Pallet Racking

Adjusting Your Pallet Racking System

Yes. The flexibility of pallet racking lies in its adjustable beam heights, typically set at 75- or 50-mm centres. But we advise consulting us beforehand to ensure compliance with the supplier’s design criteria construction manual. Updating the load notification board is crucial when implementing any changes only after signed off approval from the system manufacturer / supplier which should be obtained before the alterations are made.

As members of the SDG (SEMA Distributor Group) and with a duty of care for the staff that operate this racking system we pride ourselves on giving industry-best advice, and strongly recommend that any racking installations, alterations or repairs are carried out only by trained SEMA qualified SEIR’S installers.

Protecting Your Investment

To safeguard your pallet racking from potential damage, consider installing steel column guards for the frames and rack end protection for the ends of the aisles. These proactive measures go a long way in preserving the structural integrity of your system.

The SEMA code of practices for rack protection 2014, recommends as a minimum, corner upright protectors on all FLT routes, aisle end protection on run ends where goods are stored and all other vulnerable areas by risk assessment.

However retrospectively fitting guards can actually make a system less safe and lead to a reduction in safety in some instances.

Understanding the Components

The racking structure comprises two primary components: frames and beams. Frames are the vertical part formed by two post uprights and interconnecting bracing sections, with a typical width of 900mm or 1100mm. Beams, on the other hand, are the horizontal elements that support the pallets.

Load Capacity Considerations

The load-bearing capacity of frames and beams is determined at the point of sale, ensuring the system caters adequately to most storage needs. For heavier loads, a more robust structure can be supplied, tailoring your pallet racking to the specific demands of your operation.

Loading capacity is dependant on several factors that should be captured in the design stage not point of sale such as frame duty and beam section / type however  simply adjusting beam levels up or down can have massive effect on the structures capacity.

For example you can have a bay rated at 16,000kg but by moving the first beam up, this may bring its maximum safe load down to 8000kg or 6000kg.

Securing the Structure

Frames are securely anchored using floor bolts, fitted through a base plate attached to the bottom of the post on the frame. The choice of base plates varies according to different load applications, ensuring the stability and safety of the pallet racking system.

Addressing Structural Changes

Any exposed floor bolts, when equipment is relocated or modified, are ground down to floor level to eliminate trip hazards, maintaining a safe working environment for your team

Dealing with Damages

In the event of damage, we recommend reaching out to a competent professional to assess the situation, our expert team at NSI Projects along with our SEMA approved racking inspector can advise and help when structural damage is identified, so ensuring the continued reliability of your pallet racking system.

Load Notification Boards

Load notice boards, strategically placed at the end of racking systems, provide crucial information on maximum critical load capacity, safety warnings, and system maintenance guidelines. These boards serve as a visual aid for equipment operators, promoting safe and efficient warehouse practices.

Using Pallet Racking Outdoors

For outdoor applications, we recommend opting for a structure with a galvanized finish to prevent rusting over time. Additionally, the ground surface should be concrete rather than tarmacadam, and load calculations must account for potential wind and snow effects.

Understanding the ins and outs of pallet racking is paramount for efficient warehouse management. From installation to maintenance and addressing unforeseen circumstances. Making informed decisions will optimise your storage space and ensure the longevity of your pallet racking system.