Should You Replace Your Racking? Watch For These 5 Signs

Should You Replace Your Racking? Watch For These 5 Signs

Old, inefficient, or simply faulty warehouse racking systems are a common problem in the warehouse.

This is not only insufficient for maintaining effective productivity and much-needed organisation, but it also creates a significant health and safety danger to everyone in the workplace.

While pallet racking is a highly sturdy and dependable system when properly installed and maintained, there can be a number of hidden risks that go unreported. As a result, it is critical that you recognise the indicators that your racking needs to be replaced.

1. Tilted or Misaligned Beams and Racks

Whenever we enter a warehouse, the first thing we notice is the state of the racks and beams. Are these in a state of good repair? Do they appear to be in good condition, and are they aligned? A tilting beam or rack can cause several problems and is one of the most common problems caused by old or damaged racking. This can cause issues in the warehouse and affect the safety of all those on-site.

2. Rust or Corrosion

Rust is inevitable, even with the best of storage practices. However, with the correct storage and maintenance, you should be able to prevent the major problems that come with rust. One of these major problems is the corrosion on the supporting beams of your racking. It is important to regularly check your racking for corrosion to ensure it is in suitable condition for use. It is crucial that you note the supports that are rusting or corroding, as this could lead to a beam collapse.

3. Constantly Repairing Racks

As racking is a costly investment, the constant need to repair the racking can be extremely expensive. It is important to assess the racks and beams upon installation, although do note that this cannot always predict the condition of the structure. It is important to take note if the racking is being repaired on a frequent basis. This could indicate that there are underlying issues with the structure and racking system, which could rise up to a beam collapse.

4. Issues at Inspection

When you attend an annual or bi-annual inspection, it is important to note the condition of the racking. If any issues arise that need further inspection, we would advise that you contact a specialist to carry out further investigations. It is important to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to ensure the health and safety of all on-site.

5. Moving to a New Facility

This is the most common reason for new racking to be installed. When moving to a new facility racking must be selected and designed to fit your new space. This is done by taking all necessary measurements and planning ahead. To ensure all racks are installed correctly and safely, we recommend using an expert to carry out any installation work.

To ensure that your old racking is either replaced or fixed, you need to identify the cause of the issue. It is important to take note of any problems or issues that arise when using the racking. The most common issues that arise would be in the beams and the supports. If the beams are just rusty or corroding, this can be rectified by repainting or ensuring that the beam is clean and dry. If the beam itself is damaged, this could pose a huge risk to the health and safety of those working in the warehouse.

Conclusion – Should You Replace Your Racking? Watch For These 5 Signs

As a business owner, it is vital that you ensure your warehouse is well-organised, clean and safe from any potential risks or dangers. When it comes to improving the warehouse storage system, it is essential that you first assess the current storage system. This can be done by recording the number of items stored on shelves, the number of different items stored, the amount of time taken to find items and the amount of time needed to replace them. From here, it is important to take note of any potential issues or problems that could arise.