When pallet racking is installed within your premises you will have had it done by a professional and experienced team qualified to ensure it is done correctly and avoid pallet racking collapse.
Pallet racking collapse is a huge detriment to a businesses success that costs loss of stock, productivity for the business and lives of the employees in worst-case scenarios. The good news is that these instances are not common, but that does not mean you should not be aware of them.
Collapses are preventable and only happen in cases of harsh damage by forklift use or poor quality materials, installation, improper training around them or a state of maintenance neglect.
Pallet Overload
The main thing to remember with your system is to never overload your pallets as this will cause the timber to fracture or collapse entirely from the runners. By overloading the beams and frames of the system, you open your warehouse up to considerable risk.
Be sure that you stick to the manufacturer’s recommended weight limits for loading weights. If you have purchased a second-hand system instead of buying one new one, you may never know if the system has experienced overloading, or if there has been any oxidation or rust that may have been coated over previously.
Be sure that your workers understand the limitations by placing weight limit notices around the racking at all times, and be sure that the racking is suitable for the intended load before installing.
Collision
Collision is the most common cause of the collapse and has been witnessed on hundreds of online videos. A simple clip from a forklift can cause untold damages to a warehouse operation due to a pallet racking collapse.
To prevent this, several measures can be put into effect starting with fully training your drivers around the racking structure. Add to this by ensuring a racking protection system is in full effects such as column guards and end of racking barriers.
You can limit risks by ensuring that the aisles have adequate room for two picking trucks as well as spacing them out to prevent a full collapse. Speed restrictions should also be in place around the racking as well as highlight floor markings.
By neglecting the above precautions and others that can be implemented you stand at the risk of putting staff, visitors and business in peril as well as opening up the company to tremendous losses and prosecutions. Be smart when it comes to your industrial storage racks and commercial shelving and call on Monarch shelving for the right fit the first time.
