Book annual rack inspections using a qualified SARI inspector get in touch here
Ensure you have installed column guards and barriers to prevent damage from fork trucks and other handling equipment
Ensure you have the correct signage in your warehouse.
SEMA provide a Rack Safety Awareness Course for the routine, regular inspection of your own company’s racking.
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