How to Know When it's Time to Replace Your Pallet Racking

09 Aug 2018

Why you need an effective pallet racking system

A strong and robust pallet racking system in your warehouse or storage facility is essential to efficient and cost-effective business operations. But how do you know if the pallet racking you are currently using is working as well as it should be?
 
The two key elements to effective pallet racking are safety and efficiency. Warehouses can be high-risk environments, so your pallet racking needs to be in a condition that allows work to be carried out safely. You therefore need to make sure that all palletracks are in good working order.
 
At the same time, you need to have flexible storage that can be configured to meet changing inventory needs, and which supports productivity by giving you easy access to stock at all times.
 
 

Pictured: Pallet Racking

What are the signs that your pallet racking needs replacing?

Pallet racking can be subject to heavy loads and extensive use, so regular inspections are crucial to ensure that structural integrity is being maintained. 
 
For instance, you should look for any signs of rust or corrosion, as well as any cracks or damage to the uprights, beams or floor fixings. In particular, check for signs of stress or bending which may be the result of being knocked by a forklift or pallet truck. Rusted or corroded uprights, joints that have been damaged, or anchor bolts that are no longer secure may require replacement. If the damage compromises safety and efficiency, a new set of pallet racks is advisable. 
 
You should also regularly check that shelves have not become uneven or tilted as a result of being overloaded, or individual shelves becoming detached. Likewise, you should regularly inspect to ensure that beams remain attached to uprights and that all welds are in good condition. This is important to maintain structural integrity and avoid collapse. While some shelves that are detached or unsteady can be fixed, in this situation it may be quicker and more cost-effective to have your pallet racking replaced.  

Is your current pallet racking meeting your storage needs?

Aside from structural and safety issues, you need to ensure that your pallet racking continues to meet your operational needs. 
 
Easy access to inventory is crucial for efficiency. Pallet racking that doesn’t give you this is likely to slow down the rate at which you can ship goods in and out, so it is a worthwhile investment to reconfigure your set-up. In this case, it could prove quicker and cheaper in the long run to start afresh with new and improved pallet racking rather than trying to reconfigure your existing storage.
 
This could also be the right approach if you are moving to new premises, where trying to re-install your existing pallet racking could prove overly costly and time-consuming. 
 

 
Pictured: Cantilever Racking - Heavy or Light Duty 

The advantages of replacing your pallet racks

 Replacing your pallet racks is beneficial to your business in two key ways: safety and efficiency. 
 
With new pallet racks, you can be assured that they are structurally sound, keeping both your stock and your workforce safe. A new pallet rack set-up that matches the needs of your business will also improve your overall operating efficiency. 
 
Do you need a new pallet rack to improve warehouse efficiency and safety? Backsafe Australia has the ideal pallet rack for you. Call us on 1300 305 314 to speak with one of our helpful consultants or send us an email at sales@backsafe-australia.com.au. 

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