Pallet Racking Inspection Guide

Conducting regular inspections is crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of your pallet racking systems. Here’s a simple yet comprehensive checklist to facilitate your inspection process:

1. Rack Alignment

Check if the racks are level. Any deviations could put undue stress on specific sections and compromise the system’s stability.

2. Metal Corrosion

Look for signs of corrosion in the metal components. Corrosion weakens the rack structure, reducing its load-carrying capacity.

3. Load Limit Compliance

Ensure the rack isn’t overloaded. Exceeding the recommended weight limit puts strain on the components and can cause deformation or failure.

4. Upright Inspection

Examine all uprights for signs of bending or other damage. Damaged uprights significantly reduce the system’s overall structural integrity.

5. Horizontal Beam Examination

Thoroughly inspect all horizontal beams for any visible damage.

6. Beam Deflection Check

Look for signs of beam deflection, which is an indication of sustained heavy loads. Typically, a beam deflection greater than 1/200th of the span is considered excessive and requires immediate attention.

7. Beam-Upright Connection

Check if the beams are correctly attached to the uprights. The proper seating of beams in uprights is essential for load distribution.

8. Safety Pin Inspection

Ensure all safety pins or beam attachment pins are in place and undamaged. They are critical for securing the beam-upright connections.

Implement this as a routine practice to identify potential issues in the early stages, making it more cost-effective and less disruptive to resolve. Always remember to rectify identified irregularities promptly to avoid compromising safety or operational efficiency. 

Curious about Pallet Racking Certification? Learn more in our post about ‘Does Pallet Racking Need to be Certified?