Warehouse Racking Repair
Warehouse racking repair is an essential part of the warehouse operation and periodic scheduled maintenance programs must be stringently adhered to. When racking systems are not checked for conformation to operational standards, lives are at risk and this is a serious business. Warehouse racking is a big business and even though racking has been in use for a long, long time, newer and more advanced technology has provided better racking units that are more high-tech in design and function. The onus is on the business owner and warehouse manager to ensure that proper warehouse racking repair is given top priority.
There are companies that specialize in racking repair that encompasses impact damaged units, repair of uprights and complete rack repair. All repairs should be carried out under SEMA codes of practice and you will need to check this out before hiring a company to carry out your repairs.
Regular documented inspections will help you save on your insurance premiums and overall maintenance costs. Do not wait for an accident to happen and the insurer to enforce an inspection, it may be too late. Have your safety officer schedule and perform the inspections.
Getting an annual inspection of the racking systems in use by a SEMA Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association) trained inspector shows your commitment to employee safety and adherence to safe working practices. SEMA’s commitment is to promoting safe design, installation, and use of storage equipment from manufacturers who are SEMA members. A SEMA inspection will include the following:
• Racking installations should meet the Health and Safety Regulations requirements
• Racking installations should meet the SEMA codes and guidelines
• Identify unsafe parts to reduce the hazard of collapse
• Identify damage possible risks to the storage units due to mechanical handling equipment
• Identify and highlight potential injury risks to employees due to continued use of damaged racking.
The term ‘better safe than sorry’ must be a familiar one and very much applicable to warehouse, which are known as dangerous work environments. You can take preventive action and meet inspection criteria by investing in protection for your warehouse. Pallet racking damage does happen and is a very common problem faced by all warehouse owners. The damage is usually to the lower part of the posts when forklifts and other machines bang in to them repeatedly while maneuvering into position to load and unload the pallets. When the upright posts are hit the get pushed out of shape and are no longer capable of being structurally sound to carry the intended load.
Some preventive measures you can adopt to minimize warehouse racking repairs:
• Invest in corner protectors made from durable materials like polyethylene to protect the uprights around the base of the system.
• Invest in rack armor, tough, inexpensive and helps to significantly reduce damages costs. These products are usually mould, corrosion, moisture, alkaline, acid and solvent resistant. They have the added benefits of being easy to install, non-toxic and fully recyclable.
• Invest in a good racking set up designed for optimal functionality, good lighting and handling equipment.
