A Basic Pallet Racking Safety Checklist

If you’re new to pallet racking inspections and safety checking, don’t worry. Knowing the basics are the first steps to becoming the expert. Here is a basic checklist so that you know where to start looking!

Frames

You need to inspect both the front and back of your frames. You will likely see damage at the front from the forklift, or even a misplaced pallet. Rear damage could be due to incorrectly pallet insertion, which could damage the frame.

Primary components of the frame:

  • Post
  • Bracing
  • Footplate
  • Fixings
  • Shims

Beams

The beams can also get damaged. In fact, they’re more likely to be damaged than anything else, so it’s important to check both the front and back. Look for deflection or bending, and make sure all beams have beam locks.

Accessories

Accessories may be damaged, which can indicate poor practice from your forklift operators. Here are some accessories to inspect:

  • Column guards
  • Decking
  • Mesh/Netting
  • Load notices

General Housekeeping

When carrying out your regular inspections, it’s worth carrying out general warehouse checks at the same time. This includes the following:

  • Rubbish and waste
  • Warehouse floor
  • Lighting
  • PPE
  • Racking use

Replacing old pallet racking

If you think your pallet racking is not up to scratch, it may be time for an upgrade. With a range of new and used pallet racking systems from Monarch Shelving Ltd, you can find the best products for your budget. Get in touch to find out more.