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Pallet Racking Damage Types

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Pallet Racking Damage Types

Maintaining a safe warehouse environment is essential for the well-being of employees and for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. All businesses with pallet racking, cantilever racking, or certain types of shelving must conduct regular racking inspections, with a full inspection by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector at least once every 12 months.

During these rack safety inspections, the following key areas are examined as outlined in the SEMA Code of Practice, Guideline No. 6:

Condition and types of pallets
Proper positioning of pallets on beams
Correct positioning and types of loads stored
Use of racking by forklift operators
Condition and type of floor on which the racking is installed
General housekeeping and maintenance of the racking installation
Any modifications from the original racking design

Inspections are typically conducted from ground level, with a thorough visual examination of the exterior and other easily accessible racking components. If any pallet racking damage is detected that requires immediate attention, the on-site contact will be informed of the affected component and its location within the installation.

Racking Damage Risk Categories

Damage to racking is classified into three distinct risk levels, based on the SEMA Guide to the Conduct of Pallet Racking and Shelving Surveys: Red Risk, Amber Risk, and Green Risk. Each category indicates the severity of the damage and the required actions.

Red Risk:

Red Risk refers to severe damage that exceeds twice the SEMA recommended limits. This type of damage requires immediate offloading and isolation of the affected racking area until necessary repairs are made. Red Risk poses a significant threat to warehouse safety and must be addressed without delay.

Amber Risk:

Amber Risk refers to damage that surpasses SEMA limits but is not severe enough to require immediate offloading. Remedial action should be taken promptly, and no additional loads should be placed in the affected area. Once the area is emptied, it should not be refilled until repairs are completed. If no action is taken within four weeks, Amber Risk items will automatically escalate to Red Risk.

Green Risk:

Green Risk is where minor damage has been detected, but it remains within the SEMA safety limits. While this does not require immediate action, it should be recorded and monitored during future racking inspections. Even Green Risk damage reduces the safety factor of the pallet racking system, and any further deterioration could result in safety hazards.

The Importance of Regular Racking Inspections

To prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of your racking system, it is crucial to regularly assess for racking damage. An annual racking inspection conducted by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector helps identify potential risks and ensures your system is functioning safely and efficiently.

If any concerns arise regarding pallet racking damage or if immediate issues are identified during an inspection, A-Z Rack Inspections Ltd is here to help. Our team of experts provides professional racking inspections and comprehensive safety reports to ensure your warehouse operates in compliance with health and safety standards.