MINI GUIDE: INSTALLING RACKING SAFELY

To ensure your pallet racking system will not collapse, professional installation is required, along with regular pallet racking safety inspections. Pallet Racking Systems can install your used racking and ensure it is constructed correctly, using the right fixings. We will ensure that you are aware of your rack’s operational and weight limitations. We will also make sure you get the right design advice and handle any future alterations.

Once your system is installed, you must put in place a pallet racking safety policy for immediate reporting of defects and damage and set a schedule for internal visual inspects and third-party expert inspections.

After the installation of your warehouse pallet racking system, it is essential to enforce strict safety procedures, such as:

• Aisle Markings – For the safety of pedestrians and those using machinery it is important to introduce aisle markings to outline machinery traffic routes and pedestrian routes. Machinery traffic routes should be designed as to minimise the need for reversing and avoiding blind corners and sharp bends.
• Safe working loads signage – maximum bay, beam and pallet loads
• Strict machinery speed limits should be enforced with clear visible signage within the warehouse space.
• Reasonable aisle spaces – Within a pallet racking system, it is essential to have reasonable aisle space so that machinery can be used safely to deliver and remove stock without causing damage to the pallet racking.
• Clear Pedestrian Ways – In order to increase the safety of staff members and prevent damage to machinery, it is important to keep machinery traffic and pedestrian routes clear of products and packaging.

Furthermore, it is recommended that pallet racking protection is introduced to your pallet racking system. Some pallet racking accessories protect racking from being struck by fork lift trucks and other machinery. Other pallet racking accessories prevent stock items from falling from the shelving. Pallet racking protection items include:

• Pallet racking frame protectors
• Pallet racking column guards
• Rack end protectors
• Heavy duty racking barriers
• Timber decking
• Anti – collapse mesh
• Floor fixings
• Crash barriers
• Back Beams

To maintain a safe working environment and compliance with warehouse racking safety standards, you should choose a professional design and installation company and conduct regular condition checks. Many insurance companies will require you to have regular inspections carried out by competent pallet racking safety experts, so it makes sense to introduce these from the outset.